Long Island Bay, Bantry Bay
Long Island anchorage · Roaringwater Bay approach
51°32.0'N 009°33.0'W
Depth
4–10m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
100m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
100m
100m radius appropriate for this large open bay with 3.4m tidal range. Actual depths at HW springs reach 7–13m — plan scope for 7:1 minimum at maximum expected depth. The bay is large and in a strong SW or W wind significant chop develops — this is primarily a settled-weather anchorage. In deteriorating conditions, Schull Harbour (5nm) or Castletownbere (15nm) are the all-weather alternatives. Do not use this anchorage if SW winds above F5 are forecast.
About This Anchorage
Long Island Bay sits at the eastern entrance to Bantry Bay, tucked between the Mizen Peninsula and the outer Carbery Islands. The anchorage east of Long Island is a wide, mostly sheltered bay offering 4–10m over mud and sand in surroundings of extraordinary beauty — rolling green hills, scattered farm buildings, and not a marina in sight. The island itself is uninhabited, and the bay sees very few yachts except in summer. This is Southwest Ireland at its most elemental — a working agricultural and fishing landscape with no concessions to tourism. Best reserved for settled SW conditions.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE
Exposed To
SW · W · NW
Setting Your Anchor
- 1.Check the Atlantic swell forecast before arrival — verify wave height and wave period on Windy.com. A period above 10 seconds indicates significant ocean swell that may affect even apparently sheltered anchorages.
- 2.Deploy 7:1 scope minimum for the 3–4m tidal range. At 10m (CD) with a 3.5m tide, actual HW depth is up to 14m — use 98m+ of rode. Set firmly in reverse and allow several minutes to confirm the anchor is dug in before turning in.
- 3.Castletownbere is your escape plan if weather turns — know the bearing and distance before anchoring, and be prepared to depart in the dark if needed. At the first sign of deteriorating conditions, move.
- 4.Set your anchor alarm to 100m radius. 100m radius appropriate for this large open bay with 3.4m tidal range. Actual depths at HW springs reach 7–13m — plan scope for 7:1 minimum at maximum expected depth. The bay is large and in a strong SW or W wind significant chop develops — this is primarily a settled-weather anchorage. In deteriorating conditions, Schull Harbour (5nm) or Castletownbere (15nm) are the all-weather alternatives. Do not use this anchorage if SW winds above F5 are forecast.
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Long Island is private land — landing by arrangement only. Lobster pot strings are numerous throughout the bay — approach slowly and in daylight. UK boats post-Brexit: declare at Schull or Baltimore.
Hazards
- !Extensive lobster pot strings throughout the bay — approach in daylight only and post a bow watch
- !Bay is large and exposed to SW/W — do not anchor here if SW or W winds above F5 are forecast
- !Tidal range 3.4m springs — chart depths (to LAT) require tidal height addition for actual depth
- !Rocks and shoals around Long Island itself — keep to the charted channel on approach
- !Atlantic swell can roll into the bay from the SW in period swells even in light wind conditions
Skipper's Tips
- →Tuck into the NE corner of the bay for the most shelter from SW swells
- →A brilliant spot to stop en route between Baltimore/Schull and Castletownbere
- →Carry all provisions from Schull before anchoring — the bay has no facilities whatsoever
- →Check weather carefully before committing — this anchorage deteriorates quickly in W or SW winds
- →Dinghy exploration of Long Island's rocky coastline reveals excellent birdlife including fulmars and shags
Facilities
Nearest provisions: Schull village (5nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August, September
June–September only in settled conditions. Outside this window the anchorage is too exposed for comfortable overnighting. Always have Schull or Castletownbere as your escape plan if weather turns.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 100m
In Southwest Ireland's 3–4m tidal range, boats swing significantly through the tide cycle. Atlantic swell can arrive overnight even in forecast calm. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously so you always know if your anchor is dragging.
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