BLACKSOD PIER

• Latitude: 54.0991
• Longitude: -10.0605
• UK Coast & Atlantic
• Marina in Ireland

Address: Ireland

Blacksod Pier, located in Blacksod Bay in County Mayo, Ireland, is a significant historic and functional maritime infrastructure. Here is a detailed description and specifications of Blacksod Pier:

Description:

Blacksod Pier is situated in a remote and rugged part of the west coast of Ireland, specifically in the Mullet Peninsula. It serves as a critical point for marine activities in the region, supporting both fishing and tourism-related endeavors. Blacksod Pier is also notable for its historical significance during World War II, particularly concerning the Allied invasion of Normandy.

Specifications:

1. Location: Blacksod Bay, Mullet Peninsula, County Mayo, Ireland.
2. Coordinates: Roughly 54.0911° N latitude and 10.0508° W longitude.
3. Structure Type: Traditional stone pier with more modern concrete extensions.
4. Length: Approximately 60-70 meters, though this may vary slightly depending on the exact measurement points.
5. Width: Varies along the pier, generally around 8-10 meters wide.
6. Draft/Depth:
   • At Low Tide: Roughly 2-3 meters.
   • At High Tide: Approximately 5-6 meters.
7. Navigational Aids: There may be basic navigational aids, including lighting and markers, given its active use but specifics can vary.
8. Facilities: Basic amenities including mooring points, fishing gear storage, and temporary docking spaces. No large-scale commercial facilities.
9. Usage:
   • Fishing: Active use by local fishing vessels.
   • Tourism: Used by tour operators and for recreational boating.
   • Historical Interest: Noted for its signal role in WWII, particularly in providing crucial weather reports for the D-Day landings.
10. Access:

• By Land: Accessible via local roads from the nearest town, Belmullet.
• By Sea: Approachable by small to medium-sized vessels.

Historical Significance:

• World War II: Weather reports from Blacksod Lighthouse, adjacent to the pier, were pivotal to the success of the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944. The lighthouse keeper, Ted Sweeney, provided crucial forecasts about weather patterns in the Atlantic, which influenced the timing of the operation.

Blacksod Pier remains a focal point for both local maritime activity and historical tourism. It encapsulates the blend of rural Irish maritime culture and significant global historical impact, all while supporting contemporary marine and fishing operations in County Mayo.