IRISHMAN - Cornwall & Devon

The Irishman, off the Cornish coast, is one of those sites we always recommend for a shallow, easy dive with a real sense of history. Sunk by a mine in 1941, this old tug lies just 2 metres deep, making it perfect for an extended rummage around. We love poking through the remains of the hull, feeling the texture of the encrusted metal beneath our gloves. It’s a great spot for newer divers to experience a proper wreck without any depth anxieties, but even experienced folks will find plenty to keep them occupied. You’ll spot plenty of dab and flounder trying their best to blend into the silty seabed, and the metalwork itself is home to a surprising number of sea slugs and small blennies. On a sunny day, the light filters through the water beautifully, illuminating the dark shapes of the wreck. It’s a calm, meditative dive. Our top tip: go at slack water on a rising tide for the best visibility and a gentle drift over the wreck. Keep an eye out for the resident crabs scuttling between the twisted plates.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.805565, -1.023417
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Marine Protected Area: Langstone Harbour

Best Time to Dive in Cornwall & Devon

The warmest water temperatures in Cornwall & Devon occur in January, averaging 9.6°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 9.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 9.6°C (air: 7.3°C)
  • February: 9.6°C (air: 8.4°C)
  • March: 9.6°C (air: 8.6°C)
  • April: 9.6°C (air: 10.1°C)
  • May: 9.6°C (air: 12.6°C)
  • June: 9.6°C (air: 15.2°C)
  • July: 9.6°C (air: 16.6°C)
  • August: 9.6°C (air: 17.1°C)
  • September: 9.6°C (air: 15.9°C)
  • October: 9.6°C (air: 13.5°C)
  • November: 9.6°C (air: 10.7°C)
  • December: 9.6°C (air: 8.7°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Cornwall & Devon

Nearest Dive Centres to IRISHMAN

Marine Life in Cornwall & Devon

Home to 192 recorded species including 93 reef fish, 18 sharks & rays, 13 whales & dolphins, 11 crabs & lobsters, 11 other, 10 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for IRISHMAN

Based on average water temperature of 9.6°C.

  • Drysuit - water at 10°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