Click the logo for the 'Lite' search page.
Today's local tide estimates
Low water: 00:41,
High water: 07:00
Low water: 12:58,
High water: 19:16
Local weather
ENE Force 6, Partly Cloudy, 7°C
Swell today
Direction NW, height 0.1 metres, period 9.0 seconds, significant wave height of 1.1 metres.
Summary
A good location with straightforward access.
LWS draught
3 metres (9.84 feet).
Shelter See it »
Sheltered: NE, E, SE, S, SW, W
Unprotected: N, NW
Nature (summary)
Marina, alongside pier, moorings, sailing club, no minder, urban, scenic, edifying, strong tides, fees due.
Facilities (summary)
Water hose, tap, diesel alongside, gas, fuel by jerry can, slipway, waste disposal, laundry, supermarket, toilets, showers, hot food, public houses, cashpoint, post office, internet café, doctor, pharmacy, sanitation pump-out, electronic repair, bus, rail connections, cycle hire, car hire, tourist information, walks, handicapped access, family recreation.
Haven position? See it »
55° 12.340' N, 006° 39.600' W
Where is that position? See it »
This position is at the southern end of the substantial North Pier where a light stands Lt F1.R.3s. It is adjacent to the harbour entrance that is between the pier heads of the north and south piers.
What is the initial fix? See it »
The following Portrush Harbour Initial Fix waypoint will set up a final approach:
55° 12.920' N, 006° 40.400' W
Approximately three quarters of a mile northwest by north of the harbour in open water to the west of Ramore head. It is set on the 083.5° / 263.5° ‘Storks Beacon’ line of bearing that leads through the middle of Skerries Sound. Track in on 144°, to the northern pierhead and entrance.
Why visit here?
Portrush (from the Irish: Port Rois meaning "the landing place on the promontory") has a history that dates back to antiquity where Ramore Head’s name is derived from ‘Rath Mhor’ meaning 'big ring fort'.
The current town began as a small fishing village near the remains of a Norman Castle and a medieval abbey. Major development came in the 19th century following the industrialised post-railway holiday boom. Thousands came to enjoy new found leisure time at Portrush's three sandy beaches, the West Strand, East Strand and White Rocks, that are among the finest beaches in Ireland. During this period Portrush acquired its elegant terraces of Georgian houses that reach out along the mile long peninsula towards Ramore Head. It is in this stretch of construction that the main part of the old town resides including the railway station as well as most hotels, restaurants and bars.
Portrush carries forward its legacy today as a bustling seaside town that hosts a considerable number of summer visitors and runs special events throughout the year. It has a variety of eating out options with restaurants, gastro pubs, cafes, hotels and has all amenities a popular holiday resort demands including the renown Royal Portrush Golf Club situated upon the peninsula. As such the town offers a host of activities for all the family and it is an especially good location for younger family members.
Well worth visiting in the immediate area is Dunluce Castle that is upon the coast three miles east of Portrush, on the coast road towards Portballintrae, and south of the Storks. The spectacular castle-crowned crag that stands a hundred feet above the sea is thought by many to be the most picturesque and romantic of Irish castles. World renown attractions such as the Giants Causeway (10 miles from Portrush), Old Bushmills Distillery & Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge are also located nearby making the trip very worthwhile.
The Skerries, where it is possible to anchor, are an important habitat to a large population of breeding seabirds of which several bird species are unique. Interestingly the islands claim a foot note in geological history. Formed from cooled volcanic lava geological evidence from this outcrop was pivotal in proving the theory that basalt is formed from cooled volcanic lava.
From its secure picturesque harbour, surrounded by restaurants, wine bars and cosy pubs to its beautiful sandy beach, with panoramic views over the ocean to the Causeway Coast, Scotland and the Donegal hills, not to mention a wide range of activities for younger folk, there’s something for everyone aboard a vessel that chooses to visit Portrush. Furthermore it is an ideal staging post for further cruising. It is an perfect location to set up a westward jump around Malin Head or even an eastward one around Fair Head.
How to get in?
A western approach, will find a range of sand-hills from the entrance to the river Bann, four miles to the westward of Portrush to Portstewart Point. This coast is clear of danger until Portstewart Point.
Residing two and a half miles west of Portrush, Portstewart Point has two rocks in its immediate vicinity. The nine metre high Black Rock, 100 metres northeast of Portstewart Point, and a half-tide rock called Lausons Rock, 150 metres out from Black Rock.
From Portstewart Point a rocky shoreline leads north by northeast for the last mile to the harbour. Closer in Portrush Bay shoals gradually inwards towards the strand. Upon the Bay’s west side lies Rock Doo, 200 metres out from the shore drying to 1.2 metres, and about a 200 metres further to the west of it is the Moat, a half-tide rock.
By keeping half a mile off shore, vessels approaching from the west will be clear of all dangers. There are no dangers to be found in the immediate vicinity of the harbour.
Approaching from the Irish sea please use Ballycastle or Church Bay, Rathlin Island for further information on an Irish Sea approach.
Rathlin Sound is clear of dangers with the exception of Carrickmannanon off Kinbane Head, two and a half miles southeast of Sheep Island. This rock is visible as it nearly always breaks and dries to 0.3 of a metre.
West of Sheep Island as far as ‘The Skerries’ the mainland coast is composed of a rugged broken shore that is subject to a heavy surf. The mainland’s predominant feature is of black basaltic cliffs alternating with limestone and inland hills rising to heights of 180 metres in places. There are some outlying rocks, but there are no hidden dangers beyond a quarter of a mile from the shoreline.
There is ample water through Skerries Sound, between these small islands and the headland, making it a convenient approach to Portrush. Although tides may be disturbed one either side of the Skerries it sets fair through the Sound that is free from outlying island dangers. However in poor weather or visibility, without the benefit of an experienced local boatman aboard, it would be best to avoid the unnecessary narrow channel and approach Portrush from outside the Skerries.
Taking the inshore route a vessel will first come by the Stork Rocks a mile before the Skerries and four miles southwest from Benbane Head. Stork Rocks are awash at high water and the sea breaks heavily in any swell here. They are half a mile offshore of Dunluce Castle, two and a half miles from Ramore head and just to the east of the entrance to Skerries Sound. The Storks are marked by a red conical metal beacon, ball topmark, 11 metres in height.
The ‘Storks Beacon’ provides a line of bearing, eastbound ahead 083.5° or westbound astern 263.5° that leads through the middle of Skerries Sound. The north side of Stork Rocks is steep-to with 13 metres and more. However to the south and east side has foul ground extends 300 metres. Further south, between the foul ground and the shore, there is a clear channel with up to 11 metres of water.
The Skerries reside one mile from the shore and are formed from a chain of low rocky islets. From the five metres high Black Rock, at the easternmost end, they extend for a mile and a half in a westerly direction. Great Skerrie is about 200 metres across, 25 metres in height whilst little Skerrie is 15 metres high. The smaller rocks here are a washed and in north-west gales the spray flies over them all. Carr rocks mark the western end of the Skerries group. Situated 400 metres northeast by north of Ramore head they uncovered at half-tide and are always visible by the break upon them.
There are two dangerous sunken rocks that need specific attention during the passage through the Skerries Sound that reside to the north of Ramore Head and south of Carr Rocks. ‘Reviggerly’ that is a shelving rock that extends 50 metres into the sound from the east part of Ramore Head on the south side. Then opposite, on the north side of the sound two sunken rocks just under 100 metres to southwest of the 5 metre high Carr Rock.
The latter sunken rocks are the concern as the bay’s east going tide sets strongly towards Ramore head, across the entrance of Skerrie sound and onto these covered rocks. The safest option, travelling either way, is to tend to the southern side of the sound where the reliably visible partially exposed Reviggerly reef resides and the steep-to Ramore Head. This said, here at Sound’s narrowest point, between Carr Rocks and Ramore head, it is at least 200 metres wide, clear of danger, with depths 14 metres of water through the middle.
The Portrush Initial Fix resides on the ‘Storks Beacon’ line of bearing and may be a helpful guide for an easterly approach through the Sound, or northerly approach outside.
Portrush Harbour is entered between the heads of North Pier and South Pier on each of which stands a light. The North Pier: Fl R 3s 220°-160°, The South Pier: Fl G 3s 220°-100°. Leading lights are some times available flashing red on red triangles 028° but these are normally only switched on for lifeboat use. Although the harbour is well lit please note those planning a night entry will find it difficult to pick out the navigation lights from the town lights behind.
The eddies in Portrush bay make the harbour difficult to approach in light winds by sail. Only the first quarter of the ebb sets from Ramore Head towards the harbour. After this an eddy commences running, for the remainder of the ebb and the whole of the flood, from the harbour out along the rocks to the northward. Furthermore the winds in the harbour entrance are known to be fluky. So be prepared to power from Ramore Head into the harbour.
Be careful upon final approach. The north pier should be given a wide berth as a sunken breakwater, with 0.6 metres of cover, runs out about 20 metres to the southwest from the pier. Also in robust conditions a ground swell runs across the entrance. Anything onshore above a force four of five and the harbour should be avoided altogether. In all cases, once the entrance has been identified, come south until it is well open before turning northeast into the harbour.
Once through the entrance berth take a central route up through the harbour and come alongside the 183 metres long north quay, with depths of 2.7 metres alongside. A slightly uncomfortable swell will be felt in westerly conditions and when these are prevalent the best berths are further along the wall. Once the vessel is secured seek directions from harbour office. A temporary overnight stay is possible upon a pontoon berth at the east end of the north quay, with depths of 3 to 5 metres, but this must be vacated in the morning. Vacant moorings may be also be available by arrangement with the harbour master.
What are the tides here?
Today's local tide estimates are based on High Water Belfast -0415
Today's Belfast tides — High water: 11:15, 23:31, Low water: 04:56, 17:13
Today's Dover tides — High water: 11:14, 23:30, Low water: 06:06, 18:22 (From Tide Times)
High Water Dover -0440. Belfast -0433
MHWS 1.9m MHWN 1.4m MLWN 0.8m MLWS 0.4m
Direction of stream
Skerries (approximates)
Dover -0345 east going, HW west going, at 3- 3.5 knots.
Off Portstewart Point;
Dover -0400 east by south, +0100 West by south, at 1.25 knots.
At the Skerries the ebb stream or west going stream sets fair through the anchorage and sound to the westward, attaining a velocity of 3 to 3.5 knots in the constricted passage between Ramore head and the Carr rocks. Eastbound vessels should make note that the flood stream sets from Ramore head towards Carr Rock. However it turns east in about mid channel in the sound when it sets fair. In heavy weather an unpleasant seaway will be found in the sound that is best avoided.
The latest monthly Dover and Dublin (North Wall) tides courtesy of the National Environmental Research Council. Printable monthly tides for Dublin, Dunmore, Cobh, Galway, Belfast are available from the ISA.
The national weather forecast, Met Éireann and BBC shipping forecasts, plus a very simplified Ulster tourist outlook. From an Atlantic perspective a 24 hour North Atlantic synoptic chart that you may ‘right click’ and save to your hard disk. Met Éireann’s Eastern Atlantic chart and the BBC’s surface area forecast plus visible satellite images for Ireland and Northeast Atlantic from Met Éireann. Wind observations, XC UK & Ireland, Windguru wind & wave reports, and Windfinder where you can determine a forecast time. Coastal radio stations (VHF Channel) Weather forecast at 0103 and thence every 3 hours updated every sixth. Dublin 83, Wicklow Head 87, Rosslare 23 and Mine Head 83. Radio broadcasts on RTE 1 (89.1FM) 0603, 1253, 1655 and 2355.
A free tidal range prediction application for windows, a simple tide monitor plus the rule of twelfths are available in inyourfootsteps.com shared ‘experience’.
What facilities are available?
The pontoon offers water, fuel and arrangements can be made to dispose of waste from on-board waste tanks. Fresh provisions including gas and a launderette can be obtained from the sizable town servicing a population of about 6,500 that expands exponentially during the summer. Portrush Yacht Club has showers and resides in a modern building adjacent to the Harbour Office on the quay. Visitors will find its members very welcoming. A slip plus a good beach for scrubbing can be found inside the harbour.
Portrush is a busy and friendly holiday town with all the pubs good restaurants, wine bars and cafe resources you would expect. Its railway station is the last stop on the Coleraine-Portrush line, where travellers can connect with trains to Derry, Belfast and beyond. Translink run a regular bus and train service to and from Portrush. Nearest airport at Aldergrove 77 km.
What emergency contacts are there?
Belfast Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC). Operational Area: Northern Ireland/ Irish Republic Border, Lough Foyle to Northern/Irish Republic Border Carlingford Lough. Belfast Coastguard (MRSC) VHF Ch 16, liaises closely with IRCG. Emergencies are worked on 16, 67 and working channel.
Alternatively, or if ashore, phone 999 and 112 and ask for ‘Marine Rescue’. Police, Fire and Rescue are also available on this number. Belfast (MRSC) may be contacted directly on +44 2891 463 933. Portrush is an auxiliary station with an all weather lifeboat and an inshore lifeboat (summer only) stationed in the harbour. There is also a coastguard lookout upon Ramore Head. HM Coastguard Sector Office +44 28 70 823356 has a remote aerial connected to Bangor CG VHF Ch. 16 and 67.
Other useful contacts in this area
Portrush Harbour Master: VHF Ch. 14; Phone +44 28 70 822307
Portrush Yacht Club Phone: Phone +44 28 70 823932
Web: http://www.portrushyachtclub.com/
Police phone: +44 28 7083 44122
Doctor phone: +44 28 7082 3767
Hospital phone: +44 28 7034 4177
Any security concerns?
Never an issue known to have occurred in Portrush.
What navigational resources are available for this area?
British Admiralty 2798 ‘Lough Foyle to Sanda Island including Rathlin Island’ scale of 200,000:1 plus 2494 ‘Ireland-North Coast, Plans on the North Coast of Ireland’. Imray chart C64 ‘Belfast Lough to Crinan and Islay’ plus Northern Ireland Ordinance Survey No. 5 and No. 4 at a scale of 1:50,000 for inland details.
With thanks to:
Terry Crawford, local boatman of many decades.
Please note inyourfootsteps.com makes no guarantee of the validity of this information, we have not visited this haven and do not have first-hand experience to qualify the data. Although the contributors are vetted by peer review as practised authorities, they are in no way, whatsoever, responsible for the accuracy of their contributions. It is essential that you thoroughly check the accuracy and suitability for your vessel of any waypoints offered in any context plus the precision of your GPS. Any data provided on this page is entirely used at your own risk and you must read our legal page if you view data on this site.
