Glandore
51°33.4'N 009°06.8'W · Skibbereen (West Cork) (8nm)
3–7m
Depth
Good
Holding
80m
Alarm radius
Moderate
Crowd level
Glandore is perhaps the most beautiful village anchorage in West Cork — a tiny, perfect harbour enclosed by wooded hills and accessed through the famous 'Adam and Eve' rock passage (the classic instruction to Irish cruising yachtsmen: 'avoid Adam and hug Eve'). The village perches on the north shore with colourful houses reflected in the calm water. The Union Hall village is directly opposite across the narrow harbour. Glandore's mild microclimate supports sub-tropical plants and the harbour is surrounded by lush vegetation unusual for Ireland. Jonathan Swift was inspired by the nearby Drombeg Stone Circle. The ICC Sailing Directions are essential for the approach through Adam and Eve.
Best Months
Anchor Zones
Glandore Harbour — inner bay anchorage
Good3–7m · Alarm: 80m
Anchor in 3–6m (CD) in the inner harbour, anchoring in the area clear of local moorings and the pier approach. Mud and sand — good holding. The harbour is enclosed by rolling hills and provides excellent shelter from most directions. Tidal range approximately 3.0–3.5m springs. The approach is through a narrow channel between Adam and Eve rocks (classic ICC pilotage instruction: 'Avoid Adam and hug Eve'). Consult ICC Sailing Directions for approach details.
Setting Your Anchor Alarm
80m radius for the inner harbour. The SW exposure can bring Atlantic swell into the harbour in strong westerly conditions — in these cases, move to the more sheltered NE corner or seek alternative at Baltimore (15nm west). Tidal range 3.0–3.5m springs — actual depths at HW are 6–10.5m.
Recommended radius: 80m
Hazards & Warnings
- !Adam and Eve rocks at the harbour entrance — navigate in daylight only on first visit; ICC Sailing Directions are essential; 'avoid Adam (N) and hug Eve (S)'
- !SW swell penetrates in westerly conditions — the harbour is exposed to the SW through the entrance gap
- !Limited swinging room — anchor carefully clear of local moorings; the harbour is small and busy in summer
- !Tidal range 3.0–3.5m springs — plan scope accordingly
Skipper's Tips
- ✓The Adam and Eve passage is straightforward in good visibility with the ICC Sailing Directions — keep to the south of the channel (hug Eve, the southern rock)
- ✓Glandore Inn is one of the most charming sailing pubs in West Cork — excellent food and atmosphere
- ✓The Drombeg Stone Circle (4km from Glandore) is one of the best preserved in Ireland — worth a walk
- ✓Union Hall across the harbour is equally charming — good pub and the local fishing boats make for atmospheric photography
- ✓Castletownshend (7nm east) is another remarkable West Cork village anchorage — worth the short detour
Facilities
Anchoring Rules
- Permit:
- Not required
- Fee:
- Free
- Restrictions:
- The Adam and Eve approach must be navigated in daylight only for first-time visitors — consult ICC Sailing Directions carefully. Anchor clear of local moorings and the pier. Special Area of Conservation — anchor on sand/mud only.
Sleep Safely at Glandore
Set your anchor alarm to 80m. UK tidal ranges mean your boat swings — Safe Anchor Alarm keeps watch through the night.
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