Click the logo for the 'Lite' search page.
Today's local tide estimates
High water: ,
Low water: * Coming soon
High water: ,
Low water:
Local weather
W Force 4, Partly Cloudy, 5°C
Swell today
Direction WSW, height 0.0 metres, period 5.7 seconds, significant wave height of 0.2 metres.
Summary
A good location with straightforward access.
LWS draught
2 metres (6.56 feet).
Shelter See it »
Sheltered: S, SW, W
Unprotected: N, NE, E, SE, NW
Nature (summary)
Anchorage, landing by tender.
Facilities (summary)
Walks.
Haven position? See it »
53° 23.240' N, 006° 3.598' W
Where is that position? See it »
On the 2 metre contour just off the strand.
What is the initial fix? See it »
The following Balscadden Bay initial fix waypoint will set up a final approach:
53° 23.390' N, 006° 2.750' W
This waypoint is 1,200 metres east-northeast of the bay directly north of the Nose of Howth.
Why visit here?
This is an excellent location to anchor in favourable conditions should it not be possible to secure a berth in Howth Marina or outside the harbour. The Bay is also a tranquil escape from the busy harbour it fringes.
Balscadden is an Anglo-Irish effort at using the original Irish name "Baile na Scadán" or literally "The town of the Herrings" indicating that Balscadden Bay may have served as a fish market for landing boats.
As with Howth Harbour you may also use Balscadden Bay as a good location to take a costal walk along the Howth peninsula. A particularly good path leads from the bay up and around the Nose of Howth and onto the cliff tops. Stunning views of Lambay Island and Ireland’s Eye are afforded from a short walk but take care of your footing as the path draws very close to the lip of the cliff and you must walk near to the edge. If you stride on and upward the Baily Lighthouse – the last of Ireland’s 82 lighthouses to become automated - and the Ben of Howth - marked by an ancient burial cairn – are all accessible by foot. All walks in this area will be shrouded in the magnificent heady coconut like scent from the bright yellow gorse on the heath.
Historically Balscadden Bay catered for genteel society in the period just after World War One. The Dalriada Tea Shop served refreshments above the small cove that was designated the ladies beach. In accordance with the proprieties of the day, the men’s facilities were to be found further around the bay, away from the ladies.
How to get in?
The bay may be approached directly from seaward or to the east. You can locate the bay easily by coming south of Howth Harbours East Pier and identifying the overlooking Martello tower situated on a prominent bluff that is locally known as ‘Tower Hill’.
Approach the bay from due east; do not follow the harbours eastern wall. Between the tower and the harbour wall the bay’s fringing rocks reach out seaward, and it is critical that you identify these rocks approaching the anchorage so good visibility is required.
Be careful to check your holding after anchoring as seaweed is prevalent in this area.
What are the tides here?
Today's Dover tides — High water: 09:09, 21:36, Low water: 03:55, 16:22 From Tide Times
Dover +0025, Dublin (North Wall) -0006, mean level 2.4
MHWS 4.1m MHWN 3.3m MLWN 1.3m MLWS 0.5m
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 are no facilities in Balscadden Bay save for a landing beach with road access.
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
Other useful contacts in this area:
Contact Harbour Master's Office: Captain Raja Maitra VHF Ch 16/11 when manned
Tel: +353 1 8322252 and +353 86 3814926 at most times (office situated Northern End of Auction Hall).
The Marina Office maintains a 24 hour listening watch on Ch M ( 37A ) and Ch 80
Tel: +353 1 83292777 e-Mail- marina@hyc.ie
Any security concerns?
Your vessel is most likely to be alone in Balscadden Bay. It is uncertain how secure your dingy will be on the beach. Those with a fast outboard could land in the marina if it needs to be left unattended for some time.
With thanks to:
Charlie Kavanagh - ISA/RYA Yachtmaster Instructor/Examiner - navigation and sail training available - details here: http://www.sailsoutheast.com/'>www.sailsoutheast.com/'>http://www.sailsoutheast.com/
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.
