PATRICK - South Coast

The PATRICK, a steamship that ran aground in dense fog back in 1880, sits in a shallow four metres on Ireland’s South Coast. This isn't a deep dive, or a drift dive, it’s a proper rummage site, perfect for a long bottom time, especially with younger divers or those new to wrecks. We love how accessible she is; you can really take your time poking around the scattered remains. Expect to see boiler plates, ribs, and hull sections spread across a sandy seabed, each piece now home to an array of sea anemones and crabs. Our favourite part is finding the anchor chain, snaking its way from what would have been the bow. The light penetration at this depth makes everything feel vibrant, even on a cloudy day, picking out the golds and greens on the encrusted metalwork. It's a fantastic spot for photographers looking for interesting textures and silhouettes, particularly if you catch it on a calm day when the visibility is at its best. Just keep an eye on the tides; slack water makes for the easiest exploration.

Location
South Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
52.150333, -6.917500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
4m

Marine Protected Area: Hook 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 PATRICK

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 PATRICK

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