Fahy Bay is tucked into the southern arm of Ballynakill Harbour on the west coast of Ireland between Cleggan Point and Rinvyle Point. It offers one of the best anchorages of the inlet in an entirely sequestered location with lovely views of the surrounding hills.

The bay offers good protection from north round through west to south and should it become exposed perfect protection may be obtained via a short move. Harbour access is straightforward at any stage of the tide but only during daylight and the bay is obstructed by a sand bar that requires a rise of the tide to pass over.

Keyfacts for Fahy Bay

Position and approaches

Haven position

53° 33.539' N, 010° 0.753' W

This is the anchoring position in about 2.5 metres inside the sandbanks in Fahy Bay.

What is the initial fix?

This sets up the preferred approach to the northward of Freaghillaun South. It is set on the alignment of the summit of Diamond Hill, 6 miles southeastward and a lofty conical mountain at the head of the harbour, with the northeastern side of Freaghillaun South on 113°T.

What are the key points of the approach?

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What's the story here?

Fahy Bay, known locally as Ross Bay, is one of the best anchorages of Ballynakill Harbour where a vessel may lie in great security out of the tide. The sequestered bay is entered over a bar that lies between Ross Point and Knocknahaw Point that is situated about ½ a mile southward.

The shallow bar dries in place to 0.2 metres on low springs so a rise of tide will be required to enter. Nevertheless, the bar lies in very sheltered waters and has several passages through it with charted depths of as much as 0.3 metres LAT. So it will not tame much of a rise to pass over and it would be possible for a yacht drawing as much as 1.5 metres to enter at LW neaps.

Fahy Bay is somewhat exposed to easterly conditions but it is only rough here in a southeasterly blow. This is not overly challenging as all that is required in these conditions is to move across to the small inlet south of Roeillaun, ¾ east-northeastward, that is accessible at half tide, has nearly 4 metres LAT at its centre and is perfectly protected from that quarter.

How to get in?

Use western Ireland’s coastal overview from Slyne Head to Erris Head for approaches and the a Ballynakill Harbour entrance and south channel for local approaches.

The foreshore at Fahy Bay
Image: Google

Anchor in 2 to 3 metres over excellent mud holding. The southern end of the bay is slightly deeper reaching charted depths of 3.7 metres. Boats that can take to the bottom may dry on the gravel beach at the head of the bay.

Why visit here?

Fahy Bay is a snug berth that offers tranquillity. It is very secluded set in a rural hinterland. It is a good point for exploring the intricate bays in this area by tender.

What facilities are available?

There are no facilities around the shoreline of this location, except freshwater is available from a pump in the yard of Ross Lodge House by arrangement with the owner.

At Tullycross, 2 Km from Derryinver Quay, there is a small supermarket and a pub and, 3 km away, at Letterfrack there is a provisions store, two pubs, a post office, and filling station. This is less than a kilometre from Keelkyle Quay. Also, at Moyard, 2 Km from Keelkyle Quay has an excellent shop for provisions, a post office, and gas refills are available. Major restocking or other services are likely to be found at Clifden 9 miles away.

With thanks to:

PETER CRAVEN & Michael Harpur eOceanic.