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Today's local tide estimates
High water: ,
Low water: * Coming soon
High water: ,
Low water:
Local weather
WNW Force 5, Partly Cloudy, 3°C
Swell today
Direction WNW, height 4.0 metres, period 9.9 seconds, significant wave height of 4.1 metres.
Summary* Restrictions apply
A completely protected location with safe access.
LWS draught
8 metres (26.25 feet).
Shelter See it »
Completely protected.
Nature (summary)
Marina, watched over, edifying, scenic, fish farming area, fees due, height restriction.
Facilities (summary)
Water hose, gas, fuel by jerry can, fuel by tanker, electricity, waste disposal, laundry, supermarket, extensive shopping, toilets, showers, hot food, public houses, cashpoint, post office, internet café, chandlery, marine engineering, electronic repair, bus, rail connections, airport within 25 km, cycle hire, car hire, tourist information, walks, family recreation.
Haven position? See it »
55° 0.358' N, 007° 19.162' W
Where is that position? See it »
This is the north-eastern end of the River Foyle Marina pontoon.
What are the initial fixes? See it »
The following waypoints will set up a final approach:
(i) Lough Foyle North Channel Initial Fix
55° 14.155' N, 006° 53.700' W
One mile east of Inishowen Head and 400 metres northwest of Red Tuns Light (port hand) Buoy F1. R.3s. It is set on the 222° line of bearing of the Martello tower on Magilligan Point that leads into the North Channel.
Please note: Initial fixes only set up their listed targets. Do not plan to sail directly between initial fixes as a routing sequence.(ii) Lough Foyle South Channel Initial Fix
55° 11.760' N, 006° 57.084' W
Midway between the shore and the southern edge of the Tuns Bank in the narrowest part of the South Channel in approximately 10 metres of water.
Please note: Initial fixes only set up their listed targets. Do not plan to sail directly between initial fixes as a routing sequence.
Why visit here?
Derry’s name is derived from an anglicisation of ‘Daire Calgaich’ meaning "oak-grove or oak-wood of Calgach". The old Irish ‘Daire’ is spelt in modern Irish ‘Doire Cholmchille’ or ‘Doire’. The location is one of the longest continuously inhabited places in Ireland.
Historical references date back to the 6th century when St. Colmcille / Columba founded a monastery. The current city was originally situated on a hill surrounded by an ancient rampart with six gates, beyond which it has since extended to both banks. It is now the fourth largest city on the island of Ireland, only second to Belfast in Northern Ireland, and historically significant.
It is a particularly unusual city in that its very name is open to debate. Londonderry is the official name according to the city's 1662 Royal Charter and it was reaffirmed by a 2007 High Court decision. However the city is more usually known as ‘Derry’. The name was altered to Londonderry during the Plantation of Ulster in 1613 to reflect the establishment of the old walled city by the London guilds. Today the name "Derry" is preferred by nationalists and Republic of Ireland reference it as such. All UK official material, charts plus unionists prefer "Londonderry’’ however in everyday conversation ‘Derry’ is also used frequently by Protestants.
Derry is also nicknamed the "Maiden City" by virtue of the fact that its walls were never breached. The walled city withstood several sieges, including ‘Siege of Derry’ in 1689 that lasted one hundred and five days. This makes it one of the very few European cities not to be overrun plus the only one with walls that remain completely intact. Constructed during the period 1613-1619 they were built to defend the plantation of Ulster settlers from Irish insurgents who did not welcome the occupation. Varying in height and width from 4 to 12 metres, 1.5 km in circumference and interspersed with a series of town gates, they provide a walkway around the old inner city. This unique promenade enables visitors to view the Renaissance style street plan of the original town that is the finest example of a walled city in Europe today.
Stunning vistas are not the exclusive preserve of the old city walls. The modern city that extended to cover both banks of the river is characterised by a distinctly hilly topography with the River Foyle forming a deep valley on either side. This makes the city of Derry a place of very steep streets and sudden, startling views.
Couple this with its focal point position in the important events of Irish history and a fascinating destination for tourism results. From the plantation, to the sieges, mass emigration to America, Australia and Liverpool, the surrender of U-Boats at Lisahally in WW2 and 'The Troubles' culminating in ‘Bloody Sunday’ there is much to intrigue the visitor. This colourful and varied cultural heritage may be embraced in many museums and sites of interest in-and-around the city. With Cityside, on the west, and Waterside, on the east, connected by the Craigavon Bridge all of this resides within easy walking distance of the pontoon. Furthermore the berth is situated in the heart of the historic city with many other attractions including restaurants pubs and a vibrant shopping centre close at hand.
Derry would be an amazing and contrasting berth on any coastline but especially so on this rugged and solitary stretch. Not alone is it a spectacular historic city but it also is an the ideal base for visitors to discover the delights of the North Antrim Coast, the Giant’s Causeway and the rugged beauty and hinterland of the Inishowen Peninsula and Donegal. It offers the northern cruiser a truly unique experience.
How to get in?
The ‘Routes: Malin Head to Strangford Lough coastal description’ provides approach information to the suggested Initial Fix. Vessels approaching from the west should select the eastbound sequenced description; vessels approaching from the east should select the westbound sequence; northern approaches may use either description.
Lough Foyle has two primary approach options, the North and South Channels with an Initial Fix provided for each option.
The North Channel is the main shipping channel. It resides between the Tuns Bank, on the east, and the Donegal’s Inishowen shore on the west. It is deep, steep-to on both sides, well marked and three quarters of a mile wide. It keeps the Tuns Bank to port. This bank extends about 3 miles in a north-easterly direction from the Macgilligan shore. Its highest part is near the south edge, which is steep-to on the west side, and it runs nearly parallel to the opposite Inishowen shore - breakers usually make its location visible. Vessels approaching from the west or north will naturally feed into the North Channel.
Easterly approaching vessel may avail of the North Channel but also have an alternate South Channel approach option. The South Channel, locally known as the back strand, is a cut that resides between the Tuns Bank and the Macgilligan shore. It has a least depth of 3.4 metres upon approach, is about 400 metres wide at its narrowest part and, although unmarked, is straightforward. Utilising this channel avoids heading out to the Tuns Buoy so that an inshore approaching vessel, from Portrush or the River Bann for instance, can save two or three miles of sailing.
Note: The South Channel is also convenient for vessels attempting to enter against the ebb with offshore winds. In this case it is possible to anchor off Magilligan Strand to await the flood.
Those selecting the North Channel will find Inishowen Head conspicuous for many miles to seaward. The head’s abrupt precipice is free from dangers extending more than 300 metres offshore and it is well marked. Two miles to the northeast of the head is the Lough Foyle Buoy, a safe water pillar buoy.
Lough Foyle Buoy - L Fl 10s position: 55° 15.322’N, 006° 52.616’W
Once Inishowen Head is abeam make for the listed ‘Lough Foyle North Channel Initial Fix’. This is set close to the Tuns buoy and tracks in southwest on the 222° line of bearing of the Magilligan Point Martello tower.
Tuns Buoy - F1 R 3 position: 55° 14.004’N, 006° 53.440’W
Half a mile south of Inishowen Head upon Dunagree Point resides Inishowen Lighthouse.
Inishowen - Lighthouse Fl (2) WRG 10s2 8m 18/14M position: 55° 13.556’N, 006° 55.749’W
Locally known as Shrove or Stroove Lighthouse it is a substantial white tower with two black bands. Inishowen Lighthouse provides a sectored light support for the commercial channel as follows; W211° to 249°, R14M 249° to 360°, G14M from 197 to 211°.
Please note: There is a smaller disused lighthouse that is white with one black band situated approximately a mile from Inishowen Lighthouse.
Continuing south in this channel leads past the Warren Lighthouse, a mile and a quarter to the southwest, on the north side of the entrance. This is a white round tower with a green abutment showing a visible white light 232°-061°.
Warren - Lighthouse Fl.W.1.5s 11m 4M position: 55° 12.600’N, 006° 57.100’W
Lough Foyle is then entered between Macgilligan point and the Inishowen shore. Magilligan Point has a pile structure light beacon off the point.
Magilligan Point - Red pile structure Q.R. 7m 4M position: 55° 11.730´N, 006° 58.055´W
Those making for the latter South Channel should come inshore from the east and approaching along the coast at a distance off of about 600 metres whilst making for the listed ‘Lough Foyle South Channel Initial Fix’. This is situated in the narrowest part of the South Channel, about midway between the shore and the southern edge of the Tuns Bank, in approximately 10 metres of water. Half a mile before Magilligan, come closer inshore to a distance off of 400 metres, to make way through the final cut south of the Tuns Bank. Once Magilligan point is abeam it is safe to turn into Lough Foyle between Macgilligan point and the Inishowen shore, a distance of half a mile with deep water all the way.
Please note if using the South Channel on an ebb tide be attentive to navigation as it sets strongly across the channel towards the unmarked southeast edge of Tuns Bank.
Lough Foyle is thirteen miles long and six miles wide and largely occupied by shallows. A commercial channel leads along its northwest shoreline to the River Foyle. Once inside the entrance, if it has not already been attended to, it is recommended that Harbour Radio is contacted and advised of your intentions.
Harbour Radio is open 24 hours Telephone: +44 28 7186 0313, e-mail: harbourradio@londonderryport.com, VHF: Channel 14, to make them aware that you intend to berth at the Foyle pontoon. Visiting boats, including day users, will be directed to stop at Londonderry Port, Lisahally. The Foyle Pontoon is entirely unmanned so harbour dues and access keys, plus tokens for shore power, are paid and collected from the harbour office at Lisahally situated close to the mouth of the Foyle River.
Once arrangements are complete it is simply a matter of following the northwest shoreline for two to three miles to Moville and Carrickarory pier area for the first section of the passage. There is plenty of room.
From abreast of Greencastle to Moville, the channel runs between McKenny’s Bank and the Inishowen shore. It is half a mile wide plus at least 12 metres deep and the northeast head of the McKinney's Bank is marked by a pile structure that must be passed to port.
McKinney's Bank - Red pile structure Fl.R. 5s position: 55° 11.285´ N, 007° 00.070´ W
Stand off the Inishowen shoreline in the latter part of the passage as the Moville Bank extends from the shore. Keeping the Inishowen lighthouse open of Greencastle, astern, will comfortably clear the Moville Bank until the Moville Bank Light structure is identified. This is a white house on green piles 13 metres in height on the banks outer reach and it should be passed to starboard.
Moville Light beacon – Fl WR. 2.5s 11m 4M position: 55°11.993'N, 007°02.129'W
From here proceed to pass between the Inishowen shoreline and the North Middle Bank. This bank is marked on its northeaster head by the Saltpans marker, 5 Red piles and a white superstructure, that should passed upon its north side - or the vessels port side.
Saltpans – red pile structure Fl.R. 2.5s 4m 3M 55° 10.520´ N, 007° 03.140´ W
Continue on following the abundant markers to enter the West Channel to the north of The Great Bank that leads to Lisahally and the Foyle River estuary. This then continues along between the north shore and Great Bank tracking between light beacons for a distance of about seven and a half miles to a position southeast of Culmore Point Light beacon.
Culmore, on point - Fl Q.W. 6m 3M position: 55° 02.780´N, 007° 15.245´ W
Caution: Transiting boats should take care not to impede commercial traffic in the channel. In its narrowest sections it reduces to 50 metres wide making it a highly restricted waterway for commercial traffic. Large vessels will be channel bound, have right of way, and have no capability to manoeuvre. Pleasure craft will find plenty of deep water close to the marks and should navigate the channel to the starboard side in and out.
Culmore Point Light beacon is a green round tower, black base that stands at the entrance to Culmore Bay and the River Foyle. A conspicuous spire, residing 1500 metres to the west of the point, will be seen upon approach plus a 95 metre high power pylon that carries an overhead power cable across the river - close east of the point and this restricts the river’s safe overhead clearance to 39 metres. On the east side of the river the Du Pont Jetty and then the Lisahally Terminal commercial sections of the port will be seen at the mouth of the Foyle River.
Derry city quays are no longer used for commercial traffic and all commercial shipping is catered for here including berthing arrangements for the unmanned Foyle Pontoon. To pick up the pontoon access card and arrange payment come alongside at the fish quay pontoon at the southwest end of the Lisahally Terminal. The office is situated on the quay less than 100 metres from here.
Once berthing arrangements have been attended to the final stretch to the city pontoon is approached through the Foyle River. The channel from Lisahally Terminal leads through the fairway of the River Foyle for a distance of just over three miles to the quays at Londonderry. It tends in a south-westerly direction, has a least width of 91 metres - with almost double this amount available at the pontoon area - and is very well marked. The city cathedral, on the summit of the hill, is a conspicuous object from the river, and may be seen from most parts of Lough Foyle.
The Foyle Marina is situated at the west side of the harbour below the new ‘Peace Bridge’. It is made up of two pontoons; an original 200 metres and a second 100 metre pontoon (being added 2012). There is adequate depth on either side of the pontoon with up to 7 metres on the outside and 5 metres on the inside at low water.
Please note: A speed restriction of 6 knots applies generally in the River Foyle, reducing to a limit of 4 knots in the vicinity of the visitor pontoon and tidal streams are fairly strong in parts of the river. The Foyle Pontoon is subject to a masthead height restriction of thirty two metres by the Foyle Bridge and navigation above Craigavon Bridge, at the south end of the harbour, is no longer possible.
What are the tides here?
Today's Dover tides — High water: 09:09, 21:36, Low water: 03:55, 16:22 From Tide Times
High Water Moville +0350 Dover
MHWS 2.3m MHWN 1.8m MLWN 0.8m MLWS 0.3m
Direction of stream
Offshore of Lough Foyle
Dover -0530 East going, +0030 West going; spring rate of 2 knots
In the Entrance
Dover -0320 Ebb (one hour less at Magilligan Point); spring rate of 3.5 knots.
Once inside the main channel the streams gradually reduce in strength inwards to the River Foyle and generally run in the direction of the main channel. A useful eddy 60 metres off the shoreline, that can be taken advantage of during both ebb and flood, is upon the northwest side of the entrance in the area between Warren Point and Moville.
What facilities are available?
There is electricity, waste reception facilities and water on the pontoon, but as off 2010 there are no showers. A new shower block is planned for construction this year and the nearby swimming pool may be availed of for a swim and shower in the interim. Launderette, provisions petrol, ‘luggable’ diesel, bottle gas are available on Strand Road, a short walk from the pontoon; bulk diesel by arrangement at Lisahally. The city has marine engineering, a yacht chandlery, but no boatyard.
The pontoon is a short walk from the city centre with all the facilities to service an urban population of 90,000, and a wider population, within 32 km of the city, of 237,000. Thus it has a wide variety of excellent restaurants, bars, shopping, and all other facilities to offer.
Transport connections are very good as the location serves a transport hub for nearby Counties Donegal and Tyrone as well as Derry City itself. All buses depart from the city centre Foyle Street Bus Station to destinations throughout Ireland including a daily half-hourly service to Belfast. Northern Ireland Railways (N.I.R.) have a single route from Londonderry railway station, on the Waterside, to Belfast. City of Derry airport is the main regional airport with year round scheduled flights to UK, Republic of Ireland and Europe offered by Aer Arann and Ryanair. Further flight options are available via Belfast International Airport, the main regional airport, and George Best Belfast City Airport that are accessible by bus and train.
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. The Irish Coast Guard has a coastal unit at Greencastle.
Other useful contacts in this area:
Harbour Master: VHF Ch 16 and 14 ~ Call sign "Harbour Radio"
Phone: +44 28 71 861113; Mobile: +44 780 1032387
All persons wishing to use the marina must check in at Harbour Radio
Harbour Radio Tel: +44 28 7186 0313 (24 hours)
Email: harbourradio@londonderryport.com; Coleraine Harbour Radio: VHF Ch 12; phone +44 28 70 342012
Police +44 70344122; Hospital +44 70344177; Doctor +44 70344831
Any security concerns?
Pontoon access is restricted to key holders only. CCTV monitors the area 24 hours a day controlled by the Harbour Office.
With thanks to:
Bill McCann, Londonderry Harbour Master.
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.