RATHMULLAN

• IERAT
• Latitude: 55.0951
• Longitude: -7.52958
• UK Coast & Atlantic
• Port in Ireland

Location: Ireland

Rathmullan is a small seaside village situated on the Fanad Peninsula in County Donegal, Ireland. It's known for its scenic views of Lough Swilly, historical significance, and maritime activities. Here are the key points regarding Rathmullan as a marine port:

Location

• Geographic Coordinates: Approximately 55.1150° N latitude and 7.5236° W longitude.
• Position: On the western shore of Lough Swilly, facing east towards Inishowen Peninsula.

General Characteristics

• Type: Small commercial and fishing port.
• Primary Use: Mixed-use including local fishing, leisure boating, and small commercial shipping.

Facilities

• Harbor Structure: The harbor includes a pier and several mooring points for vessels.
• Depth: Generally suitable for small and medium-sized vessels. Larger commercial vessels may need to anchor further out.
• Berthing: Limited berthing facilities with a few quayside berths for fishing and leisure boats.
• Services: Basic maritime services such as fueling, water supply, and minor repairs. More comprehensive services might require traveling to larger nearby ports such as Derry or Killybegs.

Navigation

• Tidal Information: Tides in Lough Swilly are semi-diurnal, with a significant tidal range that can affect berthing and navigation.
• Navigational Aids: Basic aids to navigation are in place, including buoys and lights marking key points around the harbor entrance.

Commercial Activities

• Fishing: Local fishing activities, predominantly focused on shellfish and small-scale fishery.
• Tourism: Rathmullan is a popular spot for tourists, particularly those interested in maritime activities, including sailing, fishing, and sightseeing cruises.

Historical Significance

• Historical Sites: Rathmullan has historical significance dating back to the Flight of the Earls in 1607 and various points throughout Irish history.
• Tourist Attractions: Includes the ruins of Rathmullan Abbey and the nearby Ringfort of Rathmullan.

Connectivity

• Road: Accessible by local roads with connections to the regional road network.
• Public Transport: Limited public transport; nearest major public transport hubs are in Letterkenny and Derry.

Regional Ports

• Nearest Major Ports: Derry (approximately 45 km away) and Killybegs (about 70 km away), which offer more extensive port facilities and services.

Environmental Considerations

• Protected Areas: Lough Swilly is designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Area (SPA) due to its rich biodiversity.
• Environmental Regulations: Activities are subject to regulations aimed at protecting the natural environment and preserving the site's ecological integrity.

Summary

Rathmullan is a picturesque and historically rich port village that primarily serves local fishing and leisure needs. It offers basic port facilities with limited commercial capacity, making it more suited for small to medium-sized vessels. Visitors and mariners are attracted to its scenic beauty, historical sites, and the tranquility of Lough Swilly.