KINCARDINE - South Coast

The Kincardine, a casualty of a 1917 U-boat attack, lies deep off the South Coast of Ireland. This isn't a beginner's wreck, dropping to 60 metres, so you’ll need your technical certs and a solid plan. The visibility here can be challenging, often ranging from murky to a decent 10 metres on a good day, but that just adds to the atmospheric dive. We love the sheer scale of the Kincardine. At over 100 metres long, it's a huge undertaking, even for multiple dives. You can still pick out the triple-expansion engine, an impressive piece of engineering, and the massive boilers. Our favourite part is the bow section, a real photographic opportunity, adorned with dead man’s fingers. Look closely in the gloom and you’ll often find conger eels peering out from gaps and ling lurking in the shadows. This wreck is a proper penetration dive for those with the right training, offering access to some of the internal compartments, but always proceed with caution; it’s an old lady and she’s showing her age. Dive this one with an experienced local guide.

Location
South Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
52.312830, -10.275666
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
60m

Marine Protected Area: Dingle Peninsula SPA

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 KINCARDINE

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 KINCARDINE

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical dive depths for scuba diving in Kincardine and its surrounding areas?
The Kincardine wreck itself is found at a significant depth of 60m. This makes it a deep dive, suitable for divers with appropriate training and experience in the equipment and techniques required for such depths. Divers should be prepared for advanced diving profiles when exploring this site.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see when diving in Kincardine?
Divers exploring Kincardine will primarily encounter the impressive features of a large steam ship vessel, measuring 106.7m x 15.6m. This includes its three boilers, triple-expansion engine of 310 NHP, and single shaft, all part of the wreck that sank on March 3, 1917. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided data, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time.
How challenging is scuba diving in Kincardine, especially for less experienced divers?
Scuba diving at Kincardine is classified as intermediate difficulty, primarily due to its significant depth of 60m. This depth requires advanced training and experience, making it less suitable for less experienced divers. Divers should ensure they have the necessary certifications and skills for deep wreck diving to safely explore this site.
What is the best time of year to go scuba diving in Kincardine for optimal conditions and visibility?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal conditions or visibility at Kincardine. For general information on seasonal diving conditions in the region, you might consult when to dive resources. Always check with local dive operators for current conditions before planning your trip.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required for diving in the Kincardine area, particularly for wreck sites?
Given Kincardine's depth of 60m and its classification as an intermediate wreck dive, advanced certifications are highly recommended. Divers should possess deep diving and wreck diving specialties to safely explore this site. These certifications ensure divers have the necessary training for managing the challenges of deep wreck environments.
What are the typical water conditions and currents like for scuba divers in Kincardine, and are there any known hazards?
The Kincardine wreck is classified as a non-dangerous wreck, which is important safety information for divers. However, the provided data does not detail typical water conditions or currents for the site. Divers should always consult local dive operators for up-to-date information on currents and conditions before planning a dive at Kincardine.