MAGPIE - West Coast

The Magpie wreck, sitting shallow at just 5 metres in Galway Bay, is a real favourite of ours for a relaxed dive. We love the feeling of history here, the bones of this Dapper-class gunboat from 1855, lost over 150 years ago, are surprisingly intact. You can trace the deck line, see where the engine block once sat, and even get a sense of its original shape. What really makes the Magpie special, though, is how completely it’s become part of the seabed. It's a low-lying wreck now, draped in kelp and alive with small crabs scuttling over the plates. Look closely into the nooks and crannies – we’ve often spotted blennies peeking out and sometimes a sleepy dogfish tucked away. It's not about big pelagics here, but the delicate detail of a thriving, established wreck. Because it’s so shallow, you get fantastic bottom time, making it great for newer divers or those who just want to take it slow and really absorb the site. Visibility can be hit or miss in the Bay, so pick a calm day with a rising tide if you can, and you'll get the best out of it. We think it’s a brilliant dive for photographers looking for intricate macro shots against a historical backdrop.

Location: West Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates: 53.017000, -9.417167
Type: wreck
Maximum Depth: 5m

Marine Protected Area: Cliffs of Moher SPA

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)

Nearest Dive Centres to MAGPIE

Dive Aran - SSI
Kilkee Dive Centre - SSI

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 MAGPIE

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