Donegal Harbour*: High water is 45 minutes after high water at Galway
Killybegs*: High water is 45 minutes after high water at Galway
Burtonport*: High water is 50 minutes after high water at Galway
Malin Beg*: High water is 40 minutes after high water at Galway
Cruit Island*: High water is 1 hours after high water at Galway Circumnavigation of the Island is possible only at high water.
Bunbeg*: High water is 1 hours after high water at Galway
Donegal Harbour entrance, south of Green Island*: The east going stream begins at 5 hours and 30 minutes before high water at Galway. The west going stream begins at 45 minutes after high water at Galway. The flow reaches a speed of 5 knots at springs. This information is not reliable.
Mullanasole channel*: The tide runs strongly in the channel running south from the Donegal Harbour entrance towards Mullanasole, especially west of Rooney's Island. The tide is slack for 2 hours around local low water (around 5 hours and 45 minutes before high water at Galway). The tide then flows south slowly, until suddenly running rapidly to cover the drying banks between 50 minutes before and 45 minutes after high water at Galway.
The Sound, east of Rathlin O'Birne Island*: The north going stream begins at 2 hours and 25 minutes before high water at Galway. The south going stream begins at 5 hours and 45 minutes after high water at Galway. The north going stream reaches a speed of 1.5 knots at springs. The south going stream reaches a speed of 0.5 knots at springs. These streams are strongly affected by wind, and times are uncertain.
River Erne at Ballyshannon*: The east going stream begins at 4 hours and 15 minutes before high water at Galway. The west going stream begins at 15 minutes before high water at Galway. The east going stream reaches a speed of 0.5 knots at springs. The west going stream reaches a speed of 5 knots at springs. The difference in streams in either direction is likely associated with the hydroelectric dam just above the town.
Killybegs harbour entrance*: The north north-east going stream begins at 4 hours and 50 minutes before high water at Galway. The south south-west going stream begins at 1 hours and 15 minutes after high water at Galway. The flow reaches a speed of 0.2 knots at springs. Within the harbour, streams are imperceptible.
Gweebarra Harbour*: The east south-east going stream begins at 5 hours before high water at Galway. The west north-west going stream begins at 1 hours and 15 minutes after high water at Galway. The flow reaches a speed of 9.5 knots at springs.
Sound of Aran, North end*: The south going stream begins at 5 hours and 20 minutes before high water at Galway. The north going stream begins at 50 minutes after high water at Galway.
Sound of Aran, south end*: North-east of Inishkeeragh The north north-east going stream begins at 5 hours and 20 minutes before high water at Galway. The south south-west going stream begins at 50 minutes after high water at Galway. The flow reaches a speed of 1 knots at springs.
Rutland north channel*: In the channel to the north and north-east of Rutland Island: The south-east going stream begins at 5 hours and 20 minutes before high water at Galway. The north-west going stream begins at 50 minutes after high water at Galway. The flow reaches a speed of 2.5 knots at springs. It is possible to eddy hop against the flow.
Cruit Bay*: The south going stream begins at 5 hours and 20 minutes before high water at Galway. The north going stream begins at 50 minutes after high water at Galway. The tides meet and divide at the bridge.
South of Aran Island*: Between Rathlin O’Birne and Aran Island: The north going stream begins at 3 hours and 20 minutes before high water at Galway. The south going stream begins at 3 hours and 5 minutes after high water at Galway. The flow reaches a speed of 1 knots at springs.
Sound of Arran, Carrickberalatroha Upper*: The streams from the north and south meet and divide at this point, which is to the west of the west coast of Rutland Island.
Channel east of Rutland Island*: The stream runs in and out from channels to the north and south of Rutland Island, meeting and separating near Teige Rock, west of Tuilavane.
Between Inishfree Upper and Termon*: The tide flows east and west.
Dawross Head*: The north north-east going stream begins at 3 hours and 20 minutes before high water at Galway. The south south-west going stream begins at 3 hours and 5 minutes after high water at Galway. The flow reaches a speed of 2 knots at springs.
Off Owey Island, around Stag Rock*: The north north-east going stream begins at 3 hours and 50 minutes before high water at Galway. The south south-west going stream begins at 2 hours and 35 minutes after high water at Galway. The flow reaches a speed of 2 knots at springs. A race may form when the flow opposes the wind.
Across Donegal Bay*: Across the Bay between Ballyconnell Point and Rathlin O'Birne Island: The south south-east going stream begins at 2 hours and 50 minutes after high water at Galway. The north north-west going stream begins at 3 hours and 35 minutes before high water at Galway. The stream is weak.
Donegal Bay*: In the middle of Donegal Bay, the tidal streams are not perceptible.
Around Dernish Island, Milk Harbour.*: The tide flows north and south. The flow reaches a speed of 4 knots at springs.
Erne River entrance and Bar*: The east going stream begins at 4 hours and 15 minutes before high water at Galway. The west going stream begins at 15 minutes before high water at Galway. The east going stream reaches a speed of 2 knots at springs. The west going stream reaches a speed of 5 knots at springs. Between 3 hours and 50 minutes after and 5 hours and 30 minutes before high water at Galway, the stream runs fast over the bar, causing heavily breaking seas in a westerly wind.
North of Raithlin O'Birne*: The north north-east going stream begins at 3 hours and 20 minutes before high water at Galway. The south south-west going stream begins at 3 hours and 5 minutes after high water at Galway. The flow reaches a speed of 2 knots at springs. This flow speed is only attained at salient points - e.g. Malin More Head.
Trawenagh Bay entrance*: The east going stream begins at 5 hours before high water at Galway. The west going stream begins at 1 hours and 15 minutes after high water at Galway. The tide runs strongly.
Rutland South Channel*: In the channel to the south of Rutland Island, away from the narrows: The north-east going stream begins at 5 hours and 20 minutes before high water at Galway. The south-west going stream begins at 50 minutes after high water at Galway. The flow reaches a speed of 1.5 knots at springs. The channel is constricted south of the south-east tip of Rutland Island by drying reefs to the south. The stream runs faster at this point and overfalls may form.
Eddy north of Owen Island*: A eddy flows west along the north coast of Owen Island during the main north-east going stream.
Between Aran Island and Bloody Foreland*: The north-east going stream begins at 3 hours and 50 minutes before high water at Galway. The south-west going stream begins at 2 hours and 35 minutes after high water at Galway. The flow reaches a speed of 1 knots at springs. The steam may reach 2 knots off salient points and Islands.
Gweedore Harbour*: The south-east going stream begins at 5 hours and 20 minutes before high water at Galway. The north-west going stream begins at 50 minutes after high water at Galway. Flow can be strong.
Owey Sound*: The north-east going stream begins at 5 hours and 30 minutes before high water at Galway. The south-west going stream begins at 1 hours and 30 minutes after high water at Galway. The streams are strong, and the sound can be rough when wind opposes tide. Tidal streams are otherwise not significant through the Owey group of islands.
Killybegs harbour*: The harbourmaster is on channel 14.
Streedagh Beach*: (NU 745 209) g Large parking area by beach. May be a carry of around 300m at low tide.
Streedagh Point, western beach*: (NU 740 202) g A small track leads off the road at a corner, along which it is possible to park a few cars. Carry perhaps 150m down to the beach.
Mullaghmore*: (NU 825 271) g Large harbour with slipway, plenty of parking around the harbour.
Mount Temple House pier*: (NU 786 216) g Pier and access to foreshore, space to park a car or two. The small channel here dries, and launching may be muddy at low water. Carrying 70m north-west to an old stone slipway may help?
St. Renan’s Island causeway*: (NV 042 436) g A short path leads from the end of the public road to the foreshore. Space to park one car. Dries to large mudflats - best near high water?
Murvagh Beach*: (NV 023 408) g Large car park, 100m carry to beach, then up to 600m carry to water depending on tide - best above 1.5m tide?
Rossnowlagh Beach north*: (NU 985 363) g Parking where the road widens as it approaches the beach. Parking on the beach is common. Up to 300m carry to sea depending on tide.
Rossnowlagh Beach central*: (NU 986 359) g Huge car park. A boardwalk leads down the beach, but getting a sea kayak down it might be awkward - perhaps easier to carry down rough paths to the north? Could be a 500m carry, depending on tide. The north access point may be better if there is space to park?
Rossnowlagh Beach south*: (NU 987 353) g Wild Atlantic Way car park by beach, with additional parking nearby. Easy access to beach.
Creevy Pier*: (NU 956 330) g Pier, with ramps down to a small adjacent beach. Space to park a few cars.
The Mall Pier, Ballyshannon*: (NU 989 295) g Pier and slipway, with plenty of space to park, additional parking at playground 150m north if needed. Streams flow quickly in the river to the south of the pier, but conditions are more benign out to the north west.
Bundoran Beach*: (NU 937 279) g Small beach between rocky reefs. Large car park by beach, but through height barrier. Limited parking outside height barrier, with 150m carry to beach, but much more along Atlantic Way just to the south, from which alternative routes to carry to the beach may be feasible.
Bundoran Lifeboat slip*: (NU 929 273) g The lifeboat slipway is sheltered by reefs. Parking may be possible in a boatyard adjacent to the slip, but be careful to avoid impeding lifeboat operations. If in doubt, there is plenty of parking 300m to the east
Donegal Pier*: (NV 058 456) g Siipway at west end of No.4 Car Park, used by local kayakers and rowers. Huge car park.
Darney Pier*: (NU 880 450) g Pier and slipway. Space to park a few cars where the road widens as it approaches the pier and also at a ruined building 150m north.
St John's Point Beach*: (NU 841 394) g Parking area at south end of beach
Cassan Sound pier*: (NU 848 402) g Pier and slipway reached via gravel track. Space to park 2-3 cars.
Dunkineely Beach*: (NU 909 446) g Small parking space at end of road by the beach, which is more of an alluvial fan where a stream meets the sea. May be a 150m carry/drag across gravel and the stream bed to reach the sea at low water.
Port pier*: (NU 931 452) g Pier and slipway, with plenty of space to park. Slipway runs to mud at low water. It may then be better, if awkward, to launch off the steps at the pier end.
Mountcharles Pier*: (NU 997 438) g Large pier and slipway. Plenty of parking at Wild Atlantic Way car park. The quay at least reaches the channel at low water, so this should be usable through most if not all of the tidal range.
Binroe Slipway*: (NU 852 446) g Long slipway the should be usable at all states of the tide. Limited parking, but should be possible to leave a car or two on the verge just before the road meets the sea or perhaps at a gateway 500m east.
Killybegs slipway*: (NU 845 458) g Large slipway into working harbour. Small adjacent car park, with more parking on roads nearby. Likely sensible to monitor harbourmaster on VHF channel 14.
Trá Bán Beach*: (NU 756 443) g Small car park by beach.
Fintra Beach*: (NU 816 460) g Car park by beach. Reached down a steep road with a height barrier.
Malin Beg*: (NU 627 512) g Pier and slipway. Steep carry up to parking place overlooking the pier.
Teelin Pier*: (NU 722 456) g Pier with slipways. Space to leave cars along the road, but may be wise to arrive early in summer given boat trips depart from here.
Malin More Pier*: (NU 630 539) g Pier and slipway. Space to park a few cars above, with a 60m carry.
Lug na druan Pier*: (NU 648 556) g Small pier in exposed bay reached down a small track. Space for a car or two by the pier or alternatively where the track leaves the road.
Port*: (NU 690 598) g Small beach protected by a breakwater reached down a small road. Space to park cars at the road end by the beach.
Loughros*: (NU 797 626) g Steep and narrow slipway. Space to park a few cars above.
Portnoo Pier*: (NU 852 689) g Pier and beach. May be parking just beyond pier (height barrier?).
Portnoo Strand*: (NU 864 684) g Plentiful parking by beach. Carry to the water around 2-300m, depending on tide.
Rossbeg pier*: (NU 811 668) g Pier with slipway. Limited parking on the pier. The beach to the north is also a possibility, although parking is limited there too.
Gweebarra River bridge*: (NU 947 681) g Plenty of parking and picnic area at the south side of the bridge. The river bank is rather steep here, but it should be possible to lower boats and launch. The north side of the bridge has steps down to the river bank and easier access, but no parking - perhaps it would be best to drop boats here? The river has a non-drying channel, but this put in is likely best with at least 1.2m of tide.
Gweebarra River, Mulnamina More pier*: (NU 936 678) g Small pier reached down narrow road with space to leave a car or two. Dries more extensively than the bridge, but may be an easier launch.
Burtonport south slipway*: (NU 882 842) g 200m south of the main slip and harbour is a slipway, likely a little quieter than the centre, with several options to leave cars nearby.
Burtonport main slipway*: (NU 882 844) g Slipway into small harbour. Car park, which can be busy with ferry passengers.
Dungloe Pier*: (NU 926 804) g Long pier, with slipway at end. The slip reaches the channel at low water, but there is not always enough depth to paddle - avoid 1.5 hours either side of low water. Parking at pier end, and by church and playing fields 120m south east.
Carnmore Road*: (NU 902 815) g Disused factory area, plenty of space to park. Less mud than is typical in this area, so may be a good option at lower tides. Carry down to the beach is awkward.
Cruit Island, golf club pier*: (NU 894 916) g Pier and slipway reached down a track off the road to the golf club. Space to park 8-10 cars on the pier end.
Kincasslagh Pier*: (NU 910 899) g Complex of piers, slipways etc. Should be possible to find somewhere to park out of the way, possibly on pier to the north end of the site. Small boats appear to use the slipway to the west. Sea Kayaking Donegal are based here.
Magheragallan Beach*: (NU 967 952) g Large parking area by pier, slipway and beach. Departure point for the Gola island ferry.
Bunbeg harbour*: (NU 973 919) g Busy quay, with many options for parking. Likely easier to use the slipway near where the road comes down to the quay rather than the ferry slip at the western end. Usable throughout tidal range.
Carrick Pier*: (NU 973 968) g Pier and beach. Extensive options to park along the access road.
Maghery Strand*: (NU 874 783) g A small spur off the road leads down to beach past a picnic area. Space to park a car or two. More parking at community centre (Ionad An Mháchaire) 150m north.
Bunaninver pier*: (NU 984 988) g Pier and slipway, good parking.
Bunaninver strand*: (NU 984 985) g Road runs down to beach. Parking for a car or two at the end.
Glassagh Lower Bay Beach*: (NU 975 980) g Road ends in a parking area above the beach. 50m carry down boardwalk ramp to beach then perhaps the same again to the water.
Doochary, Gweebarra River*: (NV 025 742) g Slipway by picnic area with parking. Likely only usable around high water.
Dooey Beach*: (NU 908 719) g Parking area at end of track. 100m carry to beach. The sea might be another 400m or so away at low water.
Black Point*: (NU 897 743) g Slipway and beach. Space to leave a car.
Mullaghderg Beach*: (NU 933 900) g Car park at end of road. From here it is a 100m awkward carry down steep steps to the beach. May be 200m or so further carry across the sand at low tide.
Carnboy Beach*: (NU 951 919) g Parking at end of road by small quay and ramp onto beach inshore of a small island - an idyllic spot! Further space to park on grass just off the road a little uphill.
Slieve League*: Slieve League has second-highest sea cliffs in Ireland making this an impressive place to paddle. Given the precipitous coastline, options to launch are limited, with Teelin being the obvious access point for a 12km+ round trip. A one-way trip is possible to Malin Beg, but the shuttle is long and the get-out a little awkward.
Port to Loughros, Tormore*: The coastline from Rathlin O’Birne to Loughros Point has a profusion of high cliffs, big stacks and rock hopping. The section north of Port includes the imposing stack of Tormore. The west-facing coastline will often be exposed to swell, but with luck this may abate on entering Loughton More Bay, which has fantastic rock hopping along its southern shore. I need to go back here and paddle south from Port - it must be equally stunning.
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