Illyrian wreck - South Coast

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.

Location
South Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.430984, -9.479217
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Roaringwater Bay and Islands SAC

Best Time to Dive in South Coast

The warmest water temperatures in South Coast occur in January, averaging 8.8°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 8.8°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 8.8°C (air: 7.0°C)
  • February: 8.8°C (air: 8.3°C)
  • March: 8.8°C (air: 8.1°C)
  • April: 8.8°C (air: 9.3°C)
  • May: 8.8°C (air: 11.8°C)
  • June: 8.8°C (air: 14.2°C)
  • July: 8.8°C (air: 15.6°C)
  • August: 8.8°C (air: 15.8°C)
  • September: 8.8°C (air: 14.6°C)
  • October: 8.8°C (air: 12.4°C)
  • November: 8.8°C (air: 9.9°C)
  • December: 8.8°C (air: 8.1°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in South Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to Illyrian wreck

Marine Life in South Coast

Home to 199 recorded species including 97 reef fish, 24 sharks & rays, 14 whales & dolphins, 14 other, 10 crabs & lobsters, 10 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Illyrian wreck

Based on average water temperature of 8.8°C.

  • Drysuit - water at 9°C demands a drysuit with thermal undergarments
  • Hood & Gloves (7mm+) - critical to prevent heat loss
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories