Kilcummin lies on the east side of Kilcummin Head on the western shore at the mouth of Killala Bay, on the northwest coast of Ireland. It is a stopping off point with straightforward access which gives tolerable shelter in winds from south west through west to north.

Keyfacts for Kilcummin

Position and approaches

Haven position

54° 16.465' N, 009° 12.470' W

this is the position at the pier and slipway at Kilcummin

What is the initial fix?

this is the position in the North Atlantic Ocean midway between Kilcummin Head and Lenadoon Point.

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How to get in?

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

Why visit here?

Kilcummin is most famous as the site where a French expedition of 1,100 men under the command of General Humbert landed in August 1798 in an attempt to assist Irish rebels during their rebellion against the British rule.

They landed unopposed at Kilcummin, and reinforced by Irish volunteers they routed a much larger force at Castelbar. The British regrouped and two weeks later the Franco – Irish army was crushed by an overwhelming force at Ballinamuck.

The invasions of 1798 were ill-timed, the main rebellion on land had been put down in June, two months before Kilcummin, and by late summer Ireland was heavily garrisoned on land and well guarded by sea. Jean-Joseph Humbert was repatriated in an exchange of prisoners and went to America where he fought the British at the Battle of New Orleans and he died there as a retired schoolmaster in 1823.

Kilcummin is also well known as a location popular with kayakers and surfers, with many competitions being held throughout the summer months in Kilcummin Bay. The northwest might seem an unusual destination but it is one of the few places to warrant the title of a surfers paradise. A large portion of the coast is north facing which makes it work in a southeast airstream that picks up the swell from the North Atlantic from the west and north which gives rise to the big waves that surfers look for.

The sparsely populated area means that facilities are few at Kilcummin although it does have a convenient pub at the pier, but for all other requirements such as supermarkets and restaurants it is best to head for nearby Killala at the head of the bay.

What facilities are available?

there are no facilities at the location except for a pub at the pier, for all other amenities use Killala at the head of the bay.

With thanks to:

inyourfootsteps.com site research