MONIQUE-ET-MARYVONNE - South Coast

The Monique et Maryvonne, a French trawler that went down in '79, isn't your average Irish wreck dive. Forget deep, dark, and silty. This site is practically a shore dive, meaning we often swim it, getting a good workout before even hitting the wreck. It sits shallow, very shallow, which we love for its accessibility and light. Sunlight filters right through, illuminating the stern section, which is still quite intact. You can push a little into the wheelhouse, though mind your buoyancy – it’s a tight squeeze. Our favourite part is the engine room. It’s open to the elements, and big conger eels often lurk there, their heads peeking out from the machinery. The surrounding rock formations, where she came to rest, are just as interesting, covered in anemones and nudibranchs, especially in late spring. It’s a brilliant dive for those who appreciate history and macro life without needing to go deep, and honestly, the swim out is part of the charm. Just pick a calm day; even a slight swell can make the entry a bit choppy.

Location
South Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
52.300335, -10.167167
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Marine Protected Area: Magharee Islands 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 MONIQUE-ET-MARYVONNE

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 MONIQUE-ET-MARYVONNE

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