38m
    South Coast, Ireland
    Clonakilty Bay SPA

    LUDGATE

    Good diving all year

    Protected Area

    Clonakilty Bay SPA

    Why dive here

    With 185+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - LUDGATE offers some of South Coast's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 9-15°C, warmest July, August, September.

    Best timeYear-round
    WetsuitA drysuit
    Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 185+ species recorded
    Water9-15°C · warmest July, August, September
    CharacterWreck dive · max 38m
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    Ludgate. Ah, Ludgate. This isn’t a shallow splash-about; it’s a deep, meaningful dive into history off the South Coast. We love this wreck not just for its size, but for the sheer presence it still holds, even after being down since 1917. Dropping down to 38 metres, you’re often met with that classic Irish green visibility, which only adds to the atmosphere. The Ludgate herself is a substantial steamship, over 100 metres long, and while she's broken, there's still plenty to explore. Her two massive boilers are a focal point, colossal metal cylinders encrusted with soft corals and anemones. You’ll find conger eels peering out from gaps, their heads like ancient gargoyles, and we often spot spider crabs clambering over the plates. It’s a challenging dive, given the depth and sometimes frisky currents, so this one's definitely for experienced wreck enthusiasts. Our favourite time to dive it is on a calm, slack tide, which gives you the best chance to really soak it all in.

    Typical LUDGATE Dive Profile

    15m30mSafety Stop0m38m max~20 min estimated bottom time

    Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

    Safety Notes

    Deep dive (38m) - monitor air consumption closely. Advanced certification recommended.

    Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

    Cold water this month (avg 14°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.

    Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.

    Today05:5316:5311h 0m daylightGolden hour 16:08

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for LUDGATE

    LUDGATE Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for LUDGATE, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (51.71, -8.38) (9km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    14°C

    57°F · Range: 12.3–14.8°C

    Air Temperature

    12°C

    54°F

    Wind Speed

    7.84 m/s

    15.2 knots

    Atmospheric Pressure

    1008.6 hPa

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data

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