Three new shipwrecks found off coast of Ireland

Mr Motyer captured aerial images of a wreck after it had become exposed due to a shifting sandbank. The vessel, possibly the remains of a 19th-century fishing trawler, is recorded in the Wreck Inventory of Ireland, and was last visible in 2017 (and previously in the 1990s).

However, during its investigation, the team also discovered three previously undocumented wrecks. 

The wrecks, which are in the process of being fully identified, appear to date from as far back as the 19th century.

The first wreck is around 24m long and would originally have been a long, slender ship — possibly a schooner, according to the National Monuments Service.

The remains of its stern post are still visible and its rudder is possibly partially intact. The vessel is listing to its port side with its keelson still visible.

The remains of a windlass/winch (used to pull up anchors or assist with hoisting a sail) is still visible towards the bow of the ship, and is a relatively rare occurrence.

The National Monuments Service estimate it may be the Malfiatre, which arrived to Ireland around 125 years ago having been en-route from Cardiff with a crew of four.

It encountered severe gales and went ashore opposite Ireland's Eye.

The crew were rescued the following morning, but the ship soon broke apart and its cargo washed ashore.

The second wreck is a wooden vessel, which is largely buried in the sands off the strand.

While the hull is composed of wooden planks, the lodging knees — structural elements to support a deck — are formed from composite iron pieces and indicate the wreck most likely dates to the latter half of the 19th century or early 20th century.

The third wreck discovered is another wooden vessel, with only the stern end exposed. 

The vessel measures 17.92m in length and 5.84m in width. The bow is either buried or has been washed away over time due to erosive action.

'Exciting development'

Speaking about the new discoveries, Heritage Minister Darragh O'Brien said: "This is a very exciting development. No doubt each of these shipwrecks have an important story to tell and we hope that, in time, we will learn more about them and the roles they have played in shaping our history. 

Karl Brady, senior archaeologist with the National Monuments Service, explained: “Prolonged periods of wind from a particular direction move beach sands constantly and, in this case, had temporarily stripped the southern end of the beach of sand leading to the exposure of these wrecks”.

“The newly discovered wrecks are poorly preserved due to continuous tidal and storm action over the years. 

In general, while only the lower portions of the hulls and bow areas has survived, our team has identified timber frames, planking, metal knees, and even a metal winch/windlass system at the bow of one of the boats

The cyclical nature of sand movement on beaches often leads to the temporary exposure and subsequent reburial of shipwrecks, as seen at Portmarnock.

While partially uncovered at present, the wrecks appear stable and will most likely cover over in the coming weeks and months. This will help safeguard them from further deterioration and degradation, with the sediments acting as a buffer. 

Further monitoring of the wrecks and regular inspection of the beach by National Monuments Service, will ensure that the wrecks are further examined as and when uncovered — allowing for their full assessment over time, assisting in confirming their identity.