QUEENSMORE - South Coast

The Queensmore, a colossal steamship that went down in 1891, is our pick for a proper deep wreck dive off the South Coast. We love how intact she is for a wreck of her age; dropping down, you’ll start to pick out the distinct lines of her bow or stern, often shrouded in a light haze of plankton that gives the whole dive a wonderfully atmospheric feel. She sits upright at 55 metres, so this is definitely one for advanced technical divers comfortable with the depth and potential for low visibility. Exploring her structure is fascinating. You can often make out the massive boilers, standing proud amidst the general collapse of the deck. Keep an eye out for conger eels tucked into any available crevice – they’re a common sight here, and sometimes you’ll spot a squat lobster clinging to the metalwork. The scale of the Queensmore is what really impresses; her 122-metre length means you’ll need multiple dives to even begin to get a sense of her. We'd suggest checking the tides carefully; slack water makes a massive difference to the enjoyment here, as currents can pick up. This isn't a dive for casual exploration; it demands respect and careful planning, but the rewards are substantial.

Location
South Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.475500, -9.842167
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
55m

Marine Protected Area: Three Castle Head to Mizen 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 QUEENSMORE

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 QUEENSMORE

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for scuba diving at QUEENSMORE?
The QUEENSMORE dive site is a deep wreck dive, with a typical depth of 55m. Divers should be prepared for advanced deep diving conditions at this site.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at QUEENSMORE?
At QUEENSMORE, divers can explore the impressive features of a steam ship vessel, which was built in 1889 and sunk in 1899. This substantial wreck measures 122.2m x 14m and includes three boilers, a compound expansion engine, and a single shaft. While specific marine life is not detailed in the site description, wrecks like this often become vibrant artificial reefs, attracting diverse marine species over time.
How challenging is the QUEENSMORE dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The QUEENSMORE dive site is classified as having an intermediate difficulty level. With a depth of 55m, this wreck dive is not suitable for beginner divers and requires advanced training and experience in deep diving.
What is the best time of year to dive at QUEENSMORE for optimal conditions and visibility?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal conditions and visibility at QUEENSMORE. For general guidance on diving in Ireland, we recommend checking our When to Dive resource or consulting local dive centers.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at QUEENSMORE?
Given the 55m depth and intermediate difficulty of the QUEENSMORE wreck, advanced certifications are highly recommended. Divers should possess the necessary training and experience for deep wreck environments, such as a Deep Diver specialty.
What are the prevailing currents and general water conditions like at the QUEENSMORE dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information on prevailing currents or general water conditions at the QUEENSMORE dive site. As with any dive, it is always advisable to consult with local dive operators for the most up-to-date conditions before planning your dive.