Lawrence Cove, Sherkin Island
Sherkin Island anchorage · Sherkin anchorage
51°28.0'N 009°24.6'W
Depth
3–7m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
85m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
85m
85m allows for adequate swinging room in the cove with a 3.4m tidal range. At HW springs actual depths reach 6–10m — ensure 7:1 scope minimum. The cove is relatively sheltered but in a strong NW wind some chop develops — consider extending radius to 100m and setting a second anchor if a NW gale is forecast. Baltimore Harbour (1.5nm) is the all-weather fallback.
About This Anchorage
Lawrence Cove on the northeast corner of Sherkin Island offers a beautifully sheltered anchorage within sight of Baltimore — close enough for a quick ferry or dinghy trip to the village, but far quieter. Sherkin Island has a small resident community and one of Ireland's finest examples of a Franciscan friary (founded 1460, ruined but atmospheric). The island has sandy beaches, seabird colonies, and superb walking, with the pub open in summer for visiting sailors. The sand and mud bottom provides reliable holding, and the SW protection makes this preferable to Baltimore in a southwesterly ground swell. A quintessential Southwest Ireland anchorage.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S · SW
Exposed To
W · 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 allows for adequate swinging room in the cove with a 3.4m tidal range. At HW springs actual depths reach 6–10m — ensure 7:1 scope minimum. The cove is relatively sheltered but in a strong NW wind some chop develops — consider extending radius to 100m and setting a second anchor if a NW gale is forecast. Baltimore Harbour (1.5nm) is the all-weather fallback.
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Respect the resident island community — Sherkin has a small permanent population. No facilities for waste disposal ashore. Dinghy landing at the ferry pier. UK boats post-Brexit: declare at Baltimore on arrival before proceeding to Sherkin.
Hazards
- !Baltimore–Sherkin ferry route passes the cove entrance — monitor VHF Ch 16 and keep clear of the ferry channel
- !W and NW winds funnel across the open water between Sherkin and Roaringwater Bay — uncomfortable in these directions
- !Tidal range 3.4m springs — plan scope for HW conditions before turning in
- !Shoal water extends from the ferry pier and the rocky shoreline — give generous berths on entry
- !Limited facilities ashore — carry sufficient supplies from Baltimore before anchoring here
Skipper's Tips
- →Arrive by dinghy from Baltimore and anchor for a peaceful night away from the harbour bustle
- →Walk to the Franciscan friary ruins (10–15 minutes inland) — one of Ireland's most atmospheric medieval ruins
- →Sandy beaches on the west side of the island are accessible by dinghy and superb for swimming
- →The pub is open for lunch and evening in summer — a classic Irish island experience
- →Check the swell forecast — in a SW ground swell, Sherkin's NE anchorage is noticeably calmer than Baltimore
Facilities
Sherkin Island Pub open in summer — basic food, good Guinness. Walk from the cove (approx. 10 minutes).
Nearest provisions: Baltimore village (by ferry or dinghy) (1.5nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August, September
June–September for reliable conditions. July and August see the pub operating fully. Outside these months the island is very quiet with minimal facilities. Ferry service from Baltimore runs year-round but reduced in winter.
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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