LOUGH NEAGH
Protected Area
Lough Foyle
Why dive here
With 112+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue whales, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - LOUGH NEAGH offers some of Scottish West Coast's richest wreck diving.
Lough Neagh isn’t your typical Scottish wreck dive, and that’s precisely why we love it. Sunk intentionally in 1996, this old fishing vessel rests upright at 28 meters. We’ve found her an absolute delight to explore, feeling like a time capsule of a working boat. Look for the deckhouse, still surprisingly intact, and spend some time poking around the superstructure. It’s not a huge wreck, but the compact nature makes for a really satisfying dive. Visibility can be hit-or-miss, as you'd expect in Scottish waters, but when it’s good, the light filtering down onto the wheelhouse creates some genuinely atmospheric moments. What really brings Lough Neagh to life, though, is the sheer density of plumose anemones. They carpet the entire wreck, creating a soft, feathery white layer that moves gently with any surge. You’ll also spot plenty of wrasse darting between the plates, and we often find conger eels tucked into the darker recesses. It’s a site that suits divers comfortable with colder water and who appreciate the character of a working boat turned artificial reef. Our tip: go on a rising tide for potentially better visibility.
Typical LOUGH NEAGH Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Depth of 28m - Advanced Open Water certification recommended.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
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