
Kilkieran Bay is an eight mile long inlet off the northern approaches to Galway Bay situated to the west of Lettermullen and Gorumna Islands, and approximately 32 miles to the west of Galway itself, on the west coast of Ireland. It provides an anchorage with some seasonal moorings for visitors off a small fishing village and pier set in rural surroundings. The bay affords many other anchorages including one in Ardmore Bay off the pier with the possibility of a dinghy landing at the quay.
The deep narrow bay offers good protection in all conditions except for strong south westerlies. Access is straightforward at all stages of the tide and in most conditions. However the approach is encumbered with several rocky patches that require attentive navigation in daylight.
Keyfacts for Kilkieran Bay
Summary* Restrictions apply
A good location with attentive navigation required for access.Nature
Considerations
Position and approaches
Haven position
this is the position at the pierhead at Kilkieran
What is the initial fix?

What are the key points of the approach?
Not what you need?
- Dinish & Furness Islands - 3.5 nautical miles S
- Greatman's Bay - 3.8 nautical miles SE
- Kiggaul Bay - 4.8 nautical miles S
- Sruthan Quay - 6.2 nautical miles ESE
- Bertraghboy Bay - 6.6 nautical miles NNW
- Rossaveel - 7 nautical miles ESE
- Roundstone Bay - 8 nautical miles WNW
- Gorteen Bay - 8.6 nautical miles WNW
- Kilronan - 12.6 nautical miles S
- Caladh Mór Pier - 14.2 nautical miles SSE
- Dinish & Furness Islands - 3.5 miles S
- Greatman's Bay - 3.8 miles SE
- Kiggaul Bay - 4.8 miles S
- Sruthan Quay - 6.2 miles ESE
- Bertraghboy Bay - 6.6 miles NNW
- Rossaveel - 7 miles ESE
- Roundstone Bay - 8 miles WNW
- Gorteen Bay - 8.6 miles WNW
- Kilronan - 12.6 miles S
- Caladh Mór Pier - 14.2 miles SSE
What's the story here?
Kilkieran Bay is an extensive inlet that opens between Dinish and Birmore islands, and is about two miles to the north of the highly conspicuous Golam Head that provides an excellent sea mark.How to get in?
The upper part of these waters is generally shallow and studded with dangers, but most of the dangers are above water and can be easily identified. The lower part of the inlet, abreast of Kilkieran cove affords a good anchorage, with mooring buoys indicated on the chart, with very good depths.
The well-built pier at the southern end of the village dries, but there is about 2 metres depth at low water springs for a landing at the quay. A short walk up to the village from the quay leads to a hospitable pub and a small supermarket shop.
It is also possible to spend a night at the anchor at 53° 21.6039' N 009° 41.4043' W where is a little pier and a slipway to land.
Why visit here?
The village of Kilkieran derives its name from the Irish words 'Cill Chiaráin' which means 'Ciaran's Church'.Saint Ciarán, also known as Ciarán of Saigir (5th century – c. 530), also known as Ciarán mac Luaigne or Saint Kieran, was one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland and is considered the first saint to have been born in Ireland. He lived in the village for many years and today there is a national school, a church and a holy well named after him. Also on the hill overlooking the whole of Kilkieran there is a cross erected in his honour and in front of a place called Leaba Chiaráin, or Ciaran's bed.
There are two regattas held annually in Kilkieran. A traditional Sailboat regatta that includes Galway Hookers is held on the first weekend in July and a rowing regatta featuring currachs on the 9th of September as part of a local festival titled Ciaráns Day.
From a boating point of view, this is another useful bay along this coast. The navigation is quite demanding over there and there is no room for mistakes. But it rewards a visitor as it's a nice place to visit, with nice views over the Connemara mountains.
What facilities are available?
Kilkieran village has a pub, a restaurant at the top of the pier called Coyne’s Bar and Bistro has been recommended as being one of the most refined pubs in Ireland with superb food served by very kind and children friendly staff. THere is also a small supermarket shop, a post office, and a slip.With thanks to:
eOceanic.com site research
About Kilkieran Bay
The village of Kilkieran derives its name from the Irish words 'Cill Chiaráin' which means 'Ciaran's Church'.
Saint Ciarán, also known as Ciarán of Saigir (5th century – c. 530), also known as Ciarán mac Luaigne or Saint Kieran, was one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland and is considered the first saint to have been born in Ireland. He lived in the village for many years and today there is a national school, a church and a holy well named after him. Also on the hill overlooking the whole of Kilkieran there is a cross erected in his honour and in front of a place called Leaba Chiaráin, or Ciaran's bed.
There are two regattas held annually in Kilkieran. A traditional Sailboat regatta that includes Galway Hookers is held on the first weekend in July and a rowing regatta featuring currachs on the 9th of September as part of a local festival titled Ciaráns Day.
From a boating point of view, this is another useful bay along this coast. The navigation is quite demanding over there and there is no room for mistakes. But it rewards a visitor as it's a nice place to visit, with nice views over the Connemara mountains.
Other options in this area
Roundstone Bay - 5 miles WNW
Gorteen Bay - 5.3 miles WNW
Bunowen Bay - 9.1 miles WNW
Mannin Bay - 10 miles WNW
Kiggaul Bay - 3 miles S
Greatman's Bay - 2.4 miles SE
Sruthan Quay - 3.9 miles ESE
Rossaveel - 4.3 miles ESE
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Add your review or comment:
Florian Pittet wrote this review on May 22nd 2022:
We spent a night in Kilkieran Cove at a visitor mooring. The one we picked had less than 2m depth at low tide. 50cm above LAT. We didn't encounter any unpleasant swell, but the easterly wind was still quite strong as there is no landform to stop it.
A special mention for the Coyn's pub where one of the most refined pub food we ate in Ireland is served (and we're quite picky about that) by a very kind and children friendly staff.
We also spent a night at 53° 21.6039' N 009° 41.4043' W at the anchor. There is, as mentioned on OpenCPN, a 3m depth "pool" where our Rocna anchor hold well all night.
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