
Dinish Island lies on the outer approaches to Kilkieran Bay that is entred close north of Golam Head which forms the western extreme of the northern shore of Galway Bay. It provides a secluded anchorage with crystal clear waters over sand.
Dinish island, along with Furnace island close south, afford good shelter from southerly winds. Access is straightforward at all stages of the tide but requires daylight as the channel leading to the anchorage is encumbered with several rocky patches.
Keyfacts for Dinish & Furness Islands
Last modified
October 16th 2018 Summary
A good location with safe access.Facilities
None listedNature
Considerations
Position and approaches
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Haven position
THis is close north of the channel running between Dinish Island and Furness Island, and south of the fish farm.
What is the initial fix?
The following Kilkieran Bay initial fix will set up a final approach:

What are the key points of the approach?
Offshore details are available in southwestern Ireland’s Coastal Overview for Mizen Head to Loop Head
.
Not what you need?
Click the 'Next' and 'Previous' buttons to progress through neighbouring havens in a coastal 'clockwise' or 'anti-clockwise' sequence. Below are the ten nearest havens to Dinish & Furness Islands for your convenience.
Ten nearest havens by straight line charted distance and bearing:
- Kiggaul Bay - 1.8 nautical miles SE
- Kilkieran Bay - 3.5 nautical miles N
- Greatman's Bay - 3.6 nautical miles ENE
- Sruthan Quay - 6.1 nautical miles E
- Rossaveel - 6.8 nautical miles E
- Kilronan - 9.4 nautical miles SSE
- Bertraghboy Bay - 9.5 nautical miles NNW
- Gorteen Bay - 9.9 nautical miles NW
- Roundstone Bay - 10 nautical miles NW
- Caladh Mór Pier - 11.4 nautical miles SSE
These havens are ordered by straight line charted distance and bearing, and can be reordered by compass direction or coastal sequence:
- Kiggaul Bay - 1.8 miles SE
- Kilkieran Bay - 3.5 miles N
- Greatman's Bay - 3.6 miles ENE
- Sruthan Quay - 6.1 miles E
- Rossaveel - 6.8 miles E
- Kilronan - 9.4 miles SSE
- Bertraghboy Bay - 9.5 miles NNW
- Gorteen Bay - 9.9 miles NW
- Roundstone Bay - 10 miles NW
- Caladh Mór Pier - 11.4 miles SSE
How to get in?

Image: Graham Rabbits
Dinish island is readily identified by its proximity to Golam Head that forms the western extreme of the northern shore of Galway Bay and is the north point of the entrance to North Sound. The western extremity of a small 24 metres high islet has the conspicuous ruins of a tower on its summit that provides an excellent seamark. The best approach to Kilkieran Bay and the anchorage is through the east entrance to Inner Passage between Golam Head and Eagle Rock.
The key hidden dangers to stand clear of are Ullan Rock, that dries, situated 400 metres southeast of Golam Tower. On the opposite side of the pass is Fairservice Rock, with 0.9 metres of water over it, 350 metres east of Seal Rock which is always visible. On the final approache are the Dinish Shoals, with 1.5 metres of water over them, ¾ of a mile west of Dinish Island.
When clear of the shoal water extending northward from Redflag Islet, a mile west by northwest of Golam Head, the line of bearing 357°T of Cashel Hill, as best seen Admiralty Chart 2096 seen over Birmore Island, passes west of Dinish Shoals. Then the alignment 066°T of the southern extremity of Illauneeragh and Lettermore Hill passes between Birmore Island and Dinish Shoals and northwest of the Bruiser Rock that is situated 200 metres west of Dinish Island.
Round Dinish Point, the northern extremity of Dinish Island, and track southward into the anchoring area.
Why visit here?
This is a very peaceful, beautiful, secluded anchorage with crystal clear waters and sandy bottom. It makes a good location as a base for exploring the rest of Kilkieran BayWith thanks to:
PETER CRAVENDeserted village on nearby island
Image: eOceanic thanks PETER CRAVEN
Deserted village on nearby island
Image: eOceanic thanks PETER CRAVEN
Watchtower on Golam Head
Image: eOceanic thanks PETER CRAVEN
About Dinish & Furness Islands
This is a very peaceful, beautiful, secluded anchorage with crystal clear waters and sandy bottom. It makes a good location as a base for exploring the rest of Kilkieran Bay
Other options in this area
Click the 'Next' and 'Previous' buttons to progress through neighbouring havens in a coastal 'clockwise' or 'anti-clockwise' sequence. Alternatively here are the ten nearest havens available in picture view:
Coastal clockwise:
Kilkieran Bay - 2.2 miles NBertraghboy Bay - 5.9 miles NNW
Roundstone Bay - 6.2 miles NW
Gorteen Bay - 6.1 miles NW
Bunowen Bay - 9.7 miles WNW
Coastal anti-clockwise:
Kiggaul Bay - 1.1 miles SEGreatman's Bay - 2.2 miles ENE
Sruthan Quay - 3.8 miles E
Rossaveel - 4.2 miles E
Spiddle - 9.9 miles E
Navigational pictures
These additional images feature in the 'How to get in' section of our detailed view for Dinish & Furness Islands.

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