Inishsirrer Island is situated in the North Atlantic off the northwest coast of Ireland about 3 miles south of Bloody Foreland. The small and remote island offers an anchorage in tranquil and secluded surroundings with a possible landing at the island's jetty.

Protected by the island on the west and a drying bank to the east the anchorage affords good shelter in all conditions except those with northerly quadrants. Access from the north is unimpeded and straightforward when unaffected by weather or tidal conditions.

Caution is necessary in the Inishsirrer Strait passage in strong onshore winds or a heavy swell.

Keyfacts for Inishsirrer Island

Position and approaches

Haven position

55° 6.891' N, 008° 19.550' W

This is the position at the anchorage at Inishsirrer Island.

What is the initial fix?

this is the position in the North Atlantic Ocean midway between Bloody Foreland and Inishsirrer.

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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.

Inishsirrer Island, Irish : Inis Oirthear meaning “island of the east”, is an island in the North Atlantic Ocean, and is the farthest north of a line of islands stretching from Aranmore Island to Bloody Foreland.

It is a long narrow island approximately 1 mile long and 0.25 mile wide, and is located 1 mile off the coast of Gweedore and 4.5 miles northwest of Bunbeg, and to the north of Gola and Inishmeane Islands, in County Donegal, on the northwest coast of Ireland.

Between Aranmore Island and Bloody Foreland, the 12 miles of coast presents a barren sandy aspect. It is fronted by islands and dangerous offshore rocks which should be approached with great caution particularly at night or in hazy visibility.

Inishsirrer Strait between the southeast end of the island and Glashagh Point on the mainland is a safe and simple passage except in strong onshore winds or a heavy swell. From the north it is the shortest and most sheltered route to Gweedore Bay after rounding Bloody Foreland.

At the the southeast end of the island there is a good anchorage facing northeast in a crescent shaped bay abreast of the Kelp Store in 3 metres depth with a sand bottom, which is sheltered from west northwest through south to east northeast, or if you want to go further into the bay steer south of here and anchor in a depth of 1 to 2 metres.



The access to the bay is straightforward and the anchorage is in the centre of the small bay to the east of the jetty.



Although they are occasionally used by fishermen the jetty and slipway are available for a dinghy landing to afford a walk across the island.

Why visit here?

As well as offering a beautiful cruising ground, the islands between Aranmore and Bloody Foreland provide fascinating social and historical insights. There was mass emigration during the 1960’s and 70’s and the Islands were deserted at that time. The Island has now become a holiday destination due to the work of the Donegal Small Islands Co-Operative.

Today, Inishsirrer is a refuge for wildlife, and the village which is located southeast of the middle of the island has just a few houses that are only occupied in the summer months.

Inishsirrer is a most attractive island which has a lake in the centre whose water is brackish but does contain good cockles. A walk along the old paths and field boundaries to the automated lighthouse located at the western tip of the island is well worth the effort, as this end of the island has an oceanic feel to it. At the southeastern end of the island a boulder strewn spit juts out eastwards ending at a prominent rock, Damph More, which forms the southern part of the crescent of the anchorage bay.

There are no facilities on this island, but it makes a delightful stop on the coastal passage, with the possibility of getting off the boat and having a pleasant stroll.

What facilities are available?

There are no facilities at this location.

With thanks to:

inyourfootsteps.com site research. Photography with thanks to Joseph and Sue Mischyshyn, Donald McDonald.