Free anchorage!
Clifden, Co. Galway
Experienced sailors Daria and Alex Blackwell shared insight into cruising the Wild Atlantic Way on the west coast of Ireland at
PBO’s Ask the Experts Live event at Beaulieu Boat Jumble 2017.
The second of the free anchorages they recommended was Clifden, in the heart of Connemara, County Galway. It has a vast anchoring area, but there’s a two-mile walk from the harbour to the village. Although there are a lot of services, including shops, restaurants, pubs, hotels, an AIB bank, plus a large and very nice SuperValu supermarket right at the first intersection, they’re not easily accessible from the anchorage. The cruising guide says it’s a mile away – don’t believe it!
Careful pilotage is required. Doolick Rock is always showing but extends two cables north of the part which dries. Keep well clear of the neighbourhood of Coghan Rocks which dry at springs and lie seven cables east of Carrigarana beacon. Having passed between these rocks, the approach is fairly clear.
The website www.connemara.net describes Clifden as a vibrant town known as the capital of Connemara, situated in a ‘unique and picturesque setting between the foothills of the Twelve Bens and the Atlantic Ocean,’ it attracting thousands of visitors every year.
■ Read more at www.connemara.net ■ Watch Alex and Daria’s talk video at http://po.st/Wild_Atlantic_Way