Kilmore Quay
52°10.3'N 006°35.3'W · Kilmore Quay (Wexford) (0nm)
2–4m
Depth
Good
Holding
75m
Alarm radius
Low
Crowd level
Kilmore Quay is a picturesque thatched fishing village on the SE Wexford coast — one of the most charming harbour communities in Ireland. The village retains its whitewashed thatched cottages and a genuine working fishing harbour character. The Saltee Islands (5nm offshore) are one of Ireland's most important bird sanctuaries — home to enormous colonies of gannets, puffins, razorbills and guillemots, and are accessible by ferry in season. Kilmore Quay is a convenient staging port between Waterford and the Tuskar Rock passage to/from Wales. The maritime museum aboard the lightship Guillemot (moored in the harbour) is excellent. Tuskar Rock lighthouse (10nm E) is the key waypoint for the Irish Sea crossing.
Best Months
Anchor Zones
Kilmore Quay — marina approaches anchorage
Good2–4m · Alarm: 75m
Anchor in 2–4m (CD) in the bay east of the marina, clear of the approach channel. Sand and mud — good holding. The harbour wall provides shelter from the S and SW but the anchorage area is exposed to the open sea in strong S/SW conditions. Tidal range approximately 1.5–2.0m springs (relatively modest for this coast — Irish Sea tides). Marina available: Kilmore Quay Marina (VHF Ch 37). Ferries to the Saltee Islands depart from here.
Setting Your Anchor Alarm
75m radius for the harbour anchorage. The modest 2.0m tidal range makes this more straightforward than the larger-range anchorages to the west. In strong SW conditions the anchorage is exposed — use the marina or seek shelter behind the harbour wall. The Tuskar Rock TSS (10nm east) means monitoring commercial traffic VHF is advisable when making the passage.
Recommended radius: 75m
Hazards & Warnings
- !Tuskar Rock TSS — 10nm east; comply with COLREGS Rule 10 (TSS rules); commercial traffic is heavy on the crossing lanes
- !Exposed to S and SW in the anchorage area — use marina in any strong southerly forecast
- !Tidal streams off Carnsore Point and Tuskar Rock reach 3–4 kt at springs — time passage of these headlands carefully
- !Strong NE winds create a lee shore on this south-facing coast — ensure anchor is well set in NE conditions
Skipper's Tips
- ✓The Saltee Islands are extraordinary for seabird watching — book the ferry from Kilmore Quay (seasonal, weather dependent) well in advance; one of Europe's great wildlife sites
- ✓The Silver Fox restaurant is a Wexford institution — outstanding local seafood at very reasonable prices
- ✓Time the Tuskar Rock passage carefully — 3–4 kt tidal streams mean arrival time at the rock is important; consult Reeds Almanac for tidal stream atlas
- ✓The Guillemot lightship maritime museum is small but excellent — tells the story of Irish lightship service
Facilities
Anchoring Rules
- Permit:
- Not required
- Fee:
- Free to anchor. Marina: approx. €20–25/night. Contact Kilmore Quay Marina VHF Ch 37.
- Restrictions:
- Keep clear of the fishing vessel approach channel — the harbour is an active working port. Ferry to Saltee Islands uses the main pier — keep clear of their approach.
Sleep Safely at Kilmore Quay
Set your anchor alarm to 75m. UK tidal ranges mean your boat swings — Safe Anchor Alarm keeps watch through the night.
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