Ardgroom is situated on the south side of the Kenmare River directly opposite Sneem, in Co. Cork on the southwest coast of Ireland. The land-locked harbour offers an excellent overnight anchorage with protection from all conditions.

However, Ardgroom requires highly involved navigation as the intricate entrance, over a rocky 2.4-metre bar, utilises transit beacons that are now grey or obscured by trees and very hard to see - particularly so in the early part of the day with the sun in the east. This makes it a testing exercise for the first visit, with daylight and settled conditions a prerequisite.

The harbour is full of rocks, spits and marine farms that are often very close to the leading lines so they must be very carefully followed.

Keyfacts for Ardgroom Harbour

Position and approaches

Haven position

51° 45.230' N, 009° 52.666' W

In the centre of the anchorage off the pier.

What is the initial fix?

This waypoint is 400 meters north of Dog Point, on the 135 degree bearing leading onto the Halftide Rock beacon (800 metres out).

What are the key points of the approach?

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How to get in?

The land-locked harbour Ardgroom Harbour on the south shore, offers protection from all conditions in a capacious land-locked area, with 2 to 6 metres of water. However, Ardgroom has an intricate entrance, over a rocky 2.4 metres bar, that utilises transit beacons, the first of which is often obscured by trees and very hard to see. This makes it a testing exercise for the first visit where daylight and settled conditions a prerequisite. Vessels are advised to come in under power with a good bearing compass and binoculars to hand.


Ardgroom harbour is easily identified from the Kenmare River by Dog Point, rising to a height of 62 metres. The entrance is located between Dog Point and Carravaniheen, 900 metres to the northwest of the point. From there simply follow the three sets of leading beacons accurately, making sure you pick up the next pair in plenty of time so you don’t overrun the intersection points. The three leading lines for entry are as follows:

• (i) A 135° T track leading into the single Halftide Rock Beacon that is passed on its northern side.


• (ii) Then the 099° leading line provided by the first pair of beacons of the Black Rock Beacon front and the rear in the trees about ½ a mile behind. It is the latter rear beacon that is sometimes made inconspicuous by bushes in Ardgroom. Even when cut back they tend to hide it from view and it will, most likely, be seen when the intersection point has been reached.


• (iii) Then following the 026° bearing off Yellow Rock in deep water for ½ a mile where the deep water of the inner harbour opens out.

We provide some waypoints below that will help to position the vessel for alignment. But do not rely on the waypoints to take a vessel in, only use them to help position your vessel to pick up the beacons.

From the initial fix turn on to the 135° T track leading you in onto the Halftide Rock Beacon.



The next waypoint is the charted intersection with the first 135° beacon leading to Halftide Rock and the second 099°/279° pair of beacons leading to Black Rock Beacon. It is approximately 80 metres northwest of the conspicuous black beacon by Half Tide rock where the vessel should turn to port.

135° and 099° leading bearings intersection point – position: 51°45.742N 009°52.441W

The following waypoint is the charted intersection with the second 099° beacon leading to Black Rock (white beacon) and the third 026°/206° (astern) leading line off Yellow Rock (dark concrete with faded black painted bands) into the harbour. It is approximately 120 metres west by northwest of the Black Rock beacon where you should be turning to starboard.

009° and 026° leading bearing intersection point – position: 51°45.655N 009°51.518W



Then following the 026° pair of beacons fronted by Yellow Rock in deep water ½ a mile where you can turn westward into the harbour in deep water. You will probably find that you will be forced to turn to starboard a little sooner than this position due to encroaching fish farm string.

026° leading bearing end point – position: 51°45.205N 009°51.862W



From there you just run along the seaward edge of the barrels that keep you clear of the shallows to the north. There is plenty of water in the western side of the harbour. Anchor to the east of the large Pallas quay. The bottom consists of sand/mud offering good holding but questionable around the shale bank near the harbour.

Why visit here?

It is a lovely bay with high ground on the south side and some beautiful views although it has been encroached on by fish farming.



There is a fine stone circle near the village and other monuments of the past in the vicinity and the area features on the Beara Way Long Distance Walking Route.



Due to the influence of the gulf-stream climate, you will see palm trees and bamboo thriving around these parts.

What facilities are available?

There are no facilities in Ardgroom Harbour save for a new landing pier.

Any security concerns?

Never an incident known to have occurred in Ardgroom.

With thanks to:

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