BLACKSOD DOCK

• Latitude: 54.1019
• Longitude: -10.0678
• UK Coast & Atlantic
• Marina in Ireland

Location: Ireland

Blacksod Dock is a small but significant maritime facility located in the village of Blacksod, on the Mullet Peninsula in County Mayo, Ireland. It serves as an essential point for various maritime activities including fishing, transportation, and sometimes tourism. Here is a general description and the specification:

Description:

Blacksod Dock is situated in Blacksod Bay, which is part of the larger Atlantic Ocean. The location is known for its scenic beauty and maritime heritage. The dock primarily caters to fishing vessels, but it also sees recreational and occasional commercial traffic. The nearby Blacksod Lighthouse, an iconic feature of the area, plays a critical role in ensuring the safe navigation of vessels.

Specifications:

1. Location:

   • Coordinates: Approximately 54.0969° N latitude and -10.0575° W longitude.
   • Address: Blacksod, Belmullet, Co. Mayo, Ireland.

2. Dock Dimensions:

   • Length: Variable depending on different sections but typically suited for small to medium-sized vessels.
   • Width: Varies along the stretch of the dockside.
   • Depth: Generally around 3-5 meters, though this can vary with tides.

3. Facilities:

   • Mooring: Several mooring points for fishing boats and other small vessels.
   • Berthing: Limited berthing capacity; can accommodate fishing boats and small commercial or recreational vessels.
   • Fueling: Basic fueling facilities available primarily for local fishermen.
   • Water Supply: Fresh water supply points available.
   • Maintenance: Basic maintenance facilities, not suitable for large-scale repairs.
   • Shelter: Offers good shelter from the prevailing westerly winds due to its geographic location within the bay.

4. Services:

   • Navigation Aids: Proximity to Blacksod Lighthouse and other navigational aids.
   • Emergency Services: Limited on-site; closest major facilities in Belmullet.
   • Customs: No dedicated customs facilities; nearest customs operations are handled in larger ports nearby.
   • Safety: Basic safety provisions including life rings, first-aid kits, and fire extinguishers.

5. Usage:

   • Fishing: Primarily serves the local fishing fleet.
   • Tourism: Occasionally used by tourist vessels, particularly during the summer months.
   • Commercial: Limited commercial use apart from fishing activities.

6. Accessibility:

   • Road Access: Road network connecting to Belmullet and other parts of County Mayo.
   • Public Transport: Limited public transport options; mostly accessible by private vehicle.
   • Parking: Limited parking available near the dock area.

7. Additional Features:

   • Blacksod Lighthouse: Historically significant lighthouse aiding in navigation.
   • Wildlife: The surrounding waters are rich in marine life, often observed by tourists and researchers.

8. Weather Conditions:

   • Prevailing Winds: Generally westerly.
   • Tides: Regular tidal flow with significant variation.
   • Climatic Challenges: Atlantic storms can pose operational difficulties especially in winter.

Conclusion:

Blacksod Dock, though small, is a vital maritime facility in the Mullet Peninsula. Given its strategic location and the proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, it holds considerable importance for local communities involved in fishing and marine activities. The picturesque setting and the rich maritime history also contribute to its role in the local tourism industry.

For specific and up-to-date details, it is advisable to contact local maritime authorities or harbour management.