
Entirely enclosed, save for a very narrow entrance, the small bay provides good protection from all winds except progressive south to southeast conditions. Should these develop to force five and above the bay would become uncomfortable. Access is available at all states of the tide but the narrow entrance requires excellent visibility and attentive navigation.
Keyfacts for Horseshoe Harbour
Facilities
Nature
Considerations
Protected sectors
Approaches
Shelter
Last modified
July 5th 2021 Summary
A good location with attentive navigation required for access.Facilities
Nature
Considerations
Position and approaches
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Haven position
In the middle of the inner harbour.
What is the initial fix?
The following Baltimore Harbour Initial Fix will set up a final approach:

What are the key points of the approach?
Offshore details are available in southwestern Ireland’s Coastal Overview for Cork Harbour to Mizen Head
.
- Standing 400 metres off south-eastern coastline of Sherkin Island clears all dangers.
- Keep close to the southwest side of the entrance to avoid rocks encroaching from the eastern side.
- The remaining channel is only 30 – 40 metres on the southwest side so eyeball navigation is required.
Not what you need?
Click the 'Next' and 'Previous' buttons to progress through neighbouring havens in a coastal 'clockwise' or 'anti-clockwise' sequence. Below are the ten nearest havens to Horseshoe Harbour for your convenience.
Ten nearest havens by straight line charted distance and bearing:
- Castle Ruins - 0.4 nautical miles N
- Kinish Harbour - 0.6 nautical miles WNW
- Baltimore - 1.1 nautical miles NE
- Turk Head - 1.4 nautical miles NNW
- Quarantine Island - 1.4 nautical miles N
- Trá Bán - 1.7 nautical miles NNW
- East Pier - 1.8 nautical miles NNW
- Rincolisky Harbour - 2.1 nautical miles NNW
- Inane Creek - 2.4 nautical miles NNE
- Calf Island East - 3.2 nautical miles WNW
These havens are ordered by straight line charted distance and bearing, and can be reordered by compass direction or coastal sequence:
- Castle Ruins - 0.4 miles N
- Kinish Harbour - 0.6 miles WNW
- Baltimore - 1.1 miles NE
- Turk Head - 1.4 miles NNW
- Quarantine Island - 1.4 miles N
- Trá Bán - 1.7 miles NNW
- East Pier - 1.8 miles NNW
- Rincolisky Harbour - 2.1 miles NNW
- Inane Creek - 2.4 miles NNE
- Calf Island East - 3.2 miles WNW
Chart
What's the story here?

Image: Michael Harpur
Horseshoe Harbour is situated in an inlet located on the southeast side of Sherkin Island ¼ of a mile west of the approach path to the southern entrance to Baltimore Harbour which lies between Beacon Point and Barrack Point on Sherkin Island that is marked by a lighthouse. It has a very narrow entrance that is further constricted by rocks off the western shore. But once inside it opens up beautifully to provide a deepwater anchorage that is at once very secluded and a short distance from the harbour area and other locations.
Expect to anchor in 4 to 5 metres and come ashore at a rocky landing at the back of the cove.
How to get in?

Image: Michael Harpur

Image: Sean McCarthy's Holiday House, Sherkin Island

Image: Michael Harpur
The approach should be made keeping very close to the southwest side. Keen eyeball navigation is required as the eastern starboard side of the entrance is covered with rocks that only dry at low water springs. They extend 75 metres off the eastern side of the entrance narrowing the entrance channel to a distance of 30 – 40 metres on the southwest side.
On entry, as its name appropriately implies, the harbour opens out inside. Once inside the entrance and proceeding up the harbour, vessels need to immediately alter course to prefer the northeast side of the harbour. This is to keep clear of rocks that lie off the western shore. They are immediately inside the entrance and close to the inner southwest point.

Image: Philipp Hullmann via CC ASA 4.0
Why visit here?
Sherkin Island's intrest is covered in the entry for the primary anchorage off Castle Ruins
Photo: Sean McCarthy's Holiday House, Sherkin Island
What facilities are available?
Sherkin Island has two good pubs and a restaurant. General stores are available across the harbour in Baltimore but may be limited. You can however catch a bus to take you to the larger provincial town of Skibbereen (approximately 10km) where a wider range of provisions are available.Ferries sail from Baltimore to Schull further along the coast, to Sherkin Island, and to the more remote Cape Clear Island.
Any security concerns?
Never a security issue known to have occurred off Sherkin Island.With thanks to:
Diarmuid Minihan, Baltimore Harbour Master. Photography with thanks to Graham Rabbit, Joe Stump, Anthony Beal and Mark Murray.Sean McCarthy's Holiday House promotional video
Murphy’s Pub & Islanders Rest Guest House promotional video
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