Wreck Inventory
The National Monuments Service’s Wreck Inventory currently has documented records for approximately 18,000 known and potential wreck sites across Ireland’s maritime area and inland waterways, covering all chronological periods from Ireland’s prehistoric and historic past.
Our Wreck Viewer offers publicly accessible information on those wrecks with known locations. Many other wrecks recorded within the primary Wreck Inventory database are not precisely located, but with the acquisition of new information or new discoveries, the Inventory is updated on an ongoing basis to improve its completeness and accuracy.
National Scope and Content of the Wreck Inventory
- Geographic Coverage:
- Ireland’s entire maritime jurisdiction, and its rivers, lakes, estuaries and canals.
- Types of Wrecks and Archaeological Objects:
- Ships, boats and vessels from various periods.
- Archaeological materials such as anchors, cannon, ship timbers.
- Aircraft wrecks.
- Associated debris fields of wreckage and lost cargo.
- Chronological Range:
- From prehistoric times to recent history.
- Data Collection and Sources used:
- Historical newspapers, Lloyd’s List, Lloyd’s Register.
- Government and parliamentary records.
- Local and international journals.
- Hydrographic and maritime surveys (e.g., those produced by the UK Hydrographic Office).
- Museum collections.
- Historic sea charts and maps from the 18th and 19th century.
- Local maritime knowledge from divers, fisherfolk and communities.
- Fieldwork by NMS’s Underwater Archaeology Unit.
- Collaboration on seabed-mapping programmes undertaken by Geological Survey Ireland and the Marine Institute (INFOMAR).
- Public Access and Resources:
- Ongoing Updates: Reflecting the evolving nature of underwater cultural heritage, the database is continuously refined by the addition of new discoveries, improved location data and updating of current information.
- NMS Wreck Viewer: An online platform providing details of approximately 4,000 wrecks with known location. Users may view mapped wrecks, download data and access detailed records.
- Data Archive: Over 18,000 paper files support the digital records; these contain detailed documentation that can be accessed by appointment.
- Community and Stakeholder Engagement:
- Contributions from divers, fishers, local communities, researchers and marine users enrich the database with first-hand accounts and local knowledge.
- Collaboration with those engaged in seabed-mapping initiatives enhances the accuracy and scope of the inventory.
If you are interested in exploring specific wrecks, accessing detailed documentation, or contributing new information, you can contact the NMS Archive Unit or use the Wreck Viewer online.
