Malin Beg Bay is a small inlet open to the south immediately east of Malin Beg Head, off the North Atlantic Ocean between Carrigan Head and Malin Beg Head on the west coast of Ireland. In good weather the bay affords a temporary anchorage in scenic surroundings with the opportunity of berthing alongside the small quay from which it is a 0.25 mile walk up to the village.

The small cove is rocky with steep sides and affords only tolerable shelter alongside the quay in light offshore winds. Access is straightforward between Tharal Point and Rossarrell Point, though vessels should only enter in good weather and with favourable tide conditions.

Caution is necessary as the head of the bay is very narrow and is encumbered by three substantial rocks.

Keyfacts for Malin Beg Bay

Position and approaches

Haven position

54° 39.870' N, 008° 47.153' W

this is the position at the quay in Malin Beg Bay.

What is the initial fix?

this is the position in the North Atlantic Ocean midway between Carrigan Head and Rathlin O'Birne Island.

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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.

From Malin Beg Head to Carrigan Head, a distance of 4.5 miles southeast, the northern shore on the approach to Donegal Bay is bordered by cliffs with Slieve League mountains rising above them.

The tiny cove that is Malin Beg Bay is rocky and steep sided with extraordinary rock stacks, and yachts should only enter in really fine weather at about half tide as the head of the bay is very narrow and encumbered with three substantial rocks.

Malin Beg Bay has a steep slipway on which the local fishermen's boats are hauled up in bad weather as at such times a heavy sea runs. Alongside the slip is a small quay on the west shore at the head of the bay which has a depth of about 1 metre alongside at low water springs.

Why visit here?

Malin Beg Bay is useful as a temporary anchorage for a lunch stop in picturesque surroundings on a coastal passage before entering the inner part of Donegal Bay or before rounding Malin Beg Head making for Gweebarra Bay and Aranmore Island, but it is advisable to only use it in really fine weather.

The small village of Malin Beg, Irish : Malainn Beag is 0.25 mile up from the quay and has a mini supermarket food store, and under the same ownership a de-luxe Hostel used by many hill walkers and particularly by rock climbers who come to scale nearby Slieve League. The marine cliffs here are some of the highest in Europe rising 600 metres above the ocean. Killybegs, 12 miles along the coast to the east would be a better location if major restocking of provisions is required.

White Strand Bay, also known locally as The Silver Strand, Irish : An Tra Ban, is the next inlet to the east of Malin Beg Bay and is easily reached by hundreds of stone steps down the verdant cliffs from Malin Beg village. The Silver Strand is a crescent shaped stretch of sandy beach which is considered to be one of the finest beaches in Ireland.

What facilities are available?

There are no facilities at this location except for a mini supermarket, and a de-luxe Hostel. A local community bus service runs return trips to Killybegs and Donegal Town three times a week, for details tel no. 074 9738913

With thanks to:

inyourfootsteps.com site research. Photography with thanks to Nigel Callaghan and Adie Jackson.