S.S. Illyrian - South Coast

The S.S. Illyrian off Ireland’s South Coast is a real treat, one of our favourite wreck dives in the area. Dropping down, you immediately sense the scale of this steamer. She’s broken, yes, but still very much a ship, not just a pile of plates. We love the swim-throughs in the mid-section; they’re wide enough for comfortable exploration, even with a bit of surge, letting you peek into the old cargo holds. Visibility here can swing a bit, but on a good day, you’ll see the stern post silhouetted against the surface and the deck plating disappear into the gloom. What makes the Illyrian for us is the life she holds. Jewel anemones coat every surface, a riot of colour in the beam of your torch, and you’ll spot a surprising number of Norway lobsters tucked into crevices. Keep an eye out for the resident anglerfish, often so well camouflaged you’ll swim right past it until it blinks. This wreck is perfect for divers comfortable with overhead environments and keen on history, with enough space to feel adventurous without being overly technical. It’s a proper dive, one that leaves you wanting another bottom time.

Location
South Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.435000, -9.473667
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Roaringwater Bay and Islands 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 S.S. Illyrian

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 S.S. Illyrian

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