Sailing inyourfootsteps.com

15°C

Swell today

Direction E, height 0.0 metres, period 9.9 seconds, significant wave height of 0.3 metres.

Haven position?

55° 15.560' N, 007° 0.450' W

Where is that position?

This is a possible anchoring location off the beach.

What is the initial fix?

It is three quarters of a mile out, situated on the 20 metre contour approximately half way between Dungloon rocks and The Dutchman reef. A bearing of 245°(T) for a distance of three quarters of a mile from the initial fix will lead into one of the possible anchoring locations in the area.

What is the story here?

Kinnagoe Bay is beautiful secluded anchorage situated upon the Inishowen Peninsula on Ireland’s north coast. It is located three mile to the southeast of the better know Culdaff Bay. It offers boat landings on the beach in offshore winds and no shore facilities.

Kinnagoe Bay is a good anchorage that is protected from southwest through south to southeast. 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 Kinnagoe Bay causing them to roll uncomfortably sometimes.

Why visit here?

Kinnagoe Bay is regarded by many as being the most beautiful along this coastline. Here the high Inishowen coastal cliffs drop down to the sea to enclosing a crescent of spectacular golden sands. The secluded bay is truly a hidden County Donegal gem.

Kinnagoe Bay’s fame however is derived more from history than beauty. For it was here that ‘La Trinidad Valencera’, one of the ill-fated Spanish Armada galleons, foundered in a terrible storm whilst fleeing the English fleet.

It was 1588 and more than two dozen fleeing ships from the Spanish Armada came too close to Irish shores. They foundered upon coastal rocks from Antrim to Kerry. Close by, and caught in the eye of a hurricane, one of the most ferocious ever to hit the area, the ‘Barca de Amburg’ started taking in water and was abandoned. It capsized off the north Antrim coast and her crew were taken on board other ships that in turn sank. In the same vicinity ‘Castillo Negro’ disappeared without trace taking all 310 souls aboard with her. The badly damaged 42 gun ‘La Trinidad Valencera’ elected to run aground in an effort to save its crew. So ended the fourth largest ship of the Spanish Armada, on a reef off Kinnagoe Bay.

It was not until February 1971 that the last resting place of La Trinidad Valencera was finally discovered. During a dive by members of the City of Derry Sub-Aqua Club artefacts were discovered that later confirmed the wreck. These included bronze cannons bearing the arms of the King Philippus Rex; weapons from skilled Venetian craftsmen; pieces of stringed instruments; wheels and navigational tools; grenades and pottery. Some of the impressive finds from the ship, including recovered cannons, are housed in the Tower Museum in Derry.

Today all that remains is a plaque above the bay. Overlooking Kinnagoe Bay, it commemorates the wreck, with perhaps one of the finest views in Ireland in the backdrop.

How to get in?

Western Approach. A western approach from Malin Head to Kinnagoe Bay will find a rugged Atlantic coastline. Malin Head, the northern 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. It should be noted that Inishtrahull has a separately covered anchorage Portmore situated upon its northern side.

There are three lines of attack available to round Malin Head; the first is to 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. It should be noted that Slievebane Bay and Malin Harbour provide a separately covered anchorage immediately south of Garvan Sound.

The passage to Kinnagoe Bay 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.

The separately covered Culdaff Bay is passed next between Dunmore Head and Bunnagee Point. Keep at least three hundred metres off Bunnagee Point to clear Bo Rock that resides immediately northeast of the point. Next is the separately covered Tremone Bay is three miles further southeast, between Rubonid Point and Ballymagaraghy Point, that similar to the Kinnagoe Bay anchorage offers a beach landings in offshore winds but no facilities. Kinnagoe Bay is just two miles further to the southeast keeping offshore of Kinnagoe Head that extends out with Dungloon cliffs where ‘The Galleon’ sea stack may be seen.

Eastern Approach. 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 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 separately covered anchorage of Portkill is passed on the approach to Kinnagoe Bay. Keep well clear of the shore on the eastern side of the bay as ‘The Dutchman’ reef extends out 300 metres from the shore here. Other than that 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.

Final Approach. The Kinnagoe Bay Initial fix is three quarters of a mile out, situated on the 20 metre contour approximately half way between Dungloon rocks and The Dutchman reef. A bearing of 245°(T) for a distance of three quarters of a mile from the initial fix will lead into one of the possible anchoring locations in the area. The bay is free of obstructions.

Find a location to anchor with a suitable depth that makes the best of the prevailing conditions. Holding is very good in sand but there are the occasional rocks. Land on the beach by dingy.

What are the tides here?

Today's local tide estimates are based on High Water Belfast -0500
Today's Belfast tides — High waters: 01:11, 13:24, Low waters: 07:09, 19:27
Today's Dover tides — High waters: 01:04, 13:22, Low waters: 08:17, 20:33 (From Tide Times)
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 facilities are available?

Kinnagoe Bay is a seclude and remote bay with no facilities ashore save for an access road.

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

Any security concerns?

Never an issue known to have occurred to a vessel anchored in Kinnagoe 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.

With thanks to:

Bill McCann, Londonderry Harbour Master.

---

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

How can I get this offshore?

If a mobile signal is available you can access all of our information via a mobile phone's internet browser. We provide a 'Lite' site, Lite In Your Foot Steps using the shorter initials www.liyfs.com, that presents our data in a simplified, speed optimised format. Similarly, if an internet connection is limited or expensive, switching to the 'Lite' site enables faster and more efficient access.

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.



Print this haven

Add a review or comment:

Please log in to leave a review of this haven.

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.