Wreck of Irishman

Protected Area

Red Rocks and Longay

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) - Wreck of Irishman offers some of Scottish West Coast's richest wreck diving.

Marine lifeBlue Whales, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 112+ species recorded

CharacterWreck dive

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

Diving the Irishman on Scotland's west coast is a proper adventure, the kind that leaves you buzzing with that cold-water satisfaction. We love the sheer scale of this one; she's a big old cargo steamer, lying broken but still impressive. As you descend, the visibility often plays hide and seek, but when it opens up, you're met with her skeletal remains. The bow section is particularly dramatic, rising up from the seabed, draped in dead man's fingers and anemones. There are swim-throughs into the cargo holds if you've got the right training and a good guide. We find the main deck fascinating, with machinery still evident, heavily encrusted. Look closely, and you'll spot lobsters tucked into every crevice, dogfish often patrol the perimeter, and we've even seen the occasional inquisitive seal darting past. It's a dive that suits experienced cold-water wreck enthusiasts who appreciate history and a bit of a challenge. The currents can be tricky, so picking your slack water window is essential. If you want a wreck with real character, the Irishman delivers.