KINOCCARY (POSSIBLY)(BOW SECTION) - South Coast

We love a shallow wreck, especially one with a bit of a story, and the Kinoccary’s bow section absolutely delivers. Lying in just six metres off Garrettstown Strand, this isn't a deep dive, but it's full of character. You’re dropping onto the remains of a steamship, broken in heavy weather, and what’s left of her bow is wonderfully scattered. The metal plates and ribs are completely encrusted with jewel anemones, they glow orange and pink against the darker steel, and the whole structure feels very much alive. We always find conger eels tucked into the larger crevices, and the smaller swim-throughs are usually buzzing with wrasse and gobies. It’s an easy dive, perfect for photographers wanting to spend time framing the colourful growth, or for anyone who just wants a relaxed explore of a piece of history. Visibility can be a bit changeable with swell, so we’d suggest picking a calm day after a period of settled weather for the best experience.

Location
South Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.637165, -8.584000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
6m

Marine Protected Area: Old Head of Kinsale 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 KINOCCARY (POSSIBLY)(BOW SECTION)

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 KINOCCARY (POSSIBLY)(BOW SECTION)

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