wreck

Log This Dive

MONIQUE-ET-MARYVONNE

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.