Roberts Cove is a small coastal inlet that is situated just over three miles southwest of the Cork Harbour entrance approximately half way between Robert’s Head and Cork Head, in Co. Cork

This inlet provides an exposed anchorage that is open to the south round to southeast. It offers marginal protection from south-westerly conditions up to a Beaufort force 3-4, but after that, it will tend to roll uncomfortably. However shallower draft vessels may go deeper into the cove to find more protection. In general, it should be considered a fair-weather anchorage for southerly winds but it is well protected from all other quarters.

Normal navigation will see you into the cove as it has easy daylight access and there are no unmarked off lying dangers for the cruising yachtsman.

Keyfacts for Robert's Cove

Position and approaches

Haven position

51° 44.530' N, 008° 18.630' W

Half way up the inlet.

What is the initial fix?

This waypoint is set half way between Robert’s Head and Cork Head, just under a mile north by northwest of Daunt Rock. A course of 322° (T) for a quarter of a mile will place a vessel outside the mouth of the bay.

What are the key points of the approach?

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How to get in?

Robert’s Cove is a small narrow inlet situated about ½ a mile westward of Cork Head and a little more than the same north of Robert's Head. The narrow inlet blends in with its surrounding cliffs and locating its position from seaward will requires some keen eyeball navigation.

Vessels approaching from the west and then south should pass between Robert’s Head and the submerged Daunt Rock, marked by a Red Buoy Fl(2) R 6. Daunt Rock is marked for the benefit of larger ships as it has at least 3.5 metres of water over it.

When rounding the head and turning towards the initial fix, the cove should make itself known by its caravans and a bungalow set on the eastern side of the narrow inlet. These should be seen just before the cove opens up.

Vessels approaching from the east may find the cove slightly more difficult to identify. There are a lot of small inlets in what appears from seaward, for eastern approaches, to be a solid cliff wall.

If the cove cannot be identified from the initial fix make a course for the conspicuous disused square building on the shore to the west of the initial fix.

It is set on a 73 metres high headland and is located a third of a mile to the southwest of the cove; as seen on Admiralty Chart 1765. Proceed towards the cliff face beneath the tower and the bay, orientated north-northwest/south-southeast, will soon open and reveal itself. A white house will appear first on this line of approach.


Once the cove has made itself known alter course towards the outer end of the cove.

Then a pub will be seen, most likely painted a conspicuous orange colour (as seen 2012), and a stone arched bridge plus a seawall at the head of the bay.




The inlet within is approximately 350 metres long of which about half dries at low water.




Anchor according to the vessels draft where there is good holding in sand. The shallower the vessel’s draft, the further it may enter into the cover and the more protection the Cove provides. Land by dingy on the hard sand beach at the head of the bay.

Why visit here?

Robert's Cove is one of the most scenic bays on the southwest Cork coastline.

Originally formed by a retreating glacier, the cove hosts a small village that consists of a number of houses, a caravan park and two pubs. The brightly coloured ‘Roberts Cove Inn’, that dominates the head of the inlet, was originally the site of an old mill. This once hosted a community of monks that milled corn and later turned their hand to the import of coal plus a reciprocal export of local slate.

Being close to the city it is a popular summer destination for day-tripping Corkonians. Recessed from the coast and sheltered from the breeze by its high western headland the calm waters of the enclosed cove are ideal for swimming. Bathers enter from the beach, or further out on the western side where readily accessible rocks give access to deeper waters. Walkers will find cliff walks just beyond the village that offer spectacular views out over the coastline.

From a yachting perspective this is a picturesque place to visit. Although far from being the perfect all weather anchorage it is a very snug little inlet that is frequented by surprisingly large vessels. It provides a good landing beach for a tender and is ideal for a bilge-keeler to dry out on. Plus there is a choice of pubs and a very good restaurant. These make it well worth stopping over in favourable conditions to enjoy this pleasant stretch of coastline with some pints and a nice meal.

What facilities are available?

Robert's Cove hosts a small village that consists of a number of houses, a caravan park and two pubs. There is a tap at the head of the bay near a grassy area that was placed there for the benefit of campers. There are no other facilities except for the bars plus a good beach to land a dinghy with car access almost alongside. The pubs offer good food daily during the season with an extensive bar and dinner menu available nightly throughout the year. Sunday lunch is on offer from 12.30 to 14.30. The village is situated 5km from Minane Bridge, 12km from Carrigaline and 25km from Cork.

Any security concerns?

Never an issue known to have occurred to a vessel in Robert's Cove.

With thanks to:

Anthony McCarthy, local yachtsman, and Burke Corbett. Photographs with thanks to aspecticide, Brian Catcart, Mark Murray and Burke Corbett.