Protected sectors

What's the story here?

Tremone Bay is a mile wide recess on the moderately high northern Inishowen Peninsula. The bay is entered between Rubonid Point and Ballymagaraghy Point and it offers a remote and secluded anchorage. Situated just over six miles northwest of Inishowen Head, alongside the entrance channel to Lough Foyle, general approaches to the area are detailed in the Foyle Port Marina (Derry City) entry.

How to get in?

The Tremone Bay Initial fix is situated half a mile out on the 20-metre contour midway between the two points that form the bay. A bearing of 180° T or due south will lead in from the initial fix. The bay is free from outlying obstructions.


Anchor according to draft in a location that makes the best of the prevailing conditions. Holding is very good in sand but there are occasional rocks. Land on the beach by tender.

Why visit here?

Tremone Bay’s Irish name is ‘Cuan Trá Món’ meaning cuan, ‘bay, harbour, recess’ of the trá strand or beach of ‘Món’. However locals contend that it has always been pronounced [thur-mone ]. In this case the word tuar is derived from the Gaelic word for a ‘green or field’ and the mone part is from the word moin meaning turf, so ‘the green surrounded by the bog’.

Whichever the case Tremone Bay is yet another beautiful anchorage on the shores of the magnificent Inishowen peninsula that is said to be one of the most scenic parts of Ireland. The rugged Inishowen peninsula coastline hosts many beautiful bays and is reported to be the oldest land mass in the country. It pre-dates the formation of the island by centuries, and with an overall land area of 884.33 square kilometres, it is also Ireland’s largest peninsula. Indeed, bounded to the north by the Atlantic Ocean, to the east by Lough Foyle, and to the west by Lough Swilly, it is surrounded on three sides by an ocean and is often described as ‘Ireland in miniature’.

The Inishowen name reflects this being derived from the Irish, Inis-Eoghain or the ‘Island’ of Eoghan. Eógan mac Néill was the son of High King of Ireland ‘Niall Naoigeallach’, renowned in Celtic legend as ‘Niall of the Nine Hostages’. It became the ancient homeland of the tribe that descended from Eógan and hence the name. Interestingly the Eógan name also forms the basis for County Tyrone. It is also derived from the Irish ‘Tír- Eógan’ or the ‘county’ of Eógan.

In the past Tremone Bay was the location of the Lough Foyle Pilot Station, but today there is nothing there except for the bay's beautiful beach and an access road. Those who choose to come ashore can walk up the road to the picturesque village of Carrowmenagh. Its name is derived from the Irish Cheathrú Meánach meaning ‘middle quarter’. It has several thatched houses over 200 years old, a lime-kiln, plus an old forge stone that was used for making iron hoops for carts.

For the boatman Tremone, along with nearby Kinnagoe Bay, offers another convenient and beautiful passage anchorage on this magnificent peninsula. It is perhaps best suited for a day visit, lunch stop or tide wait location. For those looking for a longer stay, or to wait for a favourable weather-window to round Malin Head, nearby Culdaff Bay would be the better option. It is better protected from wind and tide and has a good landing place at Bunnagee Pier with supplies nearby.

What facilities are available?

Tremone Bay is a secluded and remote bay with no facilities ashore except for an access road. There is a small village, Carrowmenagh, 1km up the road from the beach. The village has a post office, shop and a pub.

Any security concerns?

Never an issue known to have occurred to a vessel anchored in Tremone Bay.

With thanks to:

Bill McCann, Londonderry Harbour Master. Photography with thanks to Kenneth Allen, and Joyce and Mervyn Norris of Trean House Farmhouse Bed & Breakfast.