Gorteen Bay, also known as Gurteen Bay, is a small inlet off the Big Sound on the approaches to Galway Bay, situated approximately midway between Golam Head and Slyne Head about two miles west of Roundstone, on the west coast of Ireland. This beautiful bay with its lovely beach sits below Mount Erisberg and offers an anchorage off a small village, with the oportunity of a dinghy landing on the beach.

The shelter in the bay is tolerable given that the inlet is open to the prevailing winds and is subject to any swell running outside, making it only comfortable for an overnight stay in still conditions. The access to this fine weather anchorage is straightforward, but most of the coast to the west of Roundstone is low and rocky and is encumbered by outlying dangers offshore.

Keyfacts for Gorteen Bay

Position and approaches

Haven position

53° 22.429' N, 009° 57.359' W

this is the position at the anchorage in Gorteen Bay

What is the initial fix?

this is the position in the North Atlantic Ocean midway between Wild Bellows Rock and Croaghnakeela (Deer Island)

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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.

Why visit here?

The name Gorteen derives its name from the Irish Goirteen meaning small plot or field. Gorteen Bay lies back to back with its western neighbour Dogs Bay and the beaches to these two crescent shaped bays were formed by a sand spit and tombolo which juts out into the Atlantic Ocean and which now seperates them. Gorteen Bay and Dogs Bay beaches are two of the most beautiful in the west of Ireland and being situated only 2 miles from the picturesque holiday resort of Roundstone they are very popular with tourists and locals alike.

Gorteen is the larger of the two beaches and is closer to Roundstone, but both have crystal clear water and are well sheltered from currents making them very safe for swimming and other water based activities including surfing, and they are also a wonderful destination for walking. Gorteen Beach is naturally protected by the headland to the south which makes it an ideal location to drop anchor, take the dinghy for a landing on the beach, and enjoy a sheltered picnic off the boat.

Gorteen Bay and Dogs Bay make up one of the finest stretches of coastline in Connemara offering uncompromising views of Mount Errisberg and the surrounding countryside, and together they form an internationally important ecological habitat and environment. The sand forming the beaches is not comprised of traditional limestone, but is made entirely of fragments of sea shells from tiny sea creatures known as foraminifera, which gives them a pure white colour.

There are no facilities at this location, but Roundstone some 2 miles up the road has most things you would need.

What facilities are available?

There are no facilities at this location.

With thanks to:

inyourfootsteps.com site research