| Date | Name | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 03rd January, 1666 | Unknown | On the 3rd of January 1666, a London vessel of four guns was wrecked at the Old Head of Kinsale. She was returning from Spain with a cargo of wine and other goods. It was reported that many of her men were drowned. |
| 12th October 1690 | HMS Bredah | Lost in explosion, in roads east of Spit Bank, after the Anglo-Dutch assault on Cork in 1690. Wreckage subsequently salvaged. |
| 22nd August 1696 (reported) | Unnamed French Privateer | Driven ashore near Youghal and wrecked. The survivors were committed to the local gaol |
Wrecks over 100 years old and archaeological objects found underwater are protected under the National Monuments (Amendment) Acts 1987 and 1994. Significant wrecks less than 100 years old can be designated by Underwater Heritage Order (UHO) on account of their historical, archaeological or artistic importance as is the case with the wreck of the RMS Lusitania lost off the Old Head of Kinsale in 1915. UHOs can also be used to designate areas of seabed or land covered by water to more clearly define and protect wreck sites and archaeological objects. Under the legislation all diving on known protected wreck sites or with the intention of searching for underwater cultural heritage is subject to licensing requirements. https://www.archaeology.ie/underwater-archaeology