BALLYVAUGHAN

• IEBYV
• Latitude: 53.12
• Longitude: -9.15335
• UK Coast & Atlantic
• Marina in Ireland

Location: Ireland

Ballyvaughan is a picturesque seaside village located in County Clare, on the west coast of Ireland. It lies along the Wild Atlantic Way, a famous coastal route that showcases some of Ireland's most stunning landscapes. While Ballyvaughan itself is more renowned for its scenic views, historical sites, and tourism rather than its maritime facilities, it does have a small harbor that serves local needs.

Ballyvaughan Harbor

General Description:

• Location: Ballyvaughan is situated on the southern shore of Galway Bay, providing a charming view of the bay's sweeping curve and the surrounding Burren region.
• Function: The harbor primarily serves local fishing boats, leisure crafts, and small tourist vessels. It is not a commercial or industrial port.
• Scenery: It offers panoramic views of Galway Bay and the rugged landscape of the Burren.

Specifications:

• Harbor Type: Small harbor
• Coordinates: Approximately 53.1230° N latitude and 9.1521° W longitude
• Water Depth: Limited depth suitable for small vessels. Not suitable for large commercial ships.
• Berthing: Limited berthing space, mostly for small fishing boats and leisure vessels.
• Facilities: Basic facilities, including a small quay and jetty. There are no large-scale cargo handling or warehousing facilities.
• Navigation: Entrance to the harbor can be challenging due to tidal changes and weather conditions typical of the Atlantic coast.
• Services: Services are limited but may include fuel supplies from local vendors and basic maintenance facilities.

Notable Features Near the Harbor:

• Aillwee Cave: One of the oldest caves in Ireland, located a few kilometers from Ballyvaughan, offering underground tours.
• The Burren: A unique Karst landscape, known for its archeological significance and rare flora.
• Poulnabrone Dolmen: A well-preserved portal tomb dating back to the Neolithic period.
• Galway Bay: Ideal for water sports and coastal activities.

Important Notes:

1. Conservation Status: The area surrounding Ballyvaughan is part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, highlighting its environmental and geological significance.
2. Tourism: Ballyvaughan is a popular stop for tourists exploring the Wild Atlantic Way, making it more oriented towards tourism than shipping or cargo activities.
3. Access: Reachable via regional roads, with the nearest major city being Galway, which is about an hour's drive away.

Ballyvaughan harbor may not serve as a significant commercial port, but it plays an important role in the local economy through fishing and tourism. Visitors to the area can enjoy a mix of natural beauty, historical sites, and warm hospitality.