Dingle Harbour
Dingle · An Daingean · Dingle Bay anchorage
52°08.4'N 010°16.1'W
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
95m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
95m
95m allows for full tidal swing in the outer anchorage with 3.5m tidal range. At HW springs actual depths reach 6–11m — plan 7:1 scope minimum. The marina and mooring buoys occupy significant harbour space — work with the harbour master to find a free swinging area. In W or NW winds, the outer anchorage is uncomfortable; move to the inner harbour anchorage or take a marina berth. Fungie the dolphin (resident 1983–2020) is no longer present but the harbour retains its character.
About This Anchorage
Dingle (An Daingean) is one of Ireland's finest cruising destinations — a well-sheltered harbour on the north side of the Dingle Peninsula, backed by one of Ireland's most vibrant small towns with exceptional food, traditional music, and a strong Gaeltacht heritage. The approach through Dingle Bay is dramatic, with the Blasket Islands visible to the west. The harbour offers good holding in mud and sand with reasonable shelter from the prevailing SW, though the outer anchorage is exposed to W and NW. Dingle is the westernmost town in continental Europe — the next landfall west is America. The famous resident dolphin Fungie lived here for 37 years (1983–2020) before disappearing; the town's maritime character and spirit endure. Exceptional fishing, food (Dingle Bay seafood is world-class), and traditional pub music.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S · SW
Exposed To
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 8m (CD) with a 3.5m tide, actual HW depth is up to 12m — use 84m+ 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 95m radius. 95m allows for full tidal swing in the outer anchorage with 3.5m tidal range. At HW springs actual depths reach 6–11m — plan 7:1 scope minimum. The marina and mooring buoys occupy significant harbour space — work with the harbour master to find a free swinging area. In W or NW winds, the outer anchorage is uncomfortable; move to the inner harbour anchorage or take a marina berth. Fungie the dolphin (resident 1983–2020) is no longer present but the harbour retains its character.
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free to anchor where space permits. Marina berths: approx. €30–45/night. Visitor moorings: contact Harbour Master VHF Ch 16.
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: The marina and fish pier have priority access at all times — do not obstruct approach channels. Commercial fishing vessels operate from the main pier at all hours. UK boats post-Brexit: notify Irish Revenue Customs on arrival — Dingle has a customs point; call Revenue on +353 1 827 7500 or use the Q flag and wait for clearance.
Hazards
- !W and NW winds make the outer anchorage uncomfortable — seek inner harbour or marina berth in these conditions
- !Dingle Bay approach: Blasket Sound tidal race between the Blasket Islands and Dunmore Head; powerful streams at springs — transit at slack water only
- !Commercial fishing pier operates 24 hours — keep well clear of pier approach at all times, especially at night
- !Tidal range 3.5m springs — check tidal height for actual depth at anchor
- !Very busy in July and August — arrive early in the day for a free anchorage spot; marina often fully booked
Skipper's Tips
- →Doyle's Seafood Restaurant is one of Ireland's finest seafood restaurants — book well in advance for dinner in summer
- →Dick Mack's pub is a must-visit for traditional Irish music sessions — spontaneous and authentic
- →Hire a bicycle to cycle the Slea Head Drive — one of Ireland's most spectacular coastal roads
- →Visit the Blasket Islands by water taxi from Dunquin (8nm) — the last Blasket islanders left in 1953 and the ruins are haunting
- →The Dingle Ocean World aquarium is excellent — particularly for children and for background on local marine life
Facilities
Exceptional range of restaurants. Doyle's Seafood Restaurant (one of Ireland's finest) and numerous pubs with traditional music. Dick Mack's and John Benny Moriarty's are legendary music pubs.
Nearest provisions: Dingle town centre (0nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, July, August, September
May–September. Dingle is one of Ireland's most visited towns — July and August are extremely busy. June and September offer excellent conditions with significantly fewer tourists and more available anchorage space. Traditional music is year-round in the pubs.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 95m
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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