Schull
51°31.2'N 009°32.9'W · Schull (West Cork) (0nm)
2–6m
Depth
Good
Holding
80m
Alarm radius
Moderate
Crowd level
Schull is West Cork's most celebrated sailing village — a vibrant, bohemian small town on the Mizen Peninsula that comes alive in summer with sailors, artists and Irish weekenders. The town has excellent provisions, chandlery, fuel and a wide range of excellent restaurants, cafes and pubs. The famous Schull International Documentary Film Festival (August) brings the town to life. Fastnet Rock (15nm south) is visible from the harbour in clear conditions. Mount Gabriel (407m) with its radar domes rises immediately behind the town. Schull is typically the last provisioning stop before Crookhaven and the Mizen Head for westbound yachts, and the first stop coming east.
Best Months
Anchor Zones
Schull Harbour — inner bay anchorage
Good2–6m · Alarm: 80m
Anchor in 2–5m (CD) in the bay, clear of the pier and local moorings. Mud and sand — good holding. Schull Harbour is enclosed by the Mizen Peninsula to the south and provides good shelter from E, S and N. Exposed to W and SW — Atlantic swell enters in westerly conditions. Tidal range approximately 3.0–3.5m springs. Schull Sailing Club manages local moorings — visitor moorings sometimes available. A major summer provisioning stop for W Ireland-bound yachts.
Setting Your Anchor Alarm
80m radius for the harbour anchorage. In sustained westerlies the anchorage is exposed and uncomfortable. Crookhaven (8nm west) provides much better shelter in these conditions. Tidal range 3.0–3.5m springs — actual depths at HW reach 5–9.5m.
Recommended radius: 80m
Hazards & Warnings
- !Atlantic swell from W/SW enters harbour in westerly conditions — not suitable for overnight in sustained westerlies
- !Very busy in August (Film Festival period) — anchor early or book visitor mooring
- !Tidal range 3.0–3.5m springs — drying areas near the shore
- !Mizen Head approach (10nm W) has strong tidal streams at springs — time passage carefully
Skipper's Tips
- ✓Stock up here before heading to Crookhaven and beyond — best provisions on the Mizen Peninsula; the market on Sundays in summer is excellent
- ✓Hackett's Bar is the heart of Schull sailing life — news, weather gossip, and the best Guinness on the Mizen
- ✓The Schull Planetarium (Ireland's only public planetarium) is in the town — unusual and interesting
- ✓Crookhaven (8nm west, see west-ireland data) is the perfect overnight stop after Schull with outstanding shelter
Facilities
Anchoring Rules
- Permit:
- Not required
- Fee:
- Free to anchor. Visitor moorings — contact Schull Sailing Club. Modest fees.
- Restrictions:
- Keep clear of the pier and approach channel. Sailing club events in summer — check local notice boards. Respect local moorings.
Sleep Safely at Schull
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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