Glengarriff
Glengarriff Harbour · Glengariff · Gleann Garbh
51°44.9'N 009°32.8'W
Depth
2–6m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m radius is adequate for normal conditions in this virtually landlocked anchorage. With 3.5m tidal range, actual depths at HW reach 5.5–9.5m — plan scope for HW. The anchorage is so protected that very little wind reaches the surface even in significant gales. Reduce to 65m in neap tides. The only concern is boat traffic from the ferry to Garnish Island — anchor clear of the fairway.
About This Anchorage
Glengarriff is one of Ireland's most celebrated anchorages — a magical, almost landlocked bay deep in the head of Bantry Bay, surrounded by ancient oak woodland and set against the dramatic backdrop of the Caha Mountains. The warm Gulf Stream influence gives the area a uniquely mild microclimate, making the famous Garnish Island (Ilnacullin) garden one of the finest in Ireland, with Himalayan plants flourishing in the open air. The anchorage in soft mud provides exceptional holding and all-round shelter, and the village ashore has a good selection of restaurants, pubs, and provisions. An absolute classic of Irish coastal sailing.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S · SW · W · NW
Exposed To
None (fully sheltered)
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 6m (CD) with a 3.5m tide, actual HW depth is up to 10m — use 70m+ 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 80m radius. 80m radius is adequate for normal conditions in this virtually landlocked anchorage. With 3.5m tidal range, actual depths at HW reach 5.5–9.5m — plan scope for HW. The anchorage is so protected that very little wind reaches the surface even in significant gales. Reduce to 65m in neap tides. The only concern is boat traffic from the ferry to Garnish Island — anchor clear of the fairway.
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free to anchor. Visitor moorings: approx. €15–20/night. Contact harbour master VHF Ch 16.
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Keep clear of the Garnish Island ferry route and pier. No anchoring in the designated ferry channel. Respect the wildlife on Garnish Island — grey seals haul out on rocks in the bay; maintain respectful distance. UK boats post-Brexit: notify Irish Revenue Customs.
Hazards
- !Garnish Island ferry creates significant wash — anchor well clear of the ferry track which runs through the centre of the bay
- !Shoal water and rocks around Garnish Island and the bay edges — consult Admiralty Chart 2092 before anchoring
- !Tidal range 3.5m springs — always calculate actual depth at your anchoring time
- !Grey seals on rocks in the bay — give wide berth with dinghy and avoid disturbing resting seals
- !The head of the bay can be very crowded in July–August with visitors to Garnish Island
Skipper's Tips
- →Take the ferry to Garnish Island (Ilnacullin) — the Italian garden and subtropical planting are extraordinary for a location at 51°N
- →Rent a kayak or paddleboard in the village to explore the bay — the wooded shoreline is beautiful at water level
- →The Blue Pool at the village is a natural swimming pool fed by fresh springs — popular with locals and visitors
- →Grey seals are resident throughout the year — look for them on the rocky islets east of Garnish Island
- →Bantry House and Garden (10nm at Bantry town) is worth a day trip by boat if conditions allow
Facilities
Several restaurants and pubs in Glengarriff village. Blue Pool Café and Eccles Hotel are popular with sailors. Good selection for a small village.
Nearest provisions: Glengarriff village (0nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, July, August, September
May–September ideal. June and July offer the best combination of long days and settled weather in this microclimate. August is busy with tourists visiting Garnish Island. September is often the best month — warm, clearer skies, and significantly fewer boats.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
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.
Download Free for iOS