Overview
Rosmoney Pier sits on the north‑west edge of Clew Bay, a deep, island‑strewn inlet on Ireland’s rugged west coast. The pier forms the heart of the Mayo Sailing Club’s activities and the departure point for The Adventure Islands water‑sport programmes on nearby Collanmore Island. Framed by the towering silhouette of Croagh Patrick to the south and a scattering of drumlin islands to the east, the harbour provides all‑round shelter and a spectacular vista for anyone stepping ashore.
History & Background
The natural harbour at Rosmoney – also known as Collan More Harbour – has long served local fishermen and, more recently, recreational sailors. In 1976 the Mayo Sailing Club was founded here to promote sailing in Clew Bay, and the club now boasts over 250 members. The harbour once hosted the Glenans Sailing School, which closed several years ago, but the legacy of sailing education remains strong. The pier itself has been modernised with a 30 × 5 m piled pontoon situated just south of the drying permanent pier, offering a safe landing point for tender‑borne visitors.
What to See & Do
Sailing and Moorings
Rosmoney provides a fully protected anchorage with depths up to 3.2 m and excellent mud holding. Four visitor moorings (as of 2018) sit alongside a larger fleet of club moorings. The pier is equipped with shore‑power, a water hosepipe, and a slipway, making it a convenient base for day‑trippers and longer stays alike.
Adventure Islands Excursions
From the pier, The Adventure Islands company runs high‑speed rib‑boat transfers to Collanmore Island. Once ashore, guests can choose from sea‑kayaking, stand‑up paddle‑boarding (SUP), guided walks, raft‑building workshops, and even a power‑boat safari. A 2.5‑hour SUP circuit takes you from pier to pier, and children over six may join. After a day of activity, a large outdoor hot tub on the island offers a relaxing soak with panoramic views of Clew Bay.
Exploring the Bay
The surrounding archipelago of drumlin islands – a legacy of the last Ice Age – is a playground for wildlife watchers and photographers. In clear weather, the view from the pier stretches to the iconic Croagh Patrick and the Nephin Range. The nearby town of Westport, just under 10 km away, provides shops, cafés, a supermarket, a chandlery (phone +353 98 28800), and transport links.
Safety & Recent Improvements
In July 2024 local councillors raised safety concerns after an unfinished resurfacing left a two‑metre drop‑off at the end of the pier, creating a hazard for boat‑launchers. The council responded by prioritising remedial works; the slipway was refurbished and reopened in September 2024, and navigational aids were upgraded in the following weeks. These improvements were funded under a €150,000 allocation announced in the 2022 Brexit Adjustment Local Authority Marine Infrastructure Scheme.
Funding & Future Works
A €1 million marine‑infrastructure package was announced in 2022, with €150,000 earmarked for slipway refurbishment at Rosmoney Pier. In May 2025 the Department of Transport issued a tender for design and construction works at three Mayo harbours – Rosmoney Pier, Cloghmore Pier and Purteen Harbour – to address structural repairs, slipway surfaces and lighting upgrades. The tender follows strong local advocacy and is expected to enhance safety, extend operating hours and support the growing number of sailing and water‑sport activities.
Ferry Service
The licensed ferry to Collanmore Island departs from Rosmoney Pier typically at 4:30 pm, but exact times vary with tide and weather conditions. Passengers board on an open deck; life‑jackets are provided by the local ferryman. The crossing takes 20–30 minutes.
Practical Information
Getting There
By Car – From Westport follow the N59, turn left at the Rosmoney sign and follow local signs to the Mayo Sailing Club. Ample free parking is available at the pier. GPS coordinates: 53.825769, -9.620852.
By Train – The Dublin‑Westport rail line arrives at Westport station. A 12:45 pm departure from Heuston reaches Westport at 4:00 pm; a local taxi (≈ €8) can then take you to the pier, aiming to arrive at least 30 minutes before the ferry departure.
By Air – Ireland West Airport Knock is about an hour’s drive from Westport. Taxis from the airport to Westport cost roughly €80, and a further €8–€16 to Rosmoney Pier.
Facilities
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| Water | Hosepipe and tap available at the pontoon |
| Power | Shore‑power connections alongside the pier |
| Slipway | Refurbished (Sept 2024) for tender launch |
| Moorings | Four visitor moorings (free) plus club moorings |
| Parking | Free on‑site parking for cars and vans |
| Nearby Amenities | Westport town (shops, supermarket, chandlery, medical services) |
Fees & Access
Anchoring and berthing at Rosmoney are free of charge. The Adventure Islands tours have their own pricing, which can be booked online or via the pier office. No specific opening hours apply to the pier itself; it is accessible whenever the tide permits and the ferry is operating.
Contact & Further Details
For sailing club enquiries, visit the Mayo Sailing Club website or call the chandlery at +353 98 28800. The Adventure Islands team can be contacted through their website for tour bookings.
Nearby Attractions
A short drive inland brings you to Aasleagh Falls, a scenic waterfall set in a wooded glen that makes a pleasant stop for a walk or a picnic after a day on the water. The route also passes the historic village of Aughagower, offering additional cafés and craft shops.
Why Rosmoney Pier?
Rosmoney Pier is more than a simple landing stage – it is the gateway to one of Ireland’s most spectacular coastal landscapes. Whether you are a seasoned sailor seeking a protected harbour, a family looking for a day of water‑based adventure, or a photographer chasing the golden light over Clew Bay’s drumlin islands, the pier offers a convenient, scenic, and free‑entry base from which to explore the wild beauty of County Mayo.