ROYAL ARTHUR
Protected Area
Hook 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) - ROYAL ARTHUR offers some of South Coast's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 9-15°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Royal Arthur, a sailing vessel that met its end in a thick fog near Hook Head in 1871, offers a different kind of dive. This isn't a deep plunge; the wreck lies practically on the surface, making it an excellent spot for snorkelers or very shallow divers who want to explore history without the deco stops. What you'll find here are the scattered remains of a ship, now completely colonised by the Irish coast's resilient marine life – plenty of crabs scuttling among the ribs, anemones clinging to the old timbers, and wrasse darting through the kelp. It’s a compelling site for those who appreciate the story behind the wreck as much as the life it now supports.
Typical ROYAL ARTHUR 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.
Reviews for ROYAL ARTHUR
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for ROYAL ARTHUR
ROYAL ARTHUR Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for ROYAL ARTHUR, 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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