Protected sectors

How to get in?

The 'Loop Head to Slyne 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.

Following the easy entry, the anchorage in the outer bay is about 1,000 metres north of the entrance with a depth of 3 to 4 metres, and a landing can be made at a rough damaged pier on the west side of the bay but it is unsuitable for berthing a yacht. There is no difficulty obtaining this anchorage by day or night but there is not much room, and although it is sheltered from the west and north it would become untenable in fresh winds from the south and southeast.

The inner part of the bay is encumbered with rocks, but with local knowledge small craft can anchor about 500 metres south of the swing bridge at the head of the bay in about 3 metres depth. This anchorage affords good shelter but space is restricted with not much swinging room, and it can only be approached within two hours of high water. A dinghy landing is possible at the small rough pier on the east shore just below the pub.

Kiggaul Pass at the northern head of the bay is crossed by a swing bridge that links the islands of Lettermullan and Gorumna, which will admit boats only near high water, and once through it leads into Coonawilleen Bay and then to Casheen Bay, both part of the Kilkieran Bay complex.

Why visit here?

Kiggaul Bay is part of the region of the South Connemara Islands which are a series of archipelagos, islets and rocks to the west of the Carraroe Peninsula in west Galway. These islands lie off the main tourist trail and as such they are still wild and unspoiled and also relatively unexplored. At least 20 of the islands were inhabited in the nineteenth century but today only a few still have permanent residents other than the occassional holiday home occupants.

Numerous ruined cottages are all that remain of the local communities, destroyed by poverty and emigration, and those that remain are still amongst the poorest in Ireland. The area is at the heart of the Gaeltacht, Irish speaking, district of Connemara and this is one of the only parts of the country where non-English speakers still exist, Irish being the most commonly spoken language for all locals.

Kiggaul Bay separates the two islands of Gorumna, Irish : Oilean Gharmna, and Lettermullan, Irish : Leitir Meallain meaning Meallain's rough hillside, and which are connected by the swing bridge at the northeast of Lettermullan. The northern shore of the smaller of the two islands Lettermullan is not particularly interesting, but the eastern shore has a number of working quays, and the southern shore has a beautiful bay inside Dog Island. The area is heavily harvested by fishermen for oysters, salmon, and bladder-wrack seaweed which is processed into iodine and fertiliser.

The Lettermullan and Gorumna Heritage Centre based at Lettermullan has become a major attraction for visitors to the area since it opened in 2009. It has also served as an excellent educational facility giving guided heritage tours around the islands, which are collectively known as Ceantar na nOilean, and exhibitions for schools and colleges throughout the year.

What facilities are available?

There are no facilities at Kiggaul Bay except for an exceptionally attractive pub beside Kiggaul Bridge that serves excellent sea food.

With thanks to:

inyourfootsteps.com site research