Sailing inyourfootsteps.com

6°C

Swell today

Direction NE, height 0.1 metres, period 8.7 seconds, significant wave height of 0.8 metres.

Haven position?

55° 9.893' N, 006° 44.766' W

Where is that position?

This is just over a mile upriver from the entrance. The river tends to the northeast here behind the beach’s sand-hills. It is on the northeast side of the river, upstream of the old Coastguard Station, and is a well used anchorage locally known as Dougan’s Bay.

What is the initial fix?

It is approximately six hundred metres north-northwest of the river entrance. It is set in open water, upon the 10 metre contour, in the 165° alignment of leading lights that lead between the pierheads. An approach of 165° will lead through the entrance from here.

What is the story here?

The River Bann exits Ireland’s north coast between Magilligan Point, at the entrance to Lough Foyle, and Ramore Head where Portrush Harbour resides. It is the longest river in Northern Ireland that offers the potential to freely anchor off the main channel or pick up moorings, berth in a marina or explore inland waterways.

Once inside the entrance to the River Bann, known as Barmouth, the river provides complete protection from any seaway. Vessels that choose to anchor near the mouth may however experience rig noise in robust conditions as there is little air cover provided by the sand-hills in this area.

Access is straightforward as all that is required is to pass between well lit stone training walls to enter the forty five metres wide channel. This is further assisted by alignment beacons and leading lights. However the entrance is subject to swell and requires careful planning as in adverse conditions it is subject to a dangerous surf. In the worst case, with north-west gales, the sea breaks right across the entrance making it impassable.

Consequently, the entrance should not be attempted in any developed onshore winds or swell. As a rule when overfalls are visible in the approach or the sea is noticeably breaking upon the pierheads, an entry should not be attempted. Furthermore, it is best to plan an approach to be at slack water or the first of a rising tide.

Why visit here?

The River Bann (An Bhanna in Gaelic) is the longest river in Northern Ireland, flowing for a total of 129 kilometres (80 miles), from the Mountains of Mourne to the Barmouth.

It is a river of two halves, the Upper Bann rising in the Mourne Mountains in South Down and flowing into the enormous Lough Neagh the largest inland Lough in the British Isles. The Lower Bann flows from the northern end of the Lough, through Lough Beg, to the Barmouth.

This thirty eight mile (51km) canalised river is navigable from the Barmouth to Lough Neagh with just five locks (including a double lock) with long stretches of open water. Boats no larger than 30 metres, beam 6.0 metres, draft 1.3 metres plus max air draft of 3.3m at LW Neaps can comfortably cruise to Lough Neagh. Directions for this passage may be obtained from the Department of Agriculture at The Cuts, telephone +44 28 70 342357 and a pilot is available from the River Bann and Lough Neagh Association, Drumslade, Coleraine.

Indeed the Upper Bann was once connected with the now disused Newry Canal, linking it up to the Irish Sea at Warren Point (covered separately) upon Carlingford Lough. This waterway was constructed in the middle of the eighteenth century, making it the oldest in the British Isles. Talks of re-establishing this canal are on-going.

Dropping the mast and going all the way through to Lough Neagh is a very attractive proposition. This is a beautiful run with natural woodlands on either side and salmon fishing off the boat. Lough Neagh’s 396 square km (153 square miles), 24km wide and 29km long, 12 metres deep offers sailing freedom without any airdraft restrictions. It is extremely popular for sailing regattas and further serves as a base for numerous canoeing, rowing and sailing clubs that are active throughout the year. The shores of the Lough are steeped in Ireland's most ancient history. For instance the 9000 years old human artefacts discovered at Toome Bay are the oldest in Ireland. Indeed the River Bann’s importance as a source and route has shaped the history of northern Ireland.

Civilisations dating to the Mesolithic and Neolithic eras have been excavated along the course of the river. In modern history it has played an important part in the industrialisation of the north of Ireland, especially the Upper Bann and its influence upon Portadown and the Linen Industry.

Today salmon and eel fisheries are the most important economic features of the river along with Coleraine’s limited commercial traffic. Leisure however is its primary usage and it is popular with canoeists, anglers and cruisers who share the resource with a rich variety of wildlife.

The Lower Bann is clearly a haven for boatmen plus there is a wide range of local activities available for visitors. Couple the complete protection with the potential to cruise Lough Neigh plus the excellent provisioning available at Coleraine, the Lower Bann is a not to be missed location for the Causeway Coast cruiser.

How to get in?

An eastern approach from Portrush or Ramore head, will find Portrush Bay shoals gradually inwards towards the strand – for coastal directions from further east please use details provided in the Portrush Harbour entry. 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.

From here a rocky shoreline leads two and a half miles west by southwest to Portstewart Point and this has two rocks in its immediate vicinity that need to be noted. 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 the rocky coast turns south and levels to a sandy beach backed by a range of sand-hills. This shoreline leads to the river entrance, two miles southwest of Portstewart Point.

By keeping the easterly approach at least half a mile off shore the passage will be clear of all dangers. It should be noted for the second half of both flood and ebb tides a beneficial tidal eddy runs along the coast between Ramore Head and the River Bann.

A western approach to the Bann from Lough Foyle will find a shoreline composed of rocky precipices rising to Mount Benevenagh’s 396 metre summit a short distance inland. The entire coastline is fronted by a low sandy beach extending nine miles from Magilligan Point. Notably, upon the cliff edge, just over a mile west before the entrance, the conspicuous classical Mussenden Temple, a white tower approximately five metres in height, will be seen.

With the exception of the Tuns Bank, extending three miles northeast from Magilligan Point at the Foyle entrance, this passage is clear of any danger save for the shoaling beach. A berth of at least 400 metres will keep a vessel well clear of this.

The River Bann Entrance Initial Fix resides approximately six hundred metres north-northwest of the river in the 165° leading lights alignment. It is an ideal point to commence an approach. Before progressing carefully monitor conditions for signs of breaking water as mentioned previously. If uncertain it would be advisable to phone Coleraine Harbour Radio in advance on +44 28 70 342012 or via VHF on Channel 12 and take advise.

The entrance, known as the Barmouth, is between stone training walls that projecting 400 metres north from the beaches. The east pierhead has a 4.5 metre high white conical concrete tower Fl R 5s 6m 2M whilst the west pierhead has a green metal post Fl G 5s 3m 2M.

Barmouth East Pierhead - Fl R 5s 6m 2M position: 55° 10.323'N, 006°46.338' W

Situated upon the west bank of the river are the leading light beacons that are 6 metres and 14 metres in elevation. The front is situated south-southeast of entrance and it is a five metre high white pyramidal metal tower; Oc 5s 6m 2M. The rear is situated approximately 300 metres further south southeast and it is a white square concrete tower; Oc 5s 14m 2M.

Approach from the Initial Fix east of north on transit will find the sand bar upon approach, thought constantly moving, dredged to a minimum depth of approx 3.5 metres. Enter the 45 metre wide channel between the pierheads keeping well clear of the area off the ends of pierheads (do not cut in at angles as both piers have off-lying enormous rock boulders). Take care that your entry does not impede any commercial traffic and tend towards the east wall as the western wall is foul with boulders.

Once inside the river channel maintain a uniform width of about 200 metres and depth of 3.4 metres to Coleraine and it is well marked with lit beacons; green Fl G 5s on the southwest side and red Fl R 5s on the northeast side. The only exceptions are the first two port hand markers upon entry immediately west of Ballyaghran Point. The first Lt Fl R 3s ( that oddly appears well west, almost in the centre channel) and the latter Lt (2) Fl R 3s resides close southeast.

A vessel can effectively anchor anywhere in the river provided they are close into the edge and out of the channel plus an anchor light must be hoisted throughout the night.

The anchoring location provided is a popular location on the northeast side of the river behind the sand-hills and upstream of the old Coastguard Station. It is locally known as Dougan’s Bay where moorings marked by a yellow buoy are reportedly available. These are maintained by Coleraine Yacht Club for the use of visiting boats.

What are the tides here?

Today's local tide estimates are based on High Water Belfast -0410
Today's Belfast tides — High waters: 11:15, 23:31, Low waters: 04:56, 17:13
Today's Dover tides — High waters: 11:14, 23:30, Low waters: 06:06, 18:22 (From Tide Times)
High Water Dover -0430. Belfast -0440sp, -0240np
MHWS 2.2m MHWN 1.8m MLWN 0.9m MLWS 0.4m

Direction of stream in River Bann
Dover +0225; In going; -0415 out going
Upon approach off Portstewart Point
Dover -0400 east by south, +0100 West by south, at 1.25 knots.

There is very little flood stream in the river. The ebb stream runs at up to 3 knots in the entrance and can cause uneven eddies as far out as two miles offshore. Further upriver the run falls back to one and a half to just one knot. Maximum speed is experienced with Spring tides during heavy rains when the run off from Lough Neagh greatly increase the force of the ebb. On the other hand the flood stream is weak.

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?

There are no faculties at this remote anchorage. Four miles upriver Coleraine has a long commercial quay that is close to the busy town plus a marina. All facilities are available there.

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.

Other useful contacts in this area:
Coleraine Harbour Radio: VHF Ch 12; phone +44 28 70 342012
Police +44 70344122; Hospital +44 70344177; Doctor +44 70344831.
Seaton’s Marina Phone +44 70832086, mobile 07733100915
Coleraine Marina Phone: VHF Ch 37 +44 28 7034 4768

Any security concerns?

Never an issue known to have occurred to a boat on anchor in the River Bann.

What navigational resources are available for this area?

British Admiralty 2798‘Lough Foyle to Sanda Island including Rathlin Island’ and / or British Admiralty 2723 ‘Western Approaches to the North Channel’ scale of 200,000:1 large scale. 2511‘Approaches to Lough Foyle’ 25,000:1; 2494 ‘Ireland-North Coast, Plans on the North Coast of Ireland’ at a small scale of 37,500:1 including River Bann and approaches. Imray chart C64 ‘Belfast Lough to Crinan and Islay’ plus Northern Ireland Ordinance Survey No. 5 and 4 at a scale of 1:50,000 for inland details.

With thanks to:

Terry Crawford, local boatman of many decades.

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