Overview
Rosmoney Pier sits on the sheltered waters of Collan More Harbour, part of the island-strewn expanse of Clew Bay. Just 10 minutes by car from Westport, this pier serves as the operational base for Mayo Sailing Club and the launch point for The Adventure Islands on nearby Collanmore Island. The harbour provides all-round protection for visiting vessels, with a modern pontoon and slipway catering to sailors, kayakers, and families exploring the west coast of County Mayo.
Sailing & Harbour Facilities
Founded in 1976 and relocated to Rosmoney in 1983, Mayo Sailing Club has grown into a thriving community with over 250 members. The club focuses on dinghy racing, cruiser racing, and junior sail training, taking advantage of the bay’s sheltered channels and consistent winds. The club maintains a modern clubhouse with changing rooms, a bar, and a boat shed, alongside three rescue boats and a race committee vessel.
The harbour itself features depths of up to 3.2 metres with excellent mud holding, making it a reliable anchorage for overnight stays. Four visitor moorings are available alongside the club’s fleet, and the pier is equipped with a 30 × 5 metre piled pontoon for safe tender landings. Shore power and a water hosepipe are accessible at the pontoon, while the slipway provides convenient access for launching smaller craft. Anchoring and berthing at the pier are free of charge.
Adventure Islands Excursions
For visitors without their own boat, the pier is the primary gateway to The Adventure Islands. High-speed rib transfers depart from the pontoon to Collanmore Island, where guests can join guided sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and raft-building workshops. Tours are suitable for ages six and up, with all equipment including wetsuits provided.
Tours typically run at 10:30 am and 1:00 pm during the season, with pricing set at €60 for adults and €50 for children under 16. After a session on the water, visitors can relax in an outdoor hot tub overlooking the bay, available for an additional fee. Booking is handled directly through the team on 086 2518252 or via their website.
Navigating Clew Bay
Approaching the harbour requires navigating through a maze of drumlin islands, remnants of the last Ice Age that give Clew Bay its distinctive topography. The final entry into Collan More Harbour via the Sruhnameel Channel is narrow, with a depth of 1.7 metres at low water, making daylight navigation advisable for first-time visitors. A starboard-hand buoy marks a drying rock 200 metres east of the entrance, so favouring the Collan More Island side of the channel is recommended. Once inside, the anchorage north of Rosmoney Point offers complete protection from all quarters.
Recent Improvements
Safety and infrastructure have been priorities in recent years. Following concerns raised in mid-2024 about an unfinished slipway surface that created a hazardous drop-off, local authorities prioritised remedial works. The slipway was refurbished and reopened in September 2024, funded through a Brexit Adjustment Local Authority Marine Infrastructure Scheme. In May 2025, further tenders were issued for structural repairs and lighting upgrades at Rosmoney Pier, ensuring the facility remains a safe and accessible base for the growing number of water-sport participants and sailing enthusiasts.
Practical Information
Getting There
By Car – From Westport, follow the N59 west. Turn left at the large 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. Eircode: F28 CF95.
By Train & Taxi – Westport is the terminus for the Dublin Heuston rail line. Taxis from Westport station to the pier cost approximately €15 and take about 10–12 minutes. Allow at least 30 minutes for the transfer if connecting to the island ferry.
By Air – Ireland West Airport Knock is roughly an hour’s drive from Westport. Taxis from the airport to the pier typically cost between €80 and €90, though sharing a ride with other passengers significantly reduces the cost.
Ferry Service
The licensed ferry to Collanmore Island typically departs from Rosmoney Pier at 4:30 pm, though exact times vary with tides and weather conditions. Passengers should board at least 30 minutes early. Life jackets are provided by the local ferryman, and the crossing takes 20–30 minutes.
Contact & Further Details
For sailing club enquiries, membership, or course bookings, visit the Mayo Sailing Club website or email info@mayosailingclub.com. The club also operates a local anemometer, providing real-time wind data useful for sailors planning to head out on the bay.
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 picnic. The route also passes the historic village of Aughagower, offering traditional craft shops and cafés. For those staying longer, the town of Westport provides a full range of supermarkets, chandlery services, and medical facilities within a 10-minute drive.
Rosmoney Pier provides a straightforward, cost-free base for exploring one of Ireland’s most distinctive coastal landscapes. With free anchorage, reliable facilities, and direct access to guided water sports, it remains a practical hub for both seasoned sailors and first-time visitors to the west coast.