Protected sectors

How to get in?

The 'Erris Head to Malin Head' coastal description provides approach information to the suggested initial fix. Vessels approaching from the south should select the northeast bound sequenced description; vessels approaching from the north should select the southwest bound sequence; western approaches may use either description.

Dawros Bay is a southwest facing bay situated on the northern shore of the entrance to Loughros Bay and is immediately to the east of Dawros Head approximately 10 miles west of Glenties. Gweebarra Bay is about 6 miles to the north after rounding Dawros Head.

The access to the bay is straightforward and it can be entered from the west or the south between Fish Holes and Rossbeg Point, and although it is encumbered with rocks it affords a temporary anchorage for a short stay in calm seas and fine weather, and gives reasonable shelter with a north or east offshore wind.

The recommended berth near to the shore in a depth of 3 to 6 metres, is on the alignment of two 4 metre high posts located east of Fish Holes, but care must be taken to avoid Roancarrick an above water rock surrounded by a reef situated between Inishbarnog Island and Fish Holes.

Towards the head of the bay on the east shore is the village of Rossbeg which has a pier that dries at low water, but which at high water is too difficult for a stranger to approach, although it may be possible for a dinghy landing in suitable conditions.

Why visit here?

Dawros Bay and the village of Rossbeg is a popular place for holidaymakers, with many holiday homes and a caravan park in the district. One of the most popular events in the area takes place annually in June, this is the Rossbeg and Portnoo Seafood Festival and the fun weekend includes free seafood, an oyster opening competition, with many other attractions, and plenty of music and drinking ensuring a lively atmosphere. If you happen to be sailing in the area during that weekend be sure and stop off for a visit.

A new experience for visitors to the area is the Dolmen Eco Centre at Kilclooney just a mile south of Narin, which has interesting displays and information about the districts wildlife, ecology, archaeology, and geology, together with the necessary cafe and tourist information point. It may be more convenient to visit here when anchored in Church Pool or Portnoo.

A yacht having a shallow draft might visit neighbouring Portnacally, a delightful little inlet just to the west of Dawros Bay and before Dawros Head. In the holiday season this very small bay is much quieter than Dawros and is ideal for a lunch time stop before continuing on passage.

Rossbeg can be a bit crowded during the summer with holidaymakers, and has only limited facilities but does have a small provisions store, a Post Office, a hotel and a pub.

What facilities are available?

There are only limited facilities at Rossbeg and these include a small provisions store, a post office, a hotel and a pub.

With thanks to:

inyourfootsteps.com site research. Photography with thanks to A McCarron, Kenneth Allen, Joseph Mischyshyn and Gordon Hatton.