Illyrian wreck

Good diving all year

Protected Area

Roaringwater Bay and Islands SAC

Why dive here

With 185+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - Illyrian wreck offers some of South Coast's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 9-15°C, warmest July, August, September.

Best timeYear-round

WetsuitA drysuit

Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 185+ species recorded

Water9-15°C · warmest July, August, September

CharacterWreck dive

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

The Illyrian wreck, off Ireland's South Coast, isn't just another pile of metal on the seabed; it’s a proper journey back in time. We love how the history here feels so tangible, a stark reminder of a bygone era. Dropping down, the first thing you notice is the way the light filters through the green water, giving the whole scene an eerie, almost reverent glow. You can explore the bow section, often finding conger eels peering out from shadowy nooks, their eyes following you. Further back, the midship section is home to lobsters tucked into crevices, and we’ve even spotted big pollack hovering around the deeper parts of the cargo holds. This site really suits divers who appreciate a wreck with a story, those who like to take their time and soak in the atmosphere. The visibility can be temperamental, as is often the case in these waters, so we’d suggest aiming for slack tide on a calm day to get the best out of it. It makes a huge difference.