MATRISHA
Protected Area
Helvick Head SAC
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) - MATRISHA offers some of South Coast's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 9-15°C, warmest July, August, September.
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.
Typical MATRISHA Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
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.
Reviews for MATRISHA
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for MATRISHA
MATRISHA Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for MATRISHA, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (51.71, -8.38) (9km away)
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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