Clifden Bay
53°29.3'N 010°05.6'W · Clifden town (Connemara) (3nm)
3–7m
Depth
Good
Holding
85m
Alarm radius
Low
Crowd level
Clifden Bay is the gateway to Connemara sailing — an anchorage in one of Ireland's most dramatic landscapes, surrounded by the wild Connemara hills and blanket bog of Co. Galway. Clifden town (3nm by road or dinghy) is the 'Capital of Connemara' — a vibrant market town with excellent pubs, restaurants and provisions. The Alcock and Brown transatlantic flight (first non-stop crossing of the Atlantic, June 1919) landed just north of Clifden at Derrigimlagh Bog — a bronze monument marks the spot. The bay is exposed to Atlantic swell from the W/NW — best used in settled easterly or southerly conditions. The inner Connemara lakes (freshwater) are accessible to those willing to explore by road.
Best Months
Anchor Zones
Inner bay — anchorage off Clifden approach
Good3–7m · Alarm: 85m
Anchor in 3–6m (CD) in the inner bay, approaching from the NE channel (the W channel has rocks). Sand and mud bottom — good holding. The bay opens to the W/NW — Atlantic swell enters in westerly conditions. Tidal range approximately 3.5–4.0m springs. ICC Sailing Directions give full approach details — the inner bay is navigable but requires careful pilotage to avoid the numerous rocks and shoals marked on Admiralty Chart 2096.
Setting Your Anchor Alarm
85m radius for the inner bay. The exposure to W/NW means Atlantic swell can enter — not suitable for overnight in sustained westerlies. In these conditions, an anchorage on the N side of the bay (behind the headland) provides better shelter. Tidal range 3.5–4.0m springs — plan scope and verify depths at anchor time.
Recommended radius: 85m
Hazards & Warnings
- !Atlantic swell from W/NW — not suitable for overnight in westerly conditions
- !Numerous rocks and shoals — ICC Sailing Directions and large-scale chart essential
- !Tidal range 3.5–4.0m springs — verify actual depths at anchor time
- !Remote provisioning — carry food and water for 3+ days; Clifden is 3nm by road from the anchorage
Skipper's Tips
- ✓The Alcock and Brown transatlantic landing monument at Derrigimlagh Bog is well worth a visit — a 2-hour walk from the nearest road
- ✓Clifden town has excellent pubs (E.J. King's and Lowry's are the most celebrated) and a good supermarket
- ✓The Sky Road from Clifden offers extraordinary views over the bay and the offshore islands — drive or cycle it if you have transport
- ✓Roundstone (10nm south by sea) is a quieter alternative anchorage with a good pub and the only traditional bodhran maker in Ireland
Facilities
Anchoring Rules
- Permit:
- Not required
- Fee:
- Free
- Restrictions:
- Numerous rocks and shoals throughout the bay — approach only with large-scale chart (Admiralty 2096) and ICC Sailing Directions. The NE channel approach is the recommended route — do not attempt the W channel without local knowledge.
Sleep Safely at Clifden Bay
Set your anchor alarm to 85m. UK tidal ranges mean your boat swings — Safe Anchor Alarm keeps watch through the night.
Download Safe Anchor Alarm — Free