
West Cove is situated in the northwest corner of a rock-strewn bight on the north side of the Kenmare River in Co. Kerry on the southwest coast of Ireland. It is approximately seven miles southwest of Sneem Harbour and offers a sheltered anchorage in a particularly picturesque location.
Once inside, the anchorage provides good protection with very good holding. Access requires careful navigation through rocks and shoals that are mostly covered, but this is greatly assisted by two sets of transits supported by illuminated beacons describing a dog-legged entrance path.
Keyfacts for West Cove
Last modified
May 11th 2018 Summary* Restrictions apply
A good location with careful navigation required for access.Facilities
Nature
Considerations
Position and approaches
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Haven position
the anchorage south of the pier in two metres.
What are the initial fixes?
The following waypoints will set up a final approach:(i) West Cove 2nd 314° transit Initial Fix

This is about the location where the first 045° and second 314° transits intersect.
(ii) West Cove 1st 045° transit Initial Fix

200 metres south of Grey Island on the first transit - entrance bearing 045° approximately.
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 West Cove for your convenience.
Ten nearest havens by straight line charted distance and bearing:
- Darrynane Harbour - 2.2 miles W
- Ballycrovane Harbour - 3.1 miles SE
- Sneem Harbour - 4 miles ENE
- Ardgroom Harbour - 4.1 miles E
- Ballinskellig Bay - 5.1 miles WNW
- Kilmakilloge Harbour - 5.2 miles E
- Castletownbere (Castletown Bearhaven) - 5.7 miles SE
- Dunboy Bay & Traillaun Harbour - 5.9 miles SSE
- Garnish Bay - 6 miles SSW
- Mill Cove - 6.1 miles SE
These havens are ordered by straight line charted distance and bearing, and can be reordered by compass direction or coastal sequence:
- Darrynane Harbour - 2.2 miles W
- Ballycrovane Harbour - 3.1 miles SE
- Sneem Harbour - 4 miles ENE
- Ardgroom Harbour - 4.1 miles E
- Ballinskellig Bay - 5.1 miles WNW
- Kilmakilloge Harbour - 5.2 miles E
- Castletownbere (Castletown Bearhaven) - 5.7 miles SE
- Dunboy Bay & Traillaun Harbour - 5.9 miles SSE
- Garnish Bay - 6 miles SSW
- Mill Cove - 6.1 miles SE
How to get in?

Image: Burke Corbett
West Cove is a well sheltered shallow harbour lying in the northwest corner of a rock-strewn bight on the northwest side of the Kenmare River. The approach and entrance are both marked by leading lights and, although the entrance channel presents a narrow dog-leg, leisure craft operating under power should have no difficulty entering in good conditions.
It is, however, essential to keep to the transits and take it steady in West Cove owing to the number of sunken rocks and the tight entrance in the last section. With any swell, however, present a mass of breakers that newcomers should avoid. The final entrance is also very narrow, albeit sheltered by the rocks further out in the harbour, and there is a section of water with 1 metre LAT just after this.

transits behind
Image: Burke Corbett
Finally, the normally covered Carriganglee Rock is directly in line with the second 314° transits, it can look very inviting for a passing vessel that is unaware of the first transit and happen to see a couple of yachts anchored in the northwest corner.

Image: eOceanic
Next a tall stone beacon, Fl.R.3s, on Limpet Rock at the southwest side of the entrance and also a white beacon east of the house and quay at West Cove (Fl.2s). Once you see the second set of transits align to port, turn onto 314° and track into this.

Image: Burke Corbett
Pass the Limpet Rock beacon to port between it and the island on the starboard. The gap between the beacon and the adjacent islet is narrow, perhaps 50 metres or less, but the inner harbour waters should be more settled and it will not present a major challenge.
When on transit West Cove Harbour Ldg Lts Front beacon will be seen in the water inside the entrance. When passing the Limpet Beacon and rocks, turn slightly to starboard and allow the post just to come to the left of the rear beacon but once clear come back on transit.

Image: Burke Corbett
Progressing towards the Front Beacon the harbour open out to the west, and when approximately 20 metres off the beacon turn to port.

Image: Burke Corbett
Land at the steps beyond the quay at all tides and a vessel that can take to the mud can come alongside.

Image: Burke Corbett
Why visit here?
West Cove is another one of those little gems along this coast that is well worth a visit to take in the naturally beauty. The scenery is spectacular in fine weather and it is a lovely spot to spend a night in settled conditions.West Cove is near the famous 'Kerry Way' walk that is well signed but still wonderfully unspoiled, and takes you along the ridge of hills all the way from Waterville to Kenmare. It is a good anchorage from which to explore the many fascinating areas of this most scenic corner of Ireland. The surrounding countryside is ideally suited for all types of walking, ranging from gentle strolls along lovely sandy beaches to more serious hikes over craggy hills.
What facilities are available?
There are no facilities in West Cove. However the main road is about three quarters of a mile away and Castlecove is one mile east along this road where a shop and petrol pump can be found.Any security concerns?
Never an issue known to have occurred in West Cove.With thanks to:
Burke Corbett, Gusserane, New Ross, Co. Wexford.About West Cove
West Cove is another one of those little gems along this coast that is well worth a visit to take in the naturally beauty. The scenery is spectacular in fine weather and it is a lovely spot to spend a night in settled conditions.
West Cove is near the famous 'Kerry Way' walk that is well signed but still wonderfully unspoiled, and takes you along the ridge of hills all the way from Waterville to Kenmare. It is a good anchorage from which to explore the many fascinating areas of this most scenic corner of Ireland. The surrounding countryside is ideally suited for all types of walking, ranging from gentle strolls along lovely sandy beaches to more serious hikes over craggy hills.
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:
Darrynane Harbour - 2.2 miles WBallinskellig Bay - 5.1 miles WNW
Great Skellig (Skellig Michael) - 11.1 miles W
Portmagee - 8.4 miles WNW
Cahersiveen Marina - 7.8 miles NNW
Coastal anti-clockwise:
Sneem Harbour - 4 miles ENEDunkerron - 10.2 miles ENE
Kilmakilloge Harbour - 5.2 miles E
Ardgroom Harbour - 4.1 miles E
Ballycrovane Harbour - 3.1 miles SE
Navigational pictures
These additional images feature in the 'How to get in' section of our detailed view for West Cove.







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