WESTWICK - South Coast

The Westwick isn't your typical Irish wreck dive, and that's precisely why we love it. Sunk by a mine in 1917, this 123-meter steamship drifted ashore, breaking up into a scattered, shallow playground. At a maximum depth of 6 meters, it’s less about penetration and more about exploring the jumble of plates, beams, and machinery spread across the seabed. We've spent hours here, meticulously combing through the remains. You'll find sections of the hull, perhaps a boiler, and countless bits of mangled metal. The real magic, though, is how the ocean has repurposed it all. Lobsters poke their antennae from beneath twisted steel, and we've often seen schools of pollack darting through the clearer patches. Sunlight filters down, illuminating the anemones that coat every available surface – a vibrant contrast to the rust. It’s a site that rewards slow, deliberate exploration. Our favourite approach is to pick a section and really examine it, imagining the ship as it once was. You'll want to time your dive for slack water to get the best visibility; a falling tide can kick up a bit of sediment, making things murkier. It’s perfect for newer divers looking for a wreck experience without the depth, or anyone who just enjoys a relaxed, investigative dive among history.

Location
South Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.768116, -8.295116
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
6m

Marine Protected Area: Cork Harbour SPA

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 WESTWICK

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 WESTWICK

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