Sailing inyourfootsteps.com

13°C

Swell today

Direction SW, height 1.1 metres, period 9.9 seconds, significant wave height of 1.2 metres.

Haven position?

52° 10.600' N, 006° 49.500' W

Where is that position?

In the anchorage to the north of the headland.

What is the initial fix?

It is half a mile east northeast of the bay on the ten metre contour. A bearing of 248° (T) for a distance of half a mile from the initial fix will lead into the anchor location within Baginbun Bay.

What is the story here?

Baginbun Bay is secluded and picturesque anchorage that lies five miles northeast of Hook Head Lighthouse and to the immediate north of Baginbun Head that features a distinctive Martello Tower.

The bay offers good protection from southwest to westerly severe winds thanks to the protective height of its headland. In addition to this there is little if any tidal movement in the bay itself and good holding in clear sand.

Navigation is straightforward as Baginbun Bay has unhindered seaward access

Please note Baginbun Bay should not be approached in any winds above Force 3 or 20 KM per hour from northeast, east, southeast or south. Be watchful for lobster pot markers that are prolific in this sailing area.

Why visit here?

Baginbun is a very secure anchorage to endure South West to Westerly severe winds. In addition to this it offers a particularly beautiful clear-sand and secluded beach that is equally protective from the elements to beach users. Road access is available to the beach and Fethard-on-sea is reasonably accessible by foot for fuel, pubs and provisioning.

Baginbun is also worth visiting from a historical context. It was the chief landing place of the Normans in 1170 under Raymond le Gros, the later landing after Bannow Bay, and it was from here the conquest of Ireland began in earnest. The name originates back to this invasion as the Norman army landed in two boats, Le Bag and Le Bun, hence the area became known locally as Baginbun.

3,000 men from Waterford marched against Raymond le Gros in the area and he defeated them with 100 knights. He then joined forces with Strongbow and marched on to overrun Waterford City.

Le Gros erected extensive defensive earthworks and promontory fortifications in Baginbun which can still be seen today. The strategic importance of the area was recognised from that time with the building of the Lighthouse at Hook and then with the construction of Baginbun Head’s Martello Tower during the Napoleonic era.

How to get in?

From the initial fix you will clearly see the bay. Round up and make towards a comfortable spot to drop anchor.

What are the tides here?

Today's local tide estimates are based on High Water Cobh +0013
Today's Cobh tides — High waters: 07:36, 19:53, Low waters: 01:41, 13:56
Today's Dover tides — High waters: 01:04, 13:22, Low waters: 08:17, 20:33 (From Tide Times)
Dover -0535, Cobh +0019sp, +0009np, mean level 2.4.
Tidal Range:
MHWS 3.8m MHWN 2.8m MLWN 1.5m MLWS 0.6m

Direction of streams south of Ballyteige Bay (weak to 2 knots):
Cobh –0050 east going, +0535 west going
Dover +0545 east going, –0015 west going,
The tides run stronger offshore and towards the east

The latest monthly Dover Tides and Cobh 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 Leinster 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. Carlingford 04, Dublin 83, Wicklow Head 02, 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 is nothing in Baginbun except for a beach that does have road access to the shoreline. Fethard-on-sea village however is a tourist destination with a mini supermarket, fuel, hotels, bars etc is a two kilometres walk.

What emergency contacts are there?

Dublin Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC) VHF Ch 83 covers the area from Carlingford Lough to Youghal. Carlingford (04), Wicklow Head (02), Rosslare (23) and Mine Head (83) 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. Dublin (MRSC) may be contacted directly on +353 1 662 0922/3

Any security concerns?

There has never been an issue known to happen in Baginbun.

What navigational resources are available for this area?

Admiralty Chart 2049 ‘Old Head of Kinsale to Tuskar Rock’ scale of 1:150,000 covers this sailing area. The key chart is Leisure Folios - SC5621 - Ireland - East Coast Admiralty Chart 5621.14 ‘Tusker Rock to Dunabrattin Head'. Imray charts C57 and C61 overlap in this area plus Discovery Ordinance Survey map 76 covers the land area.

With thanks to:

Declan Hearne, Long term fisherman and retired area Coastguard leader.

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