
The deep narrow bay offers good protection in all conditions except for strong south westerlies. Access is straightforward at all stages of the tide and in most conditions. However the approach is encumbered with several rocky patches that require attentive navigation in daylight.
Keyfacts for Kilkieran Bay
Facilities
Nature
Considerations
Protected sectors
Approaches
Shelter
Last modified
April 24th 2018 Summary* Restrictions apply
A good location with attentive navigation required for access.Facilities
Nature
Considerations
Position and approaches
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Haven position
this is the position at the pierhead at Kilkieran
What is the initial fix?
The following Kilkieran Bay initial fix will set up a final approach:

What are the key points of the approach?
Offshore details are available in the Western Ireland Loop Head to Slyne Head Coastal Overview
.
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 Kilkieran Bay for your convenience.
Ten nearest havens by straight line charted distance and bearing:
- Dinish & Furness Islands - 2.2 miles S
- Greatman's Bay - 2.4 miles SE
- Kiggaul Bay - 3 miles S
- Sruthan Quay - 3.9 miles ESE
- Bertraghboy Bay - 4.1 miles NNW
- Rossaveal - 4.3 miles ESE
- Roundstone Bay - 5 miles WNW
- Gorteen Bay - 5.3 miles WNW
- Kilronan - 7.8 miles S
- Inishmaan - 8.8 miles SSE
These havens are ordered by straight line charted distance and bearing, and can be reordered by compass direction or coastal sequence:
- Dinish & Furness Islands - 2.2 miles S
- Greatman's Bay - 2.4 miles SE
- Kiggaul Bay - 3 miles S
- Sruthan Quay - 3.9 miles ESE
- Bertraghboy Bay - 4.1 miles NNW
- Rossaveal - 4.3 miles ESE
- Roundstone Bay - 5 miles WNW
- Gorteen Bay - 5.3 miles WNW
- Kilronan - 7.8 miles S
- Inishmaan - 8.8 miles SSE
Chart
How to get in?
Kilkieran Bay is an extensive inlet that opens between Dinish and Birmore islands, and is about two miles to the north of the highly conspicuous Golam Head that provides an excellent sea mark.The bay penetrates inland in a north-easterly direction for a distance of eight miles, with high tide passes extending in a more easterly direction to Upper Camus Bay and the adjoining lakes. The channel leading to it is encumbered with several rocky patches lying near the fairway that has excellent depths of between 11 to 16 metres.
The upper part of these waters is generally shallow and studded with dangers, but most of the dangers are above water and can be easily identified. The lower part of the inlet, abreast of Kilkieran cove affords a good anchorage, with mooring buoys indicated on the chart, with very good depths.
Why visit here?
The village of Kilkieran derives its name from the Irish words Cill Chiaráin which means Ciaran's Church.Saint Ciarán, also known as Ciarán of Saigir (5th century – c. 530), also known as Ciarán mac Luaigne or Saint Kieran, was one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland and is considered the first saint to have been born in Ireland. He lived in the village for many years and today there is a national school, a church and a holy well named after him. Also on the hill overlooking the whole of Kilkieran there is a cross erected in his honour and in front of a place called Leaba Chiaráin, or Ciaran's bed.
There are two regattas held annually in Kilkieran. A traditional Sailboat regatta that includes Galway Hookers held on the first weekend in July and a rowing regatta featuring currachs on the 9th of September as part of a local festival titled Ciaráns Day.
What facilities are available?
Kilkieran village has a pub, a restaurant at the top of the pier called Coyne’s Bar and Bistro, a small supermarket shop, a post office, and a slip.With thanks to:
eOceanic.com site research
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