JACK BUCHAN - South Coast

The Jack Buchan, just off Dunmore East, is one of those wrecks that truly tells a story. We’re not talking about some pristine vessel sitting upright. This wooden fishing boat, lost in 1958 to a rogue wave, is scattered across the rocky seabed at a shallow seven metres. You’re diving history, but it’s history broken into dramatic pieces. Our favourite way to dive it is on a calm day, when the sun can actually penetrate the kelp forest that now calls the wreck home. You’ll weave through ribs and timbers, imagining the old boat’s structure before the sea claimed it. There are often wrasse darting between the planks and we’ve seen some surprisingly large conger eels tucked into crevices. It’s not a huge wreck, so you get to spend your time really poking around, observing how nature has reclaimed every surface. It’s brilliant for photographers who love macro subjects or anyone who enjoys a dive where you can truly take your time and explore without worrying about depth. Just keep an eye on the tides; even at seven metres, current can pick up quickly here.

Location
South Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
52.133335, -6.933333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
7m

Marine Protected Area: Hook Head 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 JACK BUCHAN

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 JACK BUCHAN

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