Alain Dominique Wreck - West Coast

The Alain Dominique wreck sits at a comfortable 14 metres, making it a fantastic spot for newer divers to get a feel for wreck diving without the usual depth challenges. We love how accessible this site is, especially for those who might be nervous about their first wreck penetration. You’ll find the remains of a small fishing trawler, sunk over 20 years ago, now completely colonised by the local marine community. Even on a cloudy day, the wreck feels inviting. We’ve spent many a dive here weaving in and out of the wheelhouse, noting the way the light filters through the openings, illuminating the nooks where blennies hide. Keep an eye out for conger eels tucked into the darker sections and the bright orange of jewel anemones covering almost every surface. It’s a gentle introduction to the Atlantic’s embrace, an honest wreck dive that leaves you feeling accomplished, not overwhelmed. We’d suggest going at high slack tide for the calmest conditions; it just makes exploring that much more enjoyable.

Location
West Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
53.252900, -9.633200
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
14m
Difficulty
Beginner

Wreck History - Alain Dominique Wreck

Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
unknown

The story behind the sinking of the Alain Dominique Wreck is shrouded in the mists of the Irish coast, with little confirmed history available. Believed to be a fishing trawler, its final moments and the cause of its loss remain a local mystery. This lack of a clear history only adds to the wreck's allure for visiting divers.

What is certain is that the Alain Dominique offers a fantastic dive experience. Resting in just 14 meters of water, it is a highly accessible site suitable for all certification levels. The wreck is beautifully colonized by marine life typical of the North Atlantic, with vibrant anemones, sponges, and hydroids covering its structure. Shoals of pollock and bib often swarm above the deck, while conger eels and lobsters make their homes within the more sheltered sections of the hull, making it a lively and photogenic underwater playground.

Marine Protected Area: Kilkieran Bay and Islands SAC

Best Time to Dive in West Coast

The warmest water temperatures in West Coast occur in January, averaging 8.9°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 8.9°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 8.9°C (air: 7.2°C)
  • February: 8.9°C (air: 8.0°C)
  • March: 8.9°C (air: 8.0°C)
  • April: 8.9°C (air: 9.8°C)
  • May: 8.9°C (air: 12.0°C)
  • June: 8.9°C (air: 14.2°C)
  • July: 8.9°C (air: 15.2°C)
  • August: 8.9°C (air: 15.9°C)
  • September: 8.9°C (air: 14.8°C)
  • October: 8.9°C (air: 12.4°C)
  • November: 8.9°C (air: 10.3°C)
  • December: 8.9°C (air: 8.1°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in West Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to Alain Dominique Wreck

Marine Life in West Coast

Home to 183 recorded species including 86 reef fish, 20 sharks & rays, 15 whales & dolphins, 12 other, 10 seagrass & algae, 8 crabs & lobsters.

Notable Species

  • dogfish (Scyliorhinus canicula) - Sharks & Rays
  • Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) - Reef Fish
  • hake (Merluccius merluccius) - Reef Fish
  • grey gurnard (Eutrigla gurnardus) - Reef Fish
  • whiting (Merlangius merlangus) - Reef Fish
  • Split (Scomber scombrus) - Reef Fish
  • megrim (Lepidorhombus whiffiagonis) - Reef Fish
  • Pollock (Trachurus trachurus) - Reef Fish
  • Common dragonet (Callionymus lyra) - Reef Fish
  • poor cod (Trisopterus minutus) - Reef Fish
  • blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou) - Reef Fish
  • Boarfish (Capros aper) - Reef Fish
  • Protestant (Clupea harengus) - Reef Fish
  • lesser argentine (Argentina sphyraena) - Reef Fish
  • Soldier (Chelidonichthys cuculus) - Reef Fish
  • Angler (Lophius piscatorius) - Reef Fish
  • dab (Limanda limanda) - Reef Fish
  • Cape Shark (Squalus acanthias) - Sharks & Rays
  • sprat (Sprattus sprattus) - Reef Fish
  • Bastard Sole (Microchirus variegatus) - Reef Fish

Recommended Packing List for Alain Dominique Wreck

Based on average water temperature of 8.9°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