This rock mark is at the north-west tip of North Clare on the southern extremity of Galway Bay.
The rocks are numbered for matches and the low numbers are on the southern side of the lighthouse.
In normal weather conditions, these rocky platforms offer safe comfortable fi shing into deep water ranging from 20 to 30 feet. Parking is limited at the lighthouse (two cars), so park towards Fanore.
In rough south-westerly winds the area known as the Flats offers calm, sheltered fishing onto clean ground 30 yards from the shore.
SPECIES
Thornback rays are prominent in summer, with other species including bull huss, dogfish, congers, rockling, dabs, ballan wrasse, pollack and mackerel.
Pollack to 8lb 8oz, rays to 11lb and huss to 12lb 8oz have been taken here. Whiting are caught in winter.
BEST BAITS
Most productive baits are sandeels, crabs, fish and lugworms. Spinners, artificial eels and feathers take mackerel and pollack on the flooding tide to high water.
TACKLE
A standard beachcaster with fixed-spool or multiplier reel loaded with 15lb line will enable you to cast out onto clean ground. Hook sizes range from 1 to 3/0 using a combination of two-up and one-down, using a 4oz plain lead. You need a sturdy spinning rod and float gear for the ballan wrasse.
GETTING THERE
Follow the coast from Lahinch passing Fanore on the N67 until you reach the lighthouse on the tip of Black Head. If coming from Galway pass through Kinvara on the N67 and Black Rock is four miles west of Ballyvaughan.
