Clifden Bay is set in the Connemara region of western Ireland and is located on the approaches to the areas principle town of Clifden, which may be easily visited from the anchorage by road or dinghy at high water. Clifden Sailing Club has a modern clubhouse overlooking the bay with a jetty provided for convenient landing.

Clifden Bay offers good shelter except perhaps from developed north-westerlies that would have considerable fetch. Access is straightforward in daylight at any stage of the tide.

There is extensive fish farming in this area, with fish cages and mussel lines, and caution is required to avoid these.

Keyfacts for Clifden Boat Club

Position and approaches

Haven position

53° 29.114' N, 010° 3.286' W

South of the jetty belonging to Clifden Boat Club

What is the initial fix?

This is at the entrance to Clifden Bay between Errislannan Point and Fahy Point.

What are the key points of the approach?

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How to get in?

Clifden Boat Club is located at the eastern end of Clifden Bay close west of where the Owenglin River flows into Clifden Bay and about a mile below the town Quay. It provides a great anchorage with some visitors moorings available and easy access to a slip.



Offshore details are available in western Ireland’s coastal overview for Slyne Head to Erris Head and local directions are covered in the Clifden entry.

Anchor according to conditions or pick up a mooring by arrangement with the club.

Why visit here?

This is a good anchorage for access to Clifden town about 2km away or a mile by tender at high water. The town has an excellent selection of shops, pubs and restaurants which makes it a must visit and especially so for vessels that need to replenish provisions along this coast. Clifden also has good bus access to both Westport and Galway for onward rail travel if you want to leave the boat or change crew.

Clifden's town quay is tidal and can only be approached by moderate draft vessels two hours either side of high water. The anchorage off the club has ample deep water which permits access for provisioning to the town by dinghy at high water, via a convenient jetty provided by the supermarket up the estuary, or at the town quay. Clifden also has several taxi services if you don't want to load up the dinghy or walk.

The sailing club is very friendly and welcomes visitors. They have an excellent bar and restaurant that is open to non-members. Good visitor moorings are available at no charge. Showers are available at €2.00.

What facilities are available?

The clubhouse overlooks Clifden Bay anchorage and has shower/changing rooms a bar and restaurant. Visitor moorings and safe anchorages are available off the clubhouse, and their jetty/slip can be made use of if required. Freshwater by jerry can is available 25 metres from the slip. The welcoming clubhouse has showers and changing rooms, a bar and a restaurant.

All fresh provisions and stores can be obtained at Clifden and it also has an internet cafe. The town's wide variety of interesting shops and supermarkets make it the best point to stock up on this part of the coast. A jetty in the river below the supermarket, accessible by dinghy near high water, further facilitates this. Lots of bars and restaurants within the town help to make Clifden a really worthwhile destination.

Fuel and Lube oil are available in drums from Clifden town and tanker deliveries to Clifden quay. Some spares and mechanical repairs are available locally. Clifden has good bus access to both Westport and Galway for onward rail travel.

With thanks to:

PETER CRAVEN. Photographs with thanks to Peter Craven and Roger Harrison.