Lambay Island is a small island on the east coast of Ireland situated two miles off the coast of North County Dublin and approximately six miles north of Howth. Saltpan Bay, formerly Swallow Cove, is situated on the north side of the island close off the northwest point.

With its high sheer cliffs and deep water, making close-in anchoring possible, the secluded bay offers excellent shelter from the west through south to southeast winds. In most southerly conditions the anchorage will be found to be completely calm and free from swell. Navigation is very straightforward although daylight is required as there are no markings. Access from the north round to east is completely unimpeded, whilst approaches from other directions require basic navigation with all dangers avoided by standing off a sensible distance from the island.

In light north to north-easterly conditions a better option is Talbot Bay close to the southwestern corner of Lambay Island. In heavy northerly conditions, Howth harbour would be the preferred option.

Keyfacts for Saltpan Bay

Position and approaches

Haven position

53° 29.800' N, 006° 1.272' W

On the five metre contour in the middle of the bay.

What is the initial fix?

This waypoint is three quarters of a mile north of the anchorage.

What are the key points of the approach?

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What's the story here?

Saltpan Bay is about 500 metres east of Scotch Point the island’s northwest corner. The bay is made up of high precipitous cliffs with at least 10 metres of water to be found 200 metres off the islands northern cliffs. It has unimpeded access when approached at right angles to the shoreline or a due north approach.

With high sheer cliffs, which are home to thousands of nesting birds in season, one can anchor right up against the cliff face in Saltpan Bay's in 4 to 5 metres and listen to the raucous calls of the seabirds above.

How to get in?

Ireland’s Coastal Overview from Strangford Lough to Dublin Bay provide approach details. Vessels approaching from the south can also avail of the Dublin Bay to Rosslare Harbour coastal overview. Use the Lambay Island descriptions provided for The Boat Harbour for approaches to the island area.

The islands outlying dangers are off its western corners that are marked by Taylor Rock north cardinal on the northwest corner and the Burren Rock starboard beacon on the southwest corner. All can be avoided by standing out a ¼ of a mile from the island.



Vessels can anchor right up close to the cliff face in sand with very good holding in 5 metres. This said, on a sunny day however it makes sense to drop anchor a little further out from the shadow of the cliff to take benefit from the sunshine.

Why visit here?

Just a short sail from the hustling, bustling capital of Ireland, Saltpan Bay is a perfect secluded escape into a nature reserve.

Standing above the bay from the west is the steep sheer precipice of rock that makes it way up to Gouge Point. It plays host to the remains of a large promontory fort that dates back to Neolithic ages. Those who have been ashore say the double ditch fort’s mounds and valleys are still in a good condition and commanding views overlooking the bay and sea approaches are spectacular.




The island is a very important international sanctuary for breeding seabirds. A full census of seabirds on Lambay island was completed in 2004 and it stated that... "Lambay holds Ireland's largest 'mixed' seabird colony and is of international importance". This is never so clearly appreciated than in Saltpan Bay.

The high sheer cliffs here are home to thousands of nesting birds. Vessels can anchor right up against the cliff face in deep water and listen to their raucous calls. Guillemots, gulls, puffins with their bright colourful beaks, curlews, razorbills, and Kittiwake can all be observed at close quarters nestling into the cliffs and on the surrounding water.

It is advisable for any vessel intending on stopping off here to pack a fishing rod as there is good mackerel fishing here. In local sailing circles, it is believed to pretty safe to bank upon getting a fresh dinner in Saltpan Bay.




From a boating perspective, the extensive Saltpan Bay with its high protective sheer cliffs and excellent holding is perhaps one of the best anchorages on the east coast of Ireland. It makes for an ideal passage anchorage, lunch stop if you want to try your luck, or indeed a place to take refuge if it starts to blow hard from the south.

What facilities are available?

There are no facilities on the island, and no landing should take place. The island is privately owned by the Revelstoke family and the owners value their privacy. Saltpan Bay may be able provide you with a fresh supper as there is excellent mackerel fishing here.

Any security concerns?

Never an issue known to have occurred anchored off this private offshore island. Vessels are most likely to be alone or in the company of other anchored yachtsmen.

With thanks to:

Charlie Kavanagh - ISA/RYA Yachtmaster Instructor/Examiner.