SOUTH OF IRELAND - Cornwall & Devon

The South of Ireland, a paddle steamer that went down on Christmas Day in 1883, sits in just 7 metres of water, making it a great option for newer wreck divers or those looking for a longer bottom time. What’s left of her frames and machinery are spread across the seabed, now heavily encrusted with plumose anemones and dead man's fingers. You'll often find wrasse poking around the debris and conger eels tucked into any dark spaces. We’ve found the visibility can be a bit hit or miss here, typical for the UK, but on a good day, it’s a really pleasant dive, feeling more like an archaeological explore than a deep penetration wreck.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.613075, -2.169678
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
7m

Marine Protected Area: Studland to Portland

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 SOUTH OF IRELAND

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 SOUTH OF IRELAND

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical diving depths encountered at dive sites in the South of Ireland?
At the South of Ireland dive site in Cornwall & Devon, divers can expect a depth of 7m. This specific wreck offers a relatively shallow experience, making it accessible for many divers. It provides an excellent opportunity to explore a historical steam ship at a manageable depth.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see when diving in the South of Ireland?
When diving the South of Ireland site, divers will primarily explore the features of a historical steam ship wreck. This vessel, built in 1867 and measuring 67.1m x 7.9m, offers an intriguing underwater structure to discover. While specific marine life is not detailed in our data, wrecks often become artificial reefs attracting various species over time.
How challenging is scuba diving in the South of Ireland, and are there sites suitable for beginners?
Diving at the South of Ireland site is classified as intermediate difficulty. While the depth is relatively shallow at 7m, the nature of a wreck dive requires some experience beyond basic open water skills. Therefore, it may not be ideal for absolute beginners, but suitable for divers with foundational skills and comfort in wreck environments.
What is the best time of year to go scuba diving in the South of Ireland for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
Our current data for the South of Ireland dive site does not specify the best time of year for optimal conditions or marine life sightings. For general guidance on diving in the region, you might explore resources on when to dive in the Cornwall & Devon area. Always check local conditions before planning your trip.
What scuba diving certifications are typically required to dive in the South of Ireland, especially for deeper or wreck dives?
While specific certification requirements for the South of Ireland wreck dive are not detailed in our data, its classification as an intermediate wreck dive suggests a minimum of an Advanced Open Water certification or a specialty wreck diver certification would be beneficial. Given the 7m depth, an Open Water certification might suffice for the depth, but the wreck environment itself warrants additional training. Always check with local dive operators for precise requirements.
What are the typical water temperatures, visibility, and current conditions divers should expect when exploring dive sites in the South of Ireland?
Our available data for the South of Ireland dive site does not include specific details on typical water temperatures, visibility, or current conditions. Divers planning to explore this intermediate wreck site should consult local dive centers for the most up-to-date environmental information before their dive. Understanding these factors is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience.