Spiddle is situated mid way along the northern shore of Galway Bay on the west coast of Ireland, and has a small tidal harbour with a narrow entrance which dries at low water.

It has tolerable shelter but is exposed to the south east, and some fetch can occur in winds from the east through to the south west. Access is straightforward when entering in favourable conditions.

Keyfacts for Spiddle

Position and approaches

Haven position

53° 14.579' N, 009° 18.279' W

this is the position at the pierhead at Spiddle.

What is the initial fix?

This is the position in the North Sound of Galway Bay midway between Inishmore (Aran Islands) to the south, and Golam Head (Lettermullen Island) off the mainland to the north.

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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?

Spiddle on the eastern side of Connemara's Gaeltacht district is a vibrant friendly seaside village where the people speak both Irish and English, and it is probably best known for Colaiste Channacht to which students come from all over Ireland and the world to learn the Irish language, culture and traditions. The village name An Spideal is thought to have derived from Ospideal, meaning hospital, named after a hospital within the village during the middle ages.

Spiddle is a tourist centre with a harbour and a scenic blue flag beach ideal for swimming, and other local activities including walking, golf, and sea and river fishing. The Owenboliskey River is situated on the west side of the village where it discharges into Galway Bay.

Spiddle is a haunt of artists and musicians of all kinds, and it is the place where the Irish group the Waterboys recorded half of their song Fisherman's Blues, and all of their other well known song Room to Roam. The Irish TV soap opera series Ros na Run is also filmed in Spiddle.

The village services include hotels and B & B's, several small shops including newsagents, grocers, butchers and a small department store. There is also a Post Office, a pharmacy, a bank and a petrol station in the centre of the village. There are several pubs and restaurants where on most weekend nights and sometimes during the week in the summer, traditional Irish music is played. The village is served by Bus Eireann route 424 from Galway city.

Spiddle Craft Centre is a major tourist attraction in the village where you can see crafts being made and which gives a rare opportunity to purchase unique handmade gifts directly from the skilled Artisans themselves. The centre consists of a range of workshops including candle making, leather work, pottery, screen printing, weaving, celtic jewellery, wood turning, bodhran making (Irish frame drum), and siopa Gaelige (Irish language books and DVD's etc.).

What facilities are available?

There are several small shops in Spiddle village including newsagents, grocers, butchers, a small department store, pharmacy, post office, a bank, and a petrol station in the centre of the village. There are small hotels and B & B's, and several bars and restaurants. The village is served by Bus Eireann by route 424 from Galway City.

With thanks to:

inyourfootsteps.com site research.