Somewhere in six metres of water off Hook Head, walrus tusks may still lie among the wreckage. The SV Royal Arthur ran aground in 1850 carrying this unusual cargo, and while tusks have been found over the years, some are thought to remain hidden in the scattered debris on the west side of the peninsula. This is a shore dive straight off the camping area -- about as easy as wreck diving gets. But the real draw may be what surrounds it: the extraordinary underwater caverns along Hook Head's western shoreline, where sunlight penetrates through blowholes to create dramatic cathedral-like illumination. Strong tidal currents around the headland require slack water diving. A unique combination of historical curiosity and natural spectacle.
In 1850, the SV Royal Arthur ran aground at Hook Head, County Wexford, while carrying a cargo of walrus tusks. The wreckage came to rest on the west side of the Hook Head peninsula in shallow water.
SV Royal Arthur is a sailing vessel wreck located off Wexford, Ireland at a depth of 6 metres. The vessel was lost due to Grounding in 1850. The wreck is diveable.
SV Royal Arthur lies at approximately 6 metres depth, West side of Hook Head peninsula.
SV Royal Arthur ran aground on 1 January 1850, off Wexford, Ireland.
Diving the SV Royal Arthur is rated beginner and is suitable for newly certified Open Water divers.
The best months to dive SV Royal Arthur are May, June, July, August, September. Water temperature ranges from 8°C in winter to 16°C in summer.
SV Royal Arthur is accessed by shore from Slade Harbour, Wexford, Ireland.
| Month | Temp | Visibility | Access | Marine life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 8.0°C | 4.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Feb | 8.5°C | 4.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Mar | 9.0°C | 5.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Apr | 10.0°C | 6.0m | marginal | Moderate — season starting/ending |
| May | 11.5°C | 8.0m | good | Good — wrasse, pollock, crabs, anemones |
| Jun | 13.0°C | 10.0m | good | Good — wrasse, pollock, crabs, anemones |
| Jul | 14.5°C | 11.0m | good | Peak — seals, large shoals, nudibranchs, conger eels |
| Aug | 16.0°C | 11.0m | good | Peak — seals, large shoals, nudibranchs, conger eels |
| Sep | 15.0°C | 10.0m | good | Good — wrasse, pollock, crabs, anemones |
| Oct | 13.0°C | 7.0m | marginal | Good — wrasse, pollock, crabs, anemones |
| Nov | 10.5°C | 5.0m | marginal | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Dec | 9.0°C | 4.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
5 evidence records from 3 sources.
Shore dive, west side of Hook Head, directly out from camping area in about 6m of water.
Royal Arthur scattered wreckage, shore-accessible on west side of Hook peninsula.
SV Royal Arthur ran aground at Hook Head in 1850 carrying walrus tusks. Shore dive from camping area, ~6m depth.
Wreckage of Royal Arthur and Schlesien on west side of Hook Head. Amazing caverns beautifully lit by sun through blowholes along western shoreline.
SV Royal Arthur ran aground at Hook Head 1850 carrying walrus tusks. Shore dive from camping area ~6m. Tusks found historically, some may remain. Strong tide — slack only.
West side of Hook Head peninsula