| Killala Bay | |
|---|---|
 | |
  Killala Bay | |
| Location | County Mayo |
| Coordinates | 54°15′N 9°08′W / 54.250°N 9.133°W |
| Ocean/sea sources | Atlantic Ocean |
| Basin countries | Ireland |
| Max. width | 5.5 miles (8.9 km) |
| Surface area | 1,061 hectares (10.61 km2) |
| Max. depth | 36 metres (20 fathoms) |
| Settlements | Killala |
| Official name | Killala Bay/Moy Estuary |
| Designated | 7 June 1996 |
| Reference no. | 843[1] |
Killala Bay (Irish: Cuan Chill Ala) is a bay on the west coast of Ireland, between County Mayo and County Sligo, with Kilcummin Head to the west and Lenadoon Point to the east,[2] which is the estuary for the River Moy. The village of Killala is at the southwest corner of the bay.
Geography[edit]
The bay is on the west coast of Ireland between County Mayo and County Sligo, between Kilcummin Head to the west and Lenadoon Point to the east.[2] It is the estuary for the River Moy. The village of Killala is at the southwest corner of the bay, and Bartragh Island in the centre of it.
Water[edit]
The bay is an extension of the estuary of the River Moy,[1] with deep waters of the continental shelf close to the shore.[3] The total area is 1,061 hectares (10.61 km2).[1] The bay is about 5.5 miles (8.9 km) wide and the maximum depth is 36 metres (20 fathoms).[4]
The middle of the bay is safe for boats but caution needs to be exercised near the shoreline.[4]
Shore[edit]
Kilcummin Head, also known as Benwee Head, is regarded as the start of Killala Bay.[2] As such excludes Lackan Bay and Creevagh Head which lie to the northwest. To the south of the head lies the village of Kilcummin. Counter-clockwise round the bay there is Killala, River Moy, Enniscrone, Pollacheeny Harbour, before Lenadoon Point.
Activities[edit]
Killala Bay is an excellent fishing location due to the close proximity of the deep waters of the continental shelf, having both deep water rock marks[a], beach marks, and opportunities to catch deep water species from charter boats.[3] Cockles can be found in the bay due to its sheltered nature.[citation needed]
Ross Strand on the bay near Killala village is a Blue Flag beach.[5]
References[edit]
Notes[edit]
- ^ A mark is a spot suitable for the fishing
Footnotes[edit]
- ^ a b c Ramsar (1996).
- ^ a b c NewPace Inc (2008).
- ^ a b SAI (2019).
- ^ a b eOceanic (2020).
- ^ Midwest Radio (2019).
Sources[edit]
- "Killala Bay". eOceanic. 2020. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
- "Two Mayo beaches lose their Blue Flag status". Midwest Radio. 20 May 2019. Retrieved 26 May 2020.
The 2019 Mayo blue flags have been awarded to ... Ross Killala ...
- "Killala Bay". anchorageworld.com. 2008. Archived from the original on 18 July 2012. Retrieved 14 March 2014.
- "Killala Bay/Moy Estuary". Ramsar Sites Information Service. 7 June 1996. Retrieved 25 April 2018.
- "Sea Angling in Ireland - The Shore Marks of North Mayo & West Sligo". Sea Angling Ireland. 2019.