MATRISHA - South Coast

Matrisha is a wreck that truly tells a story, a real standout on Ireland’s South Coast. She ran aground back in '91, a 79-meter carrier that had already seen a few name changes, Duisberg, Coburg, Boberg. We love how her size gives you so much to explore. Dropping down to just 17 meters, it’s a site that feels substantial without demanding deep experience. What makes Matrisha so good is the way she’s opened up. Much of the superstructure has collapsed, making for easy penetration into cargo holds, and we've spent countless dives just drifting through the open spaces. You'll often find conger eels peering from every dark corner, and the metalwork is thick with jewel anemones, creating these vibrant, almost painted sections. Visibility here can be temperamental, as is often the case in Ireland, so we’d suggest aiming for a slack tide and a calm day for the best experience. When it's clear, the light filtering through the broken decks is incredible, illuminating schools of pollock that dart in and out of the shadows. It’s a site that rewards multiple visits, always showing you something new.

Location
South Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
52.117000, -7.417500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
17m

Marine Protected Area: Helvick 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 MATRISHA

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 MATRISHA

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