Lambay Island is a small island off the east coast of Ireland situated two miles off the coast of North County Dublin and approximately six miles north of Howth. Talbot's Bay is located close south to the westernmost point of the island.

The secluded bay offers a tolerable anchorage in settled north and northeasterly conditions but is subject to an uncomfortable swell. Access is straightforward from the south to east and is completely unimpeded, all approaches from other directions require basic navigation. Daylight navigation is required as there are no markings.

In heavy conditions with a southerly component a better option is Saltpan Bay close to the northwestern corner of Lambay Island. In heavy northerly conditions, Howth harbour would be a preferable option.

Keyfacts for Talbot’s Bay

Position and approaches

Haven position

53° 29.177' N, 006° 1.918' W

On the five metre contour in the middle of the bay, approximately 200 hundred metres off the coast.

What is the initial fix?

This waypoint is three quarters of a mile due south of the bay.

What are the key points of the approach?

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What's the story here?

Lambay Island is the largest island off the east coast of Ireland. The island has eight named bays and a few narrow inlets, and the easternmost point is Lambay Head. Running counter-clockwise from the harbour, Talbot's Bay, named for a former owner, is the first of these bays on the western side of the low lying southern end of the island.

Talbot's Bay has at least 5 metres of water 200 metres off the shoreline and good holding over sand. It has unimpeded access when approached from due south at right angles to the shoreline

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.

Make note to stand clear of the Burren Rocks that dry to 0.6m, off of the western extremity of Lambay. These are marked by a lighted starboard hand beacon that stands upon them. This is a reef, visible at low water that extends about 400 metres from the island, with a ledge extends a further 30 metres out from the beacon.

Burren Rock Starboard Beacon - Fl.G 5s position: 53° 29.353’N, 006° 02.460’W

From the initial fix, set ½ southward, steer north into the anchorage. Two agricultural sheds overlooking the bay from the field above will help to positively identify the small cove.

A vessel should come slowly into about 5 metres and drop the hook in sand. The Bay anchoring area is small and if there are other boats already there it may be difficult to find a comfortable location to anchor. Should this be the case try Carnoon Bay situated about 400 metres to the southeast.

This is a private island so no landing should take place here unless prior consent has been obtained.

Why visit here?

Talbot’s Bay is one of three excellent very small, sand and stone beaches that are situated in sheltered coves within the island’s southern shoreline.

The southern side of the island, in contrast to its high cliffs on the north and eastern sides, presents a more accessible low shoreline. The three bays include Carnoon Bay, situated about 400 metres to the southeast of Talbot’s Bay, which is also a popular anchoring location. Bishop’s Bay a further 700 metres to the southeast, tucked in out of harm’s way and facing the mainland from the island's southwest corner, is one of Lambay’s better swimming locations. It acquired its name, and the alternative name of 'Dead Man's Bay', around 1900 when a body was washed up on to its beach. The body had a crucifix and other high order clerical items that indicated the man had been a bishop.




Lambay has the largest concentration of grey seals on Ireland’s east coast, and Talbot's Bay is a great place to observe them on the rocks fronting the bay. When the Talbots of Malahide owned Lambay, after whom the bay is named, seal shoot-ins were sadly one of their popular recreations. Fortunately, things have changed under Lord Revelstoke and now the island is a very important international sanctuary for breeding seals. Several years ago he received an offer for seal meat from a Japanese importer, who intended making aphrodisiacs from the meat. The offer was turned down.




From a boating perspective, Talbot’s Bay is a popular yachting anchorage and a good alternative to the excellent Saltpan Bay should it become uncomfortable due to northerly conditions. Akin to Saltpan Bay it is a perfect secluded escape into a nature reserve, just a short sail from the hustling, bustling capital of Ireland.

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.

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 and Brian Lennon, Red Island, Skerries.