Located on the west coast of Ireland in Co. Mayo, Westport Bay is a shallow inlet, approached by narrow and intricate channels between a number of islets in Clew Bay. It is the main town in the area where most requirements for supplies can be met, however, the quay with a floating pontoon is shallow at low water.

It has complete protection but to enter careful navigation is required, and the intricate but well-marked channel must be followed.

Keyfacts for Westport

Position and approaches

Haven position

53° 48.150' N, 009° 33.360' W

This is the position at the quayside at Westport Quay

What is the initial fix?

This is set at the centre of Clew Bay midway between Mulrany and Old Head

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What's the story here?

Westport is a town in County Mayo in Ireland and is the most important town in this district. It is located at the southeast corner of Clew Bay, an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean on the west coast of Ireland. The harbour town is located on the south side of the channel. A quay, 928m in length, dries alongside. Vessels with drafts of up to 3.1 metres can berth alongside at HWS and a floating pontoon towards the seaward end of Westport Quay greatly improves access.




It is approx. 40 metres long platform laid along the edge of the existing quay wall. At Neaps plus 4 days, the pontoon dries for a yacht with a 1.65m keel into soft mud but does not sink. A new slipway has been built further west, at the west end of Roman Island.

Westport is a really good stay. Enter ± 2 hours of high water through a very well-marked channel. No electricity or water on the pontoon. Water on quay further upstream. No staff /charges. Close to the town centre and shops.

How to get in?

The 'Slyne Head to Erris Head' coastal description provides approach information to the suggested initial fix. Vessels approaching from the south should select the northbound sequenced description; vessels approaching from the north should select the southbound sequence; western approaches may use either description.




Westport is on the west coast of Ireland situated at the southeast corner of Clew Bay and approached via Westport Bay. Westport is the largest coastal town of County Mayo and stands at the head of a five-mile approach channel, once a thriving port but now the county's premier tourist destination.

Situated on the south side of Westport Channel is Westport Quay 1 mile west of the town centre where yachts can berth alongside, but prepare to dry out as the tide falls.
The secure haven offers good shelter and protection at all times, but access via the approach channel requires careful navigation as it is narrow and intricate and a night approach is not advised.




Consideration should be given to the Carricknacally shellfish beds in Westport Bay and you should not anchor in this area. There are many good anchorages amongst the islets in Westport Bay that give good shelter and protection at all times.

Why visit here?

Westport– Irish: Cathair na Mart meaning “Stone Fort of the Beeves” is the most important town in Co. Mayo and is located at the southeast corner of Clew Bay, an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean on the west coast of Ireland. Westport originates and gets its name in Irish Gaelic, Cathair na Mart, from a 16th-century castle owned by the powerful seafaring family the O'Malley's who controlled the Clew Bay area. The castle forms the foundations of the stately home Westport House and parts of it are still visible in the dungeons there. The most famous of the O'Malley clan was Grainne Ni Mhaille (Grace O'Malley) chieftain of the clan, a 16th-century pirate queen of Connaught, and a direct descendant of the Browne family who built Westport House and who still privately own the property.




Westport is situated at the foot of towering Croagh Patrick, overlooking Clew Bay with its enchanting islands, a unique heritage town that is a blend of traditional and modern. Croagh Patrick is Ireland's most famous pilgrimage mountain, known locally as The Reek, with its church on the summit the mountain offers a striking backdrop to the town. The design of the town was commissioned by Lord Sligo of nearby Westport House as a place for his tenants and workers to live. The River Carrowbeg was incorporated into the design with low stone walls along each bank and with several stone bridge crossings, that created lovely tree-lined promenades known locally as The Mall, and with further tree-lined streets, it makes for a charming and attractive town which has been designated as a Heritage Town. It gives Westport's streets a unique atmosphere where you can browse through the vast variety of shops many having retained their old-world facade. Westport is County Mayo's premier tourist destination and is considered to be one of the liveliest and most charming towns in the west of Ireland. Visitors choose Westport for many reasons, the scenery, pubs and restaurants, its closeness to many unspoilt blue flag beaches, Westfield House and its parkland grounds which include its Pirates Adventure Park, first-class hotels and guest houses, all making it a wonderful base from which to tour the region.




A few minutes walk from the centre of the town about 1 mile to the west is Westport Quay situated on the south side of Westport Channel, once a busy port but no longer used for commercial shipping. It is now notable for its many conversions of the 18th-century warehouses into galleries and shops, pubs and restaurants, and is home to the Clew Bay Heritage Centre, a small museum celebrating the history of Westport and the maritime history of Clew Bay. For sailors the approach channel is about 5 miles long and is narrow and intricate as it threads its way between the many islets leading eventually to Westport Quay. There are several anchorages at the northwest end of the channel, the deepest and nearest to the entrance is off Inishgort although it is somewhat exposed, and Inishlyre Harbour though shallower, is generally preferred. In strong winds, the easiest to enter is Dorinish Harbour which affords more shelter. There are services available at the drying quay, notably fresh water, fuel oil, a crane and a slipway suitable for launching dinghies.

For visiting yachts, the large town offers a good opportunity to restock, and facilities in the town are good with a wide variety of shops including a supermarket, laundrette, internet cafe, doctors and chemists, banks and post office, fuel and gas from filling stations, and reputedly a chandlery, and a tourist information office. For those who prefer to explore you can hire a bicycle or choose one of three notable walks, the Town Walk, Betra Beach Walk, or Aughaval – Killeenacoff Walk. Westport is a very active Sea Angling centre and skippered boats can be hired for sea fishing in Clew Bay and also for sub-aqua diving. Transport connections are good with regular train services to Dublin and local bus services by Bus Eireann, and only 37miles away is Ireland's West Airport at Knock.

Rosmoney near Westport is the base for the Mayo Sailing Club whose members delight in the picturesque cruising ground that exists among the archipelago of islands in the east of Clew Bay.

With thanks to:

Mark Ashley Miller