Baltimore Harbour
Baltimore, Co. Cork · Baltimore anchorage
51°28.7'N 009°22.3'W
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
95m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
95m
95m radius accounts for full tidal swing in 3–8m (CD). With a 3.4m spring tidal range, actual depths at HW are 6–11m — ensure at least 7:1 scope for HW springs. The harbour is busiest in July and August; your swinging circle must account for other anchored vessels. Ferry wash from the Baltimore–Sherkin run adds additional snubbing load — a good snubber is essential. Reduce to 80m in neap tides.
About This Anchorage
Baltimore is the undisputed sailing capital of Southwest Ireland — a small, atmospheric village with a superb natural harbour that serves as the gateway to Roaringwater Bay and the Carbery Islands. The famous ruined O'Driscoll castle overlooks the harbour approach from the headland, and the waterfront pubs are legendary for music and hospitality. Excellent mud holding in 3–8m makes this one of the most reliable overnight anchorages in SW Ireland. Sherkin Island and Clear Island are a short sail away, and Baltimore is the ferry hub for both. The Fastnet Rock lighthouse is 14nm to the southwest — Baltimore is the natural base for Fastnet Race spectators. A sheltered, sociable, and well-provisioned harbour.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S
Exposed To
W · SW · NW
Setting Your Anchor
- 1.Check the Atlantic swell forecast before arrival — verify wave height and wave period on Windy.com. A period above 10 seconds indicates significant ocean swell that may affect even apparently sheltered anchorages.
- 2.Deploy 7:1 scope minimum for the 3–4m tidal range. At 8m (CD) with a 3.5m tide, actual HW depth is up to 12m — use 84m+ of rode. Set firmly in reverse and allow several minutes to confirm the anchor is dug in before turning in.
- 3.Castletownbere is your escape plan if weather turns — know the bearing and distance before anchoring, and be prepared to depart in the dark if needed. At the first sign of deteriorating conditions, move.
- 4.Set your anchor alarm to 95m radius. 95m radius accounts for full tidal swing in 3–8m (CD). With a 3.4m spring tidal range, actual depths at HW are 6–11m — ensure at least 7:1 scope for HW springs. The harbour is busiest in July and August; your swinging circle must account for other anchored vessels. Ferry wash from the Baltimore–Sherkin run adds additional snubbing load — a good snubber is essential. Reduce to 80m in neap tides.
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free to anchor. Visitor moorings available from Baltimore Harbour Master — approx. €15–20/night. Contact on VHF Ch 16 or mobile.
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Keep clear of the Baltimore–Sherkin Island ferry channel and pier approach at all times — ferry runs frequently in summer. RNLI lifeboat has priority in all harbour waters. No anchoring in the designated ferry berth area. UK boats post-Brexit: notify Irish Revenue Customs on arrival.
Hazards
- !Baltimore–Sherkin Island ferry operates throughout the day in summer — keep well clear of the ferry pier approach and channel
- !W and SW Atlantic swell can make the outer harbour uncomfortable in ground swells even in settled weather
- !Tidal range 3.4m springs — verify actual depth at anchoring time; chart depths are to LAT
- !Very busy in July and August — anchor early or plan to use visitor moorings
- !Strong tidal streams at the harbour entrance in spring tides — approach and departure timing matters
Skipper's Tips
- →Arrive before 16:00 in July–August to secure a good anchoring spot — the harbour fills quickly in settled weather
- →Bushe's Bar on the waterfront is an institution — traditional music most evenings in summer
- →Use the ferry to visit Sherkin Island (5 mins) or Clear Island (45 mins) as a day trip
- →The Baltimore RNLI lifeboat station operates one of Ireland's busiest stations — donations always welcome
- →Provision well in Baltimore before heading to the outer islands — Clear Island and Sherkin have limited supplies
Facilities
Bushe's Bar and several other pubs on the waterfront serving food. Excellent local seafood. The Algae Kitchen and other restaurants in town.
Nearest provisions: Baltimore village (0nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, July, August, September
May–September is the cruising season. July and August are warmest and busiest. June and September offer the best balance of weather and fewer visiting yachts. The Fastnet Race passes through in even-numbered years, bringing significant spectator traffic to Baltimore.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 95m
In Southwest Ireland's 3–4m tidal range, boats swing significantly through the tide cycle. Atlantic swell can arrive overnight even in forecast calm. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously so you always know if your anchor is dragging.
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