Ross Port is a small creek in the north part of Broadhaven Bay, on the northwest coast of Ireland. It offers an anchorage with good shelter from the winds but the tides run very strongly here.

There is a sand bar across the entrance which can only be entered when the weather is calm and there is little swell.

Keyfacts for Ross Port

Position and approaches

Haven position

54° 17.148' N, 009° 48.439' W

this is the position at the anchorage before Ross Port House

What is the initial fix?

Midway between Erris Head and Kid 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.

Ross Port is a small narrow creek inside the sand dunes on the east side of Broad Haven Bay, in County Mayo on the west coast of Ireland.

Entered between Brandy Point and Doonanierin Point, it affords an anchorage for small craft in a depth of 2 metres in completely sheltered waters, however the channel is narrow and the tidal streams are strong. It should only be entered and exited in daylight.

It is fronted by a bar at the entrance, with a depth of only 0.1 metre which breaks at low water, and lies between sandbanks which extend from each shore, and it is exposed to ocean swell. Note there is a heavy sea off the bar during west or north gales. At high water in moderate weather, and with the benefit of some local knowledge, vessels may cross the bar and proceed up to an anchorage in a depth of about 2.5 metres which is situated 1.75 miles southeast of Rinroe Point just to the south of the slip and before reaching Ross Port House.

Small craft awaiting the tide to enter Ross Port channel can find a convenient anchorage inside Rinroe Point, a narrow rocky point on the north shore of the entrance to Ross Port in depths of 3 to 4 metres where it is sheltered in winds from North to West. If going ashore it is best to land by dinghy on the slip just north of the small pier, or if practical it may be possible for a small yacht to berth alongside the pier where there is a depth of 1.0 metre near its seaward end at MLWS.

Supplies may be obtained about a mile up the road at Carrowteige where there is a small shop and also a post office.

Why visit here?

Broad Haven Bay off which Ross Port is a small branch on its eastern shore, is a natural bay of the North Atlantic Ocean, and its opening which is about 6 miles wide faces north stretching between Erris Head on the west side and Kid Island on the east. The bay is a large inlet up to 1 mile wide in parts and 5 miles long leading to its head at the town of Belmullet. On the approach to Broad Haven Bay consideration should be given to an exposed rock called Monastery Rock on the west side of the entrance, and Slugga Rock on the east side. The first 1.5 miles of the inlet is clean except near to the shores, but further in the navigable channel lies between extensive shallows.

Ross Port is an ideal spot as a temporary location for some peace and solitude with complete shelter in most weather conditions, notwithstanding the difficulty in entering and leaving over the bar, and the possibility of strong tidal streams.

There are no facilities at Ross Port except for a small shop and post office at the small hamlet of Carrowteige, Irish : Ceathru Thaidhg, about 1 mile away.

What facilities are available?

there are no facilities at this location except for a small shop for provisions and a post office at Carrowteige about 1 mile away.

With thanks to:

inyourfootsteps.com site research.