TIT BONHOMME - South Coast

Tit Bonhomme is an interesting one. We remember when she went down in 2011, a real tragedy that struck the small fishing community. Now she sits upright on the seabed, a surprisingly intact 22-metre trawler in about 30 metres of water. It’s a somber dive, for sure, but the wreck itself is quite impressive. We love exploring the wheelhouse, though it can be a tight squeeze, and the trawl deck is still very much recognisable. The mast stands tall, draped in fishing nets, home to wrasse and blennies. The stern, with its gantry, always seems to attract a few curious conger eels peeking out from the darker recesses. We’d suggest keeping an eye on your depth and bottom time here, as 30 metres can creep up on you quickly, especially if you’re trying to navigate the interior. Visibility can be hit or miss, typical of the Irish coast, but on a good day, the wreck stands out starkly against the silty bottom. It’s a dive for those who appreciate maritime history and don’t mind a bit of a chill; certainly not a shallow reef hop.

Location
South Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.540333, -9.102667
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

Marine Protected Area: Lough Hyne Nature Reserve and Environs 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 TIT BONHOMME

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 TIT BONHOMME

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