LODE STAR - South Coast

The Lode Star, sitting upright at 24 metres, is a fantastic wreck for a relaxed dive off the South Coast. We love how intact she is, a fishing vessel sunk in a collision back in 1971. You can still make out the superstructure, the deck gear, even the mast lying across the seabed. Dropping down, you often hit a thermocline, and then the wreck appears out of the green, draped in dead man's fingers and anemones. The interior is mostly silted, but the outside offers plenty of nooks for exploration. Conger eels are a regular sight, coiled in shadowy corners, and we’ve often found scorpionfish nestled in the hold. Visibility here can be tricky, so pick a calm day with a neap tide for the best chance of a clear run. It's a proper piece of maritime history, not just a pile of scrap, and it provides a great habitat for local critters.

Location
South Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
52.058666, -6.934167
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
24m

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 LODE STAR

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 LODE STAR

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