Westport tide times

Mean spring tidal range in Clew Bay near Westport is approximately 3.8 metres above LAT — one of the higher ranges on the Atlantic coast of Ireland. Mean neap range is around 1.9 metres. Tides are semidiurnal. The large range combined with the shallow, drumlin-obstructed bay means the intertidal zone is extensive: a significant area of the bay is exposed at low-water springs, including the tops of many submerged drumlins that become islands for several hours each tidal cycle.

Drumlins are elongated mounds of glacial till shaped by the movement of ice sheets during the last glaciation. In Clew Bay, up to 365 of these formations are present — the highest concentration of submerged or tidal drumlins in Ireland. At high water, many are completely submerged or appear as small, rounded islands. At low water springs, they emerge as elongated sandy or grassy mounds, rearranging the bay's appearance significantly. The channels between them carry the tidal flow and are navigable for shallow-draught vessels and kayaks, though the pattern is complex and charts should be consulted.

Yes, clearly on a dry day. Croagh Patrick (764 m) stands directly behind Westport, its conical quartzite summit visible from the outer bay and from the Clare Island approaches. The mountain is a navigational landmark on the approach from the west — once Croagh Patrick is identified above the drumlin-filled bay, the bearing to Westport Quay can be estimated with good accuracy. The annual pilgrimage to the summit takes place on the last Sunday of July; parking and boat traffic near the Murrisk embarkation point increases significantly on that day.

Clew Bay is one of Ireland's most popular sea-kayaking destinations. The drumlin islands provide sheltered island-hopping routes, and the high tidal range creates interesting intertidal exploration. Day trips from Westport Quay or Old Head (near Louisburgh) covering the inner bay are suitable for intermediate paddlers in settled conditions. The bay mouth between Clare Island and Achill Head carries much stronger tidal streams — 2–3 knots on springs in the exposed passages — and is appropriate for experienced sea kayakers only. Weather from the northwest arrives with little warning; always carry a VHF radio and check the Met Éireann marine forecast before launching.

Tide times and heights for Westport on TideTurtle are generated from Open-Meteo Marine model output, with inherent uncertainty of approximately ±45 minutes on timing and ±0.2–0.3 metres on height. For a complex, shallow bay like Clew Bay — where a 0.3-metre height discrepancy can mean the difference between a drumlin being above or below water — cross-checking against published tide tables is important for any navigational purpose. Marine Institute Ireland and UKHO Admiralty chart 2057 (Clew Bay) are the authoritative sources. This site is a planning aid and does not replace official nautical publications or local knowledge.