Castletownshend
51°31.4'N 009°10.9'W · Schull (West Cork) (7nm)
3–7m
Depth
Excellent
Holding
80m
Alarm radius
Low
Crowd level
Castletownshend is West Cork's most perfectly preserved village — a hill village of extraordinary character, its one steep street running down to the waterfront where two ancient sycamore trees grow incongruously in the middle of the road. The village is perched above a beautiful, sheltered harbour (Castle Haven) that provides outstanding anchorage in almost any conditions. The ancestral home of Edith Somerville (co-author of the 'Irish R.M.' stories, written with her cousin Violet Martin) overlooks the harbour — the literary tradition continues in the village. Mary Ann's Bar (one of Ireland's most famous sailing pubs) is at the waterfront and has been welcoming sailors for generations. The anchorage is referenced in the tips for Glandore (7nm east) and is a natural companion stop.
Best Months
Anchor Zones
Castle Haven — main anchorage
Excellent3–7m · Alarm: 80m
Anchor in 3–6m (CD) in the sheltered haven below Castletownshend village. Mud and sand — excellent holding. The long, narrow inlet provides outstanding shelter from virtually all directions. Tidal range approximately 3.0–3.5m springs. A beautiful, almost landlocked anchorage. The approach is straightforward in daylight with ICC Sailing Directions — enter from the SW keeping to the centre of the channel. Anchor off the village, clear of local moorings and the small pier.
Setting Your Anchor Alarm
80m radius for the sheltered haven. Near-complete all-round protection — one of the most sheltered anchorages on the south coast of Ireland. With 3.5m tidal range at springs, actual depths at HW reach 6.5–10.5m; ensure scope is adequate. The NW is the only exposed direction but is partially sheltered by the inlet geometry.
Recommended radius: 80m
Hazards & Warnings
- !Approach rocks — enter from the SW only in daylight with ICC Sailing Directions; do not cut inside Reen Point on the approach
- !Limited swinging room — anchor carefully clear of local moorings; the haven is small
- !Tidal range 3.0–3.5m springs — drying areas near the head of the inlet at LW
- !No provisions or fuel — carry everything from Schull (7nm) or Baltimore (8nm) before arriving
Skipper's Tips
- ✓Mary Ann's Bar is the main event — one of the finest sailing pubs in Ireland, with outstanding local seafood and occasional live music; busy in summer but always welcoming
- ✓The two sycamore trees growing in the middle of the village street are protected — an extraordinary and unique sight
- ✓Walk up to the church above the village for views over Castle Haven and the surrounding Cork countryside
- ✓Glandore (7nm east) and Baltimore (8nm west) are both nearby — Castletownshend fits naturally into a West Cork cruise calling at all three
Facilities
Anchoring Rules
- Permit:
- Not required
- Fee:
- Free
- Restrictions:
- Approach in daylight only on first visit — consult ICC Sailing Directions for the approach from SW. Respect local moorings and the pier approach. Special Area of Conservation — anchor on sand/mud only.
Sleep Safely at Castletownshend
Set your anchor alarm to 80m. UK tidal ranges mean your boat swings — Safe Anchor Alarm keeps watch through the night.
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