Clear Island — North Harbour
Cape Clear Island · Oileán Chléire · Cape Clear North Harbour
51°26.3'N 009°30.8'W
Depth
3–6m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m radius in the confined harbour — adjust if swinging room is restricted by other vessels. With a 3.3m tidal range, actual depths at HW are 6–9m. The harbour is exposed to N through NW — if a northerly is forecast, depart for Baltimore (8nm NE) or consider South Harbour (more exposed to S/SW). Never anchor here with N or NE winds above F4. Radio MRCC Valentia (VHF Ch 16) for forecasts before committing.
About This Anchorage
Clear Island (Cape Clear, Oileán Chléire) is the most southerly inhabited island in Ireland — a rugged, windswept Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) community 8nm southwest of Baltimore, with a population of around 150 people and one of Ireland's finest seabird observatories. The approach from Baltimore passes Fastnet Rock to the south — one of sailing's most famous landmarks. North Harbour is the main anchorage, reasonably sheltered from the prevailing SW but exposed to the north. The island has a pub, a small shop, and a heritage centre. Humpback and minke whales are regularly sighted from the headlands, and the island is a key migration point for rare birds. A bucket-list destination for Irish coastal sailors.
Protected From
E · SE · S · SW · W
Exposed To
N · NE · 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 6m (CD) with a 3.5m tide, actual HW depth is up to 10m — use 70m+ 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 80m radius. 80m radius in the confined harbour — adjust if swinging room is restricted by other vessels. With a 3.3m tidal range, actual depths at HW are 6–9m. The harbour is exposed to N through NW — if a northerly is forecast, depart for Baltimore (8nm NE) or consider South Harbour (more exposed to S/SW). Never anchor here with N or NE winds above F4. Radio MRCC Valentia (VHF Ch 16) for forecasts before committing.
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Keep the pier approach clear for the Baltimore ferry (seasonal) and fishing vessels — working harbour with priority. Respect the resident Gaeltacht community and the island's heritage. No anchoring in the ferry berth area. UK boats post-Brexit: declare at Baltimore before visiting Clear Island.
Hazards
- !Harbour exposed to N, NE and NW — never anchor here with these winds above F4; depart for Baltimore in good time
- !Fastnet Rock on the passage from Baltimore — keep well clear, particularly in any swell; passage only in settled conditions
- !Fishing vessels have priority in the harbour — anchor clear of the pier and working areas
- !Strong tidal streams around Cape Clear Head at springs — time approach for slack water
- !Atlantic ground swell can wrap into North Harbour from the W in period swells — check wave height and period forecast
Skipper's Tips
- →Visit the bird observatory (one of Ireland's premier ringing stations) — particularly spectacular in autumn migration season (September–October)
- →Scan the sea from the clifftops for whales and dolphins — this is one of Ireland's best cetacean watching locations
- →The Irish language is spoken as a first language on Clear Island — a few words of Irish are warmly appreciated
- →Bring binoculars — Fastnet Rock lighthouse visible from the clifftops on a clear day
- →Club Cléire pub is a genuine community hub — the warmest welcome in Irish coastal sailing
Facilities
Club Cléire pub serves food and Guinness in summer. Check opening times on arrival — hours vary significantly by season.
Nearest provisions: Clear Island village shop (limited) (0.5nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August, September
June–September for reliable passage from Baltimore. The island is weather-dependent — the approach from the NE requires reasonable visibility (Fastnet Rock is a hazard in poor vis). September is excellent for birdwatching during autumn migration. Avoid November–April for inexperienced crew.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
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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