Crookhaven

Crookhaven is one of the finest natural anchorages in the British Isles — a long, sheltered inlet on the Mizen Peninsula of SW Cork, formed by a narrow neck of land that creates a near-landlocked harbour with outstanding holding. The small community of Crookhaven village has a legendary sailing pub (O'Sullivan's Bar) and a remarkable atmosphere of benign remoteness. This was the landing point of the first transatlantic wireless telegraph signal received in Ireland (Guglielmo Marconi's station operated here in the early 1900s). The Fastnet Rock (11nm south) is visible in clear conditions. Crookhaven is the traditional last anchorage before crossing to France or Spain, and the first port of call for yachts arriving from offshore.

Best Months

Anchor Zones

Hazards & Warnings

• !Very limited facilities — bring all provisions from Schull (8nm) before arriving; no fuel or water in the harbour
• !Atlantic swell from SW can penetrate in strong westerly conditions — the harbour entrance narrows but some roll is possible in heavy SW swell
• !Tidal range 3.0–3.5m springs — drying patches near the shore; anchor in mid-harbour
• !Fastnet Rock area (11nm S) — one of the most notorious weather locations in the British Isles; monitor forecasts closely

Skipper's Tips

• ✓O'Sullivan's Bar is a genuine institution — the traditional West Cork sailing pub where every major offshore race (Fastnet, Round Ireland) finishes its story; the conversations are as good as the Guinness
• ✓Fastnet Rock is visible from the harbour entrance in clear conditions — a profoundly moving sight for any offshore sailor
• ✓Mizen Head (4nm west) is the most southwesterly point of Ireland — accessible by foot and worth the walk
• ✓Baltimore (10nm east) has excellent provisions and facilities including fuel and chandlery — use it as your reprovisioning stop before heading W
• ✓The Roaring Water Bay approach to Crookhaven via Schull and the islands is one of the finest coastal passages in Ireland

Facilities