Schull Harbour
Skull Harbour · Schull anchorage
51°31.1'N 009°32.2'W
Depth
2–5m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
75m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m
75m appropriate for the sheltered inner anchorage with 3.4m tidal range. At HW springs depths reach 5–8m — ensure 7:1 scope minimum. Use a trip line — old mooring chains on the bottom near the pier. In fresh W or NW winds the anchorage becomes uncomfortable; use a visitor mooring for a more settled night or motor the 15nm to Castletownbere for complete shelter.
About This Anchorage
Schull is a vibrant, well-provisioned small town on the south coast of the Mizen Peninsula, with one of the best natural harbours in Roaringwater Bay. The town has a thriving arts and food scene — a farmers' market, excellent restaurants, and a famous cheese shop (Gubbeen Farmhouse). The harbour provides good shelter from the prevailing SW, with a sheltered anchorage in mud and sand east of the pier. Mount Gabriel (407m) to the north serves as a major air traffic control radar station and is a landmark for the whole region. Schull is a perfect provisioning stop between Baltimore and the outer Bantry Bay anchorages.
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 5m (CD) with a 3.5m tide, actual HW depth is up to 9m — use 63m+ 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 75m radius. 75m appropriate for the sheltered inner anchorage with 3.4m tidal range. At HW springs depths reach 5–8m — ensure 7:1 scope minimum. Use a trip line — old mooring chains on the bottom near the pier. In fresh W or NW winds the anchorage becomes uncomfortable; use a visitor mooring for a more settled night or motor the 15nm to Castletownbere for complete shelter.
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free to anchor. Visitor moorings from Schull Watersports Centre — approx. €15/night.
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Keep clear of the pier and quay — working harbour with fishing and dive vessels. No anchoring in the designated approach fairway. Schull has a large and active watersports scene — give way to kayaks, paddleboards and sailing school vessels.
Hazards
- !W and NW winds produce chop in the outer harbour — use visitor mooring in the inner area for settled nights in these conditions
- !Old mooring chains on the bottom east of the pier — use a trip line
- !Tidal range 3.4m springs — check actual depth at anchoring time
- !Rocks and shoals on the approach from the SW — consult Admiralty Chart 2092
- !Schull Harbour is shallow at LW springs in the inner section — plan arrival around HW if drafting over 1.5m
Skipper's Tips
- →Gubbeen Farmhouse cheese shop in the village is unmissable — one of Ireland's finest artisan food producers
- →Sunday farmers' market (June–September) is outstanding for provisioning with local produce
- →Schull Planetarium (the only public planetarium in the Republic) is a quirky and worthwhile visit
- →Fuel from the pier — ask at the harbourmaster's office for arrangements
- →The approach from the SW through Roaringwater Bay is beautiful — mind the scatter of islets and rocks
Facilities
Several excellent restaurants and pubs. Hackett's Bar, The Courtyard, and La Coquille are popular. Farmers' market on Sundays in summer.
Nearest provisions: Schull village (0.5nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, July, August, September
May–September. Schull is busiest in July and August when the arts scene is at its peak. June and September offer good provisioning with fewer visiting boats. Winter use is possible but the outer harbour becomes exposed in W/NW gales.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 75m
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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