Kenmare River — Dinish Island
Kenmare River anchorage · An Ribhéar Ciarraí · Killmakilloge Harbour
51°43.6'N 009°52.0'W
Depth
3–7m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
85m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
85m
85m radius in this well-sheltered anchorage. Tidal range 3.5m springs — actual depths at HW reach 6–10m. Plan scope for 7:1 minimum at HW springs. The main hazard is mussel farm lines rather than weather — anchor clear of all farm equipment and identify your escape route from between the mussel lines before dropping the hook. The anchorage is very calm even in severe Atlantic weather once you are 5nm up the river.
About This Anchorage
The Kenmare River estuary (An Ribhéar Ciarraí) is one of Southwest Ireland's hidden cruising jewels — a long, narrow ria stretching 30nm into the Kerry mountains, becoming progressively more sheltered and more spectacular as it narrows. Killmakilloge Harbour on the south shore offers excellent holding in deep mud with near-complete shelter from Atlantic weather. The river is prime mussel farming country, and the maze of aquaculture lines creates a navigational challenge but also signals some of Ireland's cleanest water. The surrounding landscape is stunning — the MacGillycuddy's Reeks (highest mountains in Ireland) form the backdrop to the north, and red deer are sometimes visible on the lower slopes. An experience far removed from the more familiar Bantry Bay anchorages.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S · SW · W
Exposed To
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 7m (CD) with a 3.5m tide, actual HW depth is up to 11m — use 77m+ 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 85m radius. 85m radius in this well-sheltered anchorage. Tidal range 3.5m springs — actual depths at HW reach 6–10m. Plan scope for 7:1 minimum at HW springs. The main hazard is mussel farm lines rather than weather — anchor clear of all farm equipment and identify your escape route from between the mussel lines before dropping the hook. The anchorage is very calm even in severe Atlantic weather once you are 5nm up the river.
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Mussel farm lines are unmarked on older charts — navigate at slow speed in daylight and identify all lines before anchoring. Contact the aquaculture operators on VHF Ch 16 if approaching in poor visibility. UK boats post-Brexit: declare at Castletownbere before proceeding up the river.
Hazards
- !Extensive mussel farm long-lines throughout the river — navigate at slow speed in daylight only and keep a bow watch
- !Shoal water patches throughout the river especially near the south shore — use large-scale chart and echo sounder
- !Tidal range 3.5m springs — calculate actual depth at anchoring time
- !Strong tidal streams at the river entrance near the open sea — approach and departure timing matters
- !No VHF coverage in some parts of the upper river — download offline charts and weather before entry
Skipper's Tips
- →Take the dinghy up the river towards Kenmare town — the upper estuary becomes increasingly beautiful and remote
- →Buy fresh mussels directly from the farm boats if opportunity arises — amongst the finest in Ireland
- →The road from the south shore to Kenmare town is accessible by dinghy and a short walk — provisions 18nm by water but accessible by road
- →Watch for otters along the south shore — the Kenmare River has a good otter population
- →Enter the river at HW for maximum clearance over the bar at the entrance
Facilities
Nearest provisions: Kenmare town (18nm by water, accessible by road from south shore) (18nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, July, August, September
May–September ideal. The river is accessible year-round in settled conditions but the approach from the open Atlantic requires care in winter. Summer offers the best combination of calm weather and long evening light in the mountains.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 85m
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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