The National Monuments Service (NMS) is pleased to announce the discovery of an anchor on the site of the three 1588 Armada wrecks at Streedagh, in Sligo. NMS’ Underwater Archaeology Unit confirmed the location of the anchor, which had been tentatively identified through geophysical survey carried out by NMS in 2025.
The anchor lies offshore in approximately 12 metres of water. Measuring 5.25 metres in length and with an exposed width of 1.6 metres, it is a significant new addition to the archaeological record of the remains of the three ships in the bay – La Lavia, Santa Maria de Víson and La Juliana.
The anchor had not been previously recorded. Its discovery provides exciting new insights into the extent and character of the Streedagh wreck complex and highlights the continuing archaeological potential of the area.
The underwater cultural heritage of Streedagh is a shared legacy of international significance. Research, protection and conservation work at the three Armada wreck sites forms part of an ongoing collaborative project between Ireland and Spain. As Ireland is now a State Party to the UNESCO 2001 Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage, such international collaboration plays a n even more central role to underwater heritage protection.
The role of the local community cannot be over-stated in terms of their promotion of the Armada heritage and monitoring. With Spanish Armada Ireland hosting its annual Remembrance ceremonies just last week, it is timely that the wreck sites are revealing more secrets that can be shared.
The Streedagh wrecks are among the most important underwater cultural heritage sites associated with the Spanish Armada of 1588. They represent a unique intersection of Irish, Spanish, Dutch, Croatian, Italian, German and English histories, providing valuable insights into maritime warfare, seafaring, imperial ambitions, and cultural exchange in the late sixteenth century.
Continued archaeological investigation and protection of these wrecks are essential to advancing our understanding of this shared European heritage and ensuring long-term preservation.
Copyright and Photo credit: National Monuments Service, Government of Ireland
