MARGARET ANN - South Coast

The Margaret Ann is a classic Irish wreck dive, not for its intact structure, but for its sheer history and the way the ocean has reclaimed it. This isn't a deep dive, sitting shallow enough that even snorkelers can sometimes catch a glimpse on a calm day, though we really think you need to get below the surface to appreciate it. She burned and then grounded in Tramore Bay back in '58, and what’s left is scattered but wonderfully encrusted. We love poking around the debris field, imagining the fire that brought her down. You’ll find ribs and plating spread across the seabed, each piece a mini-habitat. Look for conger eels tucked into hollows and the vibrant colours of jewel anemones coating everything. The visibility can be a bit hit or miss here, so we always check the tides – slack water on an incoming tide often gives you the best chance. It’s a site that rewards a slow, methodical search rather than a quick swim-through, perfect for divers who appreciate history and macro life.

Location
South Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
52.150000, -7.100000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Marine Protected Area: Tramore Back Strand 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 MARGARET ANN

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 MARGARET ANN

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