Located on Ireland’s southwest coast, Dereenatra is situated at the head of Long Island Bay approximately a mile and a half to the eastward of the entrance to Schull Harbour. It offers an anchorage off a tiny south-facing cove that has a pier.

Set within an enclosed channel, and well sheltered by Castle Island, that is situated to the south, the anchorage offers good protection from all but very strong westerly or north-easterly winds. Approaches to the general area are straightforward with the western end approach being marked and lit.

Keyfacts for Dereenatra

Position and approaches

Haven position

51° 31.211' N, 009° 29.778' W

Just south of the pier immediately southeast of the local boat mooring area.

What is the initial fix?

This is 300 metres west of the Amelia Rock Marker and on the harbour’s 346° T in-line leading through the entrance. The anchoring area in Schull Harbour is a mile and a half from here.

What are the key points of the approach?

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What's the story here?

Dereenatra, charted as Trawnwaud, is a remote pier and slipway set into a south-facing coastal bight south eastward from Schull. It offers an anchorage with excellent landing. A road passes the head of the cove that leads to Schull situated about 2 miles away. The small quay is popular with swimmers in the season.

How to get in?

Offshore details are available in southwestern Ireland’s Coastal Overview for Cork Harbour to Mizen Head seaward approaches and Rossbrin Cove for general approach directions as the anchorage is 1 mile west by southwest of Rossbrin and immediately north of its approach path through Castle Island Channel.




The conspicuous Derreennatra manor house on the north shore makes it clear that the small cove, located 300 metres to the northeast, is being approached. A buoy with a flag will be seen close southeast of the pier which seems to mark the outer end of the mooring area.




Anchor according to draft off the cove. Land alongside the small quay at the western side of the cove.



Approach the pier, by tender, from the eastern side as a reef extends from the western shore to the south of the pier.

Why visit here?

Dereenatra Pier in a unique private coastal rural location enjoys magnificent south facing views over Castle Island. The picturesque little harbour must have served as the landing point for the island and its corresponding pier across the channel.



From a sailing perspective, the little cove offers a quiet and isolated berth set within some beautiful scenery. Yet it has quick and easy access to Schull which is just 15 minutes away by boat or two miles and a 30-minute stroll from the coves' small quay.



This makes it a good nighttime alternative to Schull Harbour. Here a vessel can benefit from access to the seasonal buzz and pace of the holiday town, but without the disturbance of vessels entering and exiting during the night, and to awake in the morning at a beautiful place.

What facilities are available?

There are no facilities at this remote anchorage apart from the small pier at which to land at high water.

Any security concerns?

Never an issue known to have occurred to a vessel anchored off Dereenatra Pier.

With thanks to:

Burke Corbett, Gusserane, New Ross, Co. Wexford.