Protected sectors

What's the story here?

The Seedes Bank lies beneath the forested eastern bank of the River Suir, about 8 miles within Waterford Harbour, ¾ mile above Ballyhack and ½ mile south of Buttermilk Point. Here the shore is skirted by a sandy flat of sand and mud with 2.1 to 3.4 metres of water over it and steep-to, extending nearly two-thirds of the distance across the harbour and leaving the harbour fairway little more than 300 metres wide between it and the western shore.




The Seedes Bank is a historic and secluded river anchorage that offers excellent protection and holding over depths along the bank from 2.8 to 3.6 metres LAT. Landing on the surrounding quays is for those who have a tender equipped with a stalwart outboard able to handle the river's currents.

How to get in?

Use the Port of Waterford for details of seaward approaches, entry to Waterford Harbour and the run up the estuary.

From the initial fix set in the middle of the entrance, head northeast for the ‘Waterford’ port marker buoy and then pick up the No.1 and 2 buoys of the fairway. From here follow the marked channel up to the facing villages of Passage East and Ballyhack, where a regular ferry crosses.

Above Passage East, the western/Waterford shore is precipitous, rocky, and bold-to, while the eastern Wexford and Ballyhack shore is skirted by a sandy flat, which runs off into the Seedes Bank. The only danger here is a shallow ridge that extends out 450 metres from the eastern bank, about midway between Ballyhack and Buttermilk Point. Adhering to the channel as far as the ‘Seedes Bank South’ starboard mark clears this danger.

The area above the Seedes Bank South mark is the bank. Round this mark to starboard and head northeast towards the high and forested shoreline.



Anchor according to draught and conditions anywhere along the bank. The best protection will be found off of the eastern shoreline, well out of any tidal stream. Tucked into the mainland, the shallow spit close south of Seedes Bank South starboard mark diverts the run of the current, while the opposite high ground, to the north of Passage East, sends the prevailing southwesterlies overhead.




Landing is best had by a short ¾ mile jaunt to the small harbour of Ballyhack . Or by the adventure decribed in the Buttermilk Point entry.

Why visit here?

The Seedes Bank was a traditional storm sanctuary for square riggers in the years of sail. It is reported that during one particularly bad storm, nearly 100 square-riggers anchored here in perfect security.

Today it is little used, perhaps a result of the lack of a convenient landing position. But as a place of shelter, along with its immediate near neighbour north of Buttermilk Point, it remains a very useful location for sailing craft. It is a perfect place to securely anchor a boat if caught in very rough conditions and in need of an uncomplicated berth to drop down on. Likewise, a vessel could endure almost any conditions on the Seedes Bank as it offers complete protection from all winds, along with excellent mud holding just out of the run of the river should it flood.

What facilities are available?

There is a pub and small shop at Ballyhack, plus a pier to tie the dinghy to. Passage East has a pub that serves food. If you do not fancy the tide with your dinghy, you may take a foot passenger ride across on the car ferry or power across and day anchor at Passage East.

Waterford Airport is within 15km (9 miles), offering schedule flights to the UK and mainland Europe.

Any security concerns?

There are no reported security issues in the area. It is advisable, however, to secure the vessel if leaving unattended.

With thanks to:

John Carroll, Ballyhack, Co.Wexford, Ireland.