Bunowen Bay is a small inlet situated about five miles to the east of Slyne Head and ten miles west of Roundstone, on the west coast of Ireland. Lying among rocks and dangerous shoals, Bunowen Bay affords an anchorage for a few small boats to the north of Bunowen pier with the opportunity of a dinghy landing at the adjacent slip. In suitable tidal conditions it is also possible to lie alongside the outer drying pier.

The bay provides good shelter from west through north to east but the haven becomes untenable in a southerly gale. The access approach is straightforward although attentive navigation is required as there are several dangers in the vicinity including a number of rocks and shoals in the entrance.

Caution, there are dangerous rocks and shoals in the area. It should be noted that care needs to be taken to avoid long weed streamers from off the pier as these are liable to foul a propeller.

Keyfacts for Bunowen Bay

Position and approaches

Haven position

53° 24.350' N, 010° 6.955' W

This is the position the Bunowen pierhead.

What is the initial fix?

in the North Atlantic Ocean midway between Slyne Head and Wild Bellows Rock.

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How to get in?

The 'Loop Head to Slyne Head' coastal description provides approach information to the suggested initial fix. Vessels approaching from the south should select the northbound sequenced description; vessels approaching from the north should select the southbound sequence; western approaches may use either description.

This small south facing bay is situated between Ballyconneely Bay to the east and Ballinaleama Bay to the west, and provides good shelter from the southwest through north to east, but it becomes untenable in a southerly gale. The approach is straightforward and the entrance is to the east of Carrickacummer and Illaunurra islets, however Split Rock rising 18 feet above low water lies immediately in front of Bunowen Bay and as it is never covered it serves as a guide to the dangers in the vicinity.

Lying amongst rocks and dangerous shoals from which it derives the shelter it enjoys, Bunowen Bay affords an anchorage for a few small boats. The recommended anchorage in 3.7 metres depth is on the west side of the bay just to the north of Bunowen pier and keeping clear of the shoal which lies to the northeast of the anchorage. It is possible to lie alongside the north side of the outer pier which dries, or alongside the outer northest end where a yacht may remain afloat in 1.8 metres at low water neaps. For a dinghy landing there is a slipway available adjacent to the pier. It should be noted that caution should be taken to avoid long weed streamers from off the pier as these are liable to foul a yachts propeller.

Why visit here?

Situated on the Errismore peninsula between Ballyconneely and Slyne Head, Bunowen Bay is a conveneint location to drop into for an overnight stop due to its position just off the main west coast sailing route.

If making a landing at Bunowen pier you will be aware of the smell of smoked fish from the nearby Connemara Smokehouse. This family run business since 1979 has become an internationally famous establishment renowned for its excellent smoked salmon, tuna and gravadlax and has won many awards for its quality food. On Wednesdays during the months of June, July and August, the family open their doors to visitors and offer guided doors of the smokehouse to view the production process and to purchase some of their products. Throughout the year they also run group tours and school visits by appointment.

Under Doon Hill lie the ruins of Bunowen Castle, and with its castellations and blank windows it looks like something belonging to the Hammer House of Horrors. The castle was originally an O'Flaherty stronghold, the most westerly one they possessed, and in the 1550's it was the trading and freebooting base of Grannaile and her first husband Donal an-Chogaidh O'Flaherty. In the 19th century John Augustus O'Neill bankrupted himself turning the old house into a gothic fantasy, and it has been a ruin for the past 100 years.

There are no facilities at Bunowen Bay although you can purchase fish from the shop at the Connemara Smokehouse for a later delicious fish supper. There is a shop at the junction with the main road about 2 miles away from the pier, and a small cafe about 1 mile away.

What facilities are available?

There are no facilities at this location, except for fresh fish available at the Connemara Smoke House at Bunowen pier.

With thanks to:

inyourfootsteps.com site research