Sailing inyourfootsteps.com

4°C

Swell today

Direction ESE, height 0.1 metres, period 9.9 seconds, significant wave height of 0.7 metres.

Haven position?

55° 12.089' N, 006° 59.134' W

Where is that position?

This is the position of the east pierhead at the harbour entrance where a light stands Fl. G3s 5M.

What are the initial fixes?

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.

(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.

What is the story here?

Greencastle is situated on the Inishowen Peninsula upon the north coast of Ireland. It is a small fishing harbour immediately inside Lough Foyle’s entrance on the northwest shore. Although a busy fishing harbour it welcomes yachts inside.

Situated at the north end of the Lough Foyle estuary the inner harbour provides complete protection. The three quarters of a mile wide commercial shipping channel, supported by a lighthouse with sectored light, provides safe access in all reasonable conditions. Although tidal streams are occasionally strong, it is accessible at all states of the tide and is adjacent to a well-marked commercial shipping channel.

Please note many dated publications indicate anchoring outside the harbour is the preferred Greencastle option. This has not been the case for a long time as it places vessel in the run of the Lough’s tide most likely causing an obstruction to the Magilligan-Greencastle ferry. A current noticed to mariners has been issued warning of an incomplete harbour extension with dangers exposed that require additional care.

Why visit here?

Greencastle, or in Irish An Caisleán Nua in Irish, derives its name from the castle that was built in 1305 to provide an Anglo-Norman power base in the northwest.

The castle was constructed by Richard de Burgo, the Red Earl of Ulster, and remained in use until the end of the 19th century - the ruins of the extensive castle are a popular tourist attraction. A more modern Martello Fort was built beside these Norman ruins in the 19th century to stand opposite the Macgilligan Point tower to defend the Lough Foyle approach at the time of Napoleon.

Likewise the first substantial pier was built at Greencastle in 1813 and has been added to several times since. Indeed today the pier also contains a newly built pilot office to replace the decommissioned pilot office at the separately covered Carrickarory Pier.

Today, as well as being a tie up for trawlers, it is the home to an excellent maritime museum located in the old coast guard station in Greencastle harbour. The museum displays a wide variety of marine history from the emigration story to local fishing boats and methods. Displays contain extensive collections of artefacts, memorabilia of all things maritime that including fully rigged boats and Currachs. It also features planetarium laser technology that runs four educational and entertaining shows a day.

Nowadays, placing the decline in the fishing industry alongside the surrounding scenic rugged Inishowen Peninsula, Greencastle has come to resemble more closely a 'typical' Donegal holiday village. Positioned immediately inside the entrance of Lough Foyle, with good shore facilities that come with interesting entertainments alongside, Greencastle has become a much used steppingstone for the Irish coastal cruiser.

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.

Greencastle is situated at the entrance to Lough Foyle that 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°.
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.
Caution: 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.

Once inside Lough Foyle will be found to be thirteen miles long and six miles wide and largely occupied by shallows. From the entrance it is simply a matter of making for Greencastle Harbour on the northwest shore opposite to Macgilligan Point.

In the past a conspicuous white tower on the quay could be seen plus the grey tower of the church will be clearly visible upon approach. At night a sectored light leads into the harbour and there are lights on the pierheads Fl. G3s 5M to starboard Fl. R3s 5M to port.

However this may be changed whilst owing to current construction that has been suspended. Marine Notice No. 09 Director General Maritime Safety Directorate 29/04/2010 advises:

The Department of Transport wishes to advise that construction work on the breakwater outside Greencastle Harbour, Co. Donegal has been suspended.

Mariners are advised that the partly constructed breakwater extends 155 metres from land and is marked by an east cardinal beacon on its seaward end. Note that the submerged portion of the breakwater extends 40 metres out from the waterline.

As notified in Marine Notice No.18 of 2008, there are ten tubular steel piles located on the east side of the breakwater. These piles are hazards to navigation – the most seaward pair of piles have lighted special marks and the harbour-side piles are painted yellow. Mariners are advised to stay at least 50 metres clear of the breakwater and of the piles at all times.

Mariners are further advised that strong tidal currents occur in the Greencastle breakwater area. The tidal current pattern caused by the breakwater may affect vessel movement in the area. Strong and localised ebb current flows occur in an approximate East North East direction off the seaward end of the breakwater and are particularly noticeable at periods of spring tides or of high freshwater flow. Mariners are advised to exercise caution regarding the changed tidal current pattern at all times when navigating in the area of Greencastle breakwater and harbour.

Due to this construction work, currently suspended, entering the harbour may require specific care. Lights and layout will not be as set out in existing charts or pilots.

Once inside leisure vessels should come into the harbour and berth alongside other leisure craft in the harbour, a fishing boat or tie up to the pier. Do not come alongside the pilot boat or berth in such a fashion that will obstruct it. Depths of up to five metres will be found inside the entrance dropping to two metres further inside the harbour.

It is possible to anchor outside the harbour clear of the ferry and fishing boat traffic but it is much less appealing. Those who elect to do so should buoy the anchor as the bottom is foul with old moorings and dig the anchor in well as there is little protection from the tide here. Land either at Queen's Port or west pier at the southwest entrance point or come alongside in the harbour.

What are the tides here?

Today's Dover tides — High waters: 11:11, 23:32, Low waters: 06:21, 18:43 ^{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?

Water is available at a tap on the pier in the harbour and a nearby garage provides petrol and diesel. Marine repair work, based around the fishing fleet’s steel or wood work, are available at a yard alongside the harbour.

The Magilligan-Greencastle ferry that reportedly saves 78 km (or 49 miles) of driving, which would be through Derry operates from here. The harbour is located about 20 miles from Derry a regional city hosting an urban population of 90,000. It has a wide variety of excellent restaurants, bars, shopping, and all other facilities to offer. Likewise transport connections are very good as Derry serves as a major transport hub for nearby Counties Donegal and Tyrone as well as Derry City itself. Buses and trains are available for destinations throughout Ireland from here.

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:
Greencastle Harbour Master Mobile: +353 872 50 2231
Londonderry Harbour Master: VHF Ch 16 and 14 ~ Call sign "Harbour Radio"
Phone: +44 28 71 861113; Mobile: +44 780 1032387

Any security concerns?

Never an issue known to occur to a vessel anchored outside Greencastle, alongside all normal security provisions should be attended to on an open quay.

What navigational resources are available for this area?

British Admiralty 2798 ‘Lough Foyle to Sanda Island including Rathlin Island’ scale of 200,000:1 and 2723 ‘Western Approaches to the North Channel’ scale of 200,000:1 large scale. Closer in Admiralty 2811 ‘Sheep Haven to Lough Foyle including Inishtrahull’ scale of 75,000 and Admiralty 2511 ‘Approaches to Lough Foyle’ scale of 25,000:1 and 2510 ‘Approaches to Londonderry’ scale of 25,000:1.

Imray chart C64 ‘Belfast Lough to Crinan and Islay’ plus Northern Ireland Ordinance Survey No. 3 and 4 at a scale of 1:50,000 for inland details.

With thanks to:

Bill McCann, Londonderry Harbour Master and Terry Crawford, local boatman of many decades.

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How can I get this offshore?

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Alternatively print this page's text, illustrations and photos, but without the internet menu, layout, backdrops and Google maps, or economise upon printer consumables and print this page with text only, to get a hardcopy of this location.

What other useful information is available?

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’.



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