Sailing inyourfootsteps.com

Culdaff Bay, Inishowen, County Donegal, Ireland

---

Summary

Good location with straightforward access.

Harbour position?

55° 18.000' N, 007° 9.190' W

Where is that position?

This is the location of Culdaff's Bunnagee pier
head situated immediately southwest of the visitor moorings.

What is the initial fix?

The following waypoint will set up a final approach:

Culdaff Bay Initial Fix
55° 18.250' N, 007° 8.400' W
It is north of the bay in deep water tending towards the Bunnagee Point upon the bays western side. A bearing of 240° (T) for a distance of half a mile from this initial fix will lead to the location of the moorings off Culdaff's Bunnagee Pier.

What LWS draught is available?

3 metres (9.84 feet).

What are the tides and weather here?

High Water Dover -0500
Rise : 2.8-2.2m.

Direction of stream 1 mile north of Malin Head
Dover -0600 East going for 5 hours (ends -0100), max rate 4 kn.
Dover +0100 West going for 3 hours (ends =0400) , max rate 3 kn.
At other time the stream is slack.

Please note during the flood a useful eddy runs southeast inshore of a line from Dunmore Head to Glengad Head. Interesting tidal races set up quite unexpectedly at times along this coast when sailing off the shoreline.

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 considerations are there?

Culdaff bay is situated upon the Inishowen Peninsula on Ireland’s north coast. It is located about half way between Malin Head and Inishowen Head. The bay offers an anchorage with visitor moorings off Culdaff's Bunnagee Pier and the ability for shallower draft vessels to come alongside.

Culdaff is a good anchorage that is protected from south-southeast through south to north-northwest. Strong external tidal streams keep down the swell within the bay and causing them not to enter. The bay offers easy straightforward access at all states of the tide.

Please note although out of the run of the tide a boat can be tiderode in Culdaff causing them to roll uncomfortably sometimes.

How to get in?

A western approach from Malin Head to Lough Foyle will find a rugged Atlantic coastline. Malin Head, the north most point of Ireland, is a low 70 metre high rounded hill with a square derelict concrete tower on top. The shoreline here is bold, jagged and fringed by outlying rocks that are steep-to and always visible. With the exception of Scars Rocks, lying about 400 metres west of the headland and always visible, there are no off-lying obstructions. A berth of 300 metres or more clears all dangers here but it gets more challenging once Malin Head is rounded.

Careful advance planning is required as this corner of Ireland has to be treated with the utmost of respect. Here the Atlantic Ocean collides with the runs of the Irish coastal tide amidst two rocky island groups, the Garvan Isles and Inishtrahull.

The Garvan Isles that reside to the east of Malin Head. They are a collection of barren islands ranging from 15 to 22 metres in height that are surrounded by sunken rocks and shoals. Inishtrahull is a sizable uninhabited island situated three miles northwest of the outermost Garvan Isle. It is nearly a mile long and is made up of two rounded hills joined by a stretch of low ground with a lighthouse at its western end.

Inishtrahull Lighthouse - Fl(3)15s 59m19M position: 55° 55 25.864’N, 007° 14.628’W

The south side of the Inishtrahull is steep-to and clear of danger. However a dangerous 22 metre high arc of rock called the Tor Rock resides nearly a mile off Inishtrahull’s north side that requires attention.

There are three approaches to rounding Malin Head; the first, go through Inishtrahull Sound, the second go through Garvan Sound, the third, go way offshore and round Inishtrahull and the Torr Rocks.

If there is any sea running, bad weather, an adverse tide, or you are in doubt in any way, it is advisable to take the third option that is the safest route. Head out to sea and take the offshore route around the outside of Inishtrahull. Those taking the offshore route should give Inishtrahull, and more importantly the off lying Torr Rocks, a wide berth of at least three miles.

However if conditions are good with daylight and the inclination is towards more interesting sailing, the routes through either of the ‘Sounds’ are much shorter options. The first is the offshore Inishtrahull Sound route between the Garvan Isles and Inishtrahull and the latter is the Garvan Sound route between the Garvan Isles and the mainland. It should be noted there is only a mile to be saved by taking the slightly more complex inshore Garvin Sound route. The best advice to address either of these routes is to carefully study Garvan Isles and Sound charts well before the approach and factor in the tide to the timing. Here are some useful notes to observe.

For the three mile wide Inishtrahull Sound route the key rocks to note are Doherty rock that resides a quarter of a mile to the northwest. They uncover at three-quarters ebb when they are clearly visible by the breakers. Also Duvglas, the northernmost islet, that has an elevation of 17 metres. Once the Garvan Isles are abeam to starboard make way towards Glengad Head.

For the Garvan Sound route, the key rock to locate is the covered Blind Rock with 1.8 metres of water over it. It is situated approximately 800 metres to the northeast of a point on the mainland, and is to be left to the south passing through the sound. By keeping the Chimney Rock at Carrickaveol Head (approximately 4 miles east by southeast on the mainland coast) just open of the singular 70 metre high Stookaruddan (bold and loaf-shaped, 1.5 miles closer on the mainland coast) a vessel will pass approximately 400 metres to the north of the Blind Rock. This should represent a 117° line of bearing to track in.

When past Blind Rock and approaching Carnadreelagh Isle, or the low flat-topped Rossnabartan Isle comes due south, turn hard to the southeast for a very short leg to bring Stookaruddan onto a 115° bearing shutting Chimney Rock in behind it. This leads through the 600 metres wide Garvan Sound that exists between Carnadreelagh Isle and the 2.1 metre rock patch to the southwest of the cut. The least depth of the sound is 12.8 metres and once the Garvan Isles are abeam to port, make way towards Glengad Head.

The passage to Culdaff is rocky with high and brooding cliffs and once past Stookaruddan a berth of 400 metres will keep a vessel clear of all dangers. The stacks add interest along the route but caves and arches are very few and far between.

Glengad Head is a bluff headland with a remarkable hill near its extremity. The area to the south of Glengad Head is locally known as The Rue where the coast progressively lowers in height for the final two and a half miles south to Culdaff Bay. All dangers will be cleared by staying 200 metres or more off the shoreline here.

Culdaff bay resides between Bunnagee Point and Dunmore Head situated 1 mile east-southeast. Keep three hundred metres off Bunnagee Point to clear Bo Rock that resides immediately northeast of the point plus Carrickeeragh and Bo Drumdur to the east. The pier and river channel stay hidden from view until the Initial fix is approached.


Approaching from the east Inishowen Head provides a major landmark. Backed by high hills the bold precipitous and considerably indented Inishowen Head terminates the Lough Foyle’s mountainous north shore. The 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

Inishowen Lighthouse will be also be clearly visible. It is situated half a mile southwest of Inishowen Head upon Dunagree Point.

Inishowen Lighthouse - Fl (2) WRG 10s2 8m 18/14M position: 55° 13.556’N, 006° 55.749’W

Once Inishowen Head is abeam the coast to Dunmore Head is a distance of 8 miles in north by northwest direction. The passage is characterised by 100 to 200 metre high cliffs that are backed by high inland hills. Ashore the bays of Kinnagoe and Tremone offer alternate anchorages with beach landings in offshore winds but no facilities. The coast is steep-to and free from danger with 20 metres of water a quarter of a mile off. A berth of 300 metres off the shore clears all dangers in this area.

The Culdaff Bay initial fix is located to the northwest of the bay on the Bunnagee Point side of the bay. A bearing of 240° (T) for a distance of half a mile from the initial fix will lead to the location of the six moorings 140 metres east of Culdaff Head.

Alternatively a yacht may anchor south-southeast of the pier in 3 to 4 metres. Good holding in sand will be found here.

Culdaff Pier has 2 metres at its head but shoals and dries rapidly. Vessels drawing 1.4 metres that are less than 10 metres can lie afloat alongside the pier at MLWN but not at MLWS.

What facilities are available?

Water available near to the pier. Fuel and provisions may be obtained at the village of Culdaff. This is located about a mile up the Culdaff River, that flows into the bay to the south of the pier. It has a grocery shop and three pubs, one with a restaurant. Derry, 35km, has all the shopping you’d expect of a large provincial city.

What emergency contacts are there?

Malin Head MRCC/CRS (Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre / Coastal Radio Station) VHF Channel 23 or 1677 kHz covers the west and northwest coasts of Ireland from Slyne Head to Inishowen Head. Donegal Bay VHF Ch 04, Clifden VHF Ch 26, Belmullet VHF Ch 83, Glen Head VHF Ch 24 provide relay stations. Coastguard Radio is always called on a working channel. Emergencies are worked on 16, 67 and working channel. Alternatively, or if ashore, phone 999 or 121 (free) and ask for ‘Marine Rescue’. Gardai (police), Fire and Rescue are also available on this number. Malin Head MRCC/CRS may be contacted directly on +353 77 70103

Other useful contacts in this area:
Londonderry Harbour Master: VHF Ch 16 and 14 ~ Call sign "Harbour Radio"
Phone: +44 28 71 861113; Mobile: +44 780 1032387

Why visit here?

Culdaff ‘s name is derived from the Irish Cúil Dabhcha that has obscure origins and is thought to refer to a person’s name. It is a small attractive village with a beautiful sandy beach situated upon the spectacular Inishowen peninsula coastline.

The visually charming village is centred around two fine stone bridges and a green that features a covered hand pump. It is home to a population of approximately two hundred people and, although its present design dates back to the 18th century, the original settlement dates back to the 8th century St. Buadán monastery.

Close to the village is a sandy Blue Flag beach that is separated by a rocky outcrop into 'the small beach' and 'the big beach'. These are popular for bathing, water sports and fishing. A hotel, situated in the village, is the main gathering place for locals and visiting anglers and it is known for live music and good food. For those visiting in August they may chance upon a beer festival. A small picnic site up the Culdaff River is worth a visit. There is a track from the picnic site to the river but the narrow shallow channel is not practically addressed by dingy. Preferred access is via the car park behind a gap in the sand dunes on the beach.

The Culdaff’ area is steeped in ancient history with a stone circle at Bocan, the Carrowmore High Crosses, and the megolithic tombs at Deen and Care. Half a kilometre south of Culdaff there is a 600 year old graveyard at Cloncha with Scots Gaelic and Old Irish inscriptions. However it is in relatively modern history where the quiet out of the way coastline was forefront in a global conflict.

During world war two vulnerable convoys moved in and out into the Atlantic via the ‘North Channel’ to bring vital supplies to the UK and Russia. The ships funnelled here into a narrow area between two and forty miles offshore of Culdaff to keep in shallower water. But it was off this shoreline that Hitler's U-Boat wolf packs lay in wait and the destruction they unleashed was enormous. There are at least 150 charted wrecks within thirty miles of Culdaff Bay and with more unrecorded wrecks being discovered to this day by commercial vessels.

This has left Culdaff with an interestingly legacy. Today these wrecks, ideally situated in the rich and strong Atlantic currents, are literally packed with fish. This has turned Bunnagee Harbour into a centre for angling and water sports.

The wrecks are home to the rare torsk, a mix between a ling and a cod with a big head, wolf fish, cod and pollack. Anglers that come here continuously hit big fish on the wrecks. Likewise it is possible to fish off the end of Bunnagee Pier, off the rocks to the immediate north of the pier or the surf strand to the east of the pier that is best during late summer and early autumn. The fish stocks are good in the area with fish feeding on most tides and catches of twenty flatfish on a tide are not uncommon.

In sailing terms Culdaff Bay is one of the most protected and easily accessed anchorages along this coastline. It makes for a highly convenient wait location for favourable tide or weather to round Malin Head with a fine landing place at Bunnagee Pier.

However those who come here will find Culdaff itself a highly attractive place. The scenic location, surrounded by spectacular coastal and mountain scenery, ideally suited to hill walking, nature photography, angling or cycling. Local pubs and restaurants in the village provide good fare and an atmosphere that encourages a boatman to relax and enjoy a stay that may be longer than expected.

Any security concerns?

Never an issue known to occur to a vessel anchored in Culdaff Bay.

What navigational resources are available for this area?

British Admiralty 2811 ‘Sheep Haven to Lough Foyle including Inishtrahull’ scale of 37,500:1. Admiralty 2697 ‘Lough Swilly’ scale of 25,000:1 that includes Culdaff Bay at a scale of 10,000:1.

Imray chart C64 ‘Belfast Lough to Crinan and Islay’ and Chart C53 ‘Donegal Bay to Rathlin Island’ meet in this area. Discovery Ordinance Survey map No. 3 at a scale of 1:50,000 for inland details.

How can I get this offshore?

If you are receiving a mobile signal you can access all of our information via a standard mobile phone internet browser. We provide a streamlined version of the site at www.liyfs.com, which is a shortcut to our 'Lite' site called Lite.InYourFootSteps.com, that is simplified and optimised for speed. Here are the phonetics to pass the address on via VHF: WWW.LIYFS.COM, I SPELL... LIMA... INDIA... YANKEE... FOXTROT... SIERRA... DOT.COM. Similarly, if you have limited or expensive internet capabilities, you may switch to the 'Lite' site www.liyfs.com for faster more efficient access.

Alternatively you may print a hard copy to have aboard. Either print this page with 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.

With thanks to:

Terry Crawford, local boatman of many decades.

---

Please zoom out to see the 'initial fix' for this location.
Print this harbour

Add a review or comment:

Please log in to leave a review of this harbour.

Please note inyourfootsteps.com makes no guarantee of the validity of this information, we have not visited this harbour 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.