Cruising Southern Ireland

liverpoold

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Right, we've got a Garmin etrex GPS and a passage makers chart of the Irish Sea and waiting for an Imray one of the SE coast. Setting out from Porthmadog to Ireland in the next couple of weeks (weather dependant) anyone got any tips about cheap/free anchorages on the South coast. (we will either be in a 23ft bilge keeler or a 26ft cat so can dry out)
Anything not to be missed (big wildlife fans, not fans of bureacracy etc)
Is it okay to take the dog with us from the UK, would we need any papers etc?
Thanks!
Selina
 
Compared to UK this is cheap sailing (though food and eating ashore is a bit pricy), with lots of anchorages at which no charges are made. There are adequate marinas (around Cork, Kinsale, Dingle) to cater for re-fuelling and watering. You can choose to do 'sociable' - in the small towns - or 'back to nature' - in the anchorages. A great coast for two weeks pottering, if a bit damp at times. There's a bit more on my web site.
 
With Mark I presume? Grace May will be chasing you there in August!
Favourite place on the South coast is Dungarvan. Tie to sailing club pontoon. About £10. Showers, bar etc. Pub opposite, shops etc. You can anchor nearby but a bit of a dingy ride to town. Kinsale is cheap if you anchor up the river. I think you have to pay harbour dues but not much money. I didnt pay last time as couldnt find harbourmaster.
How long are you going for?
 
its a great place to sail, you will almost have the place to yourself and the locals are super friendly. lots of fish to catch shellfish to collect pubs to visit but take care in some of the ancorages the holding can be poor because of all the weed and the weather is well changable.

we had a fab two mouth cruise there two summers ago.

enjoy and best wishes
 
"cheap/free anchorages"
Unless actually in a harbour, does anyone actually pay to anchor? (and yes, I know about the Duchy of Cornwall nonsense, although I've yet to enjoy the experience of telling them to naff off). The Irish S coast has penty of good anchorages, although some places are dodgy in certain winds. Pontoons less common, especialy W of Kinsale. Irish Cruising Club pilotage book recommended.
You'll find much of it refreshingly quiet and the welcome usually cordial. Your dog will need a passport identical to your own: none.
Wildlife: do try to get hold of 'Reflections on a Summer Sea' written by Trevor Norton, a former (?) prof of Liverpool Dept of Marine Biology (or somesuch). A lovely tale of research in Lough Ine, a few miles east of Baltimore -- far more lyrical than my description here.
 
Wexford is geat as a stop before doing the S/E corner but /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gifONY /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif in offshore or calm conditions as the bar breaks (think Canavon bar on steriods) but it is a great place, tie up in the town centre for free, good yacht club and very trendy night life.
 
In 98 we and others were charged to anchor in Baltimore, though no one asked us for money last year, and yes Barlogue Creek, Lough Ine, (Hyne) is lovely, spent two weeks, 1 in 98, 1 in 06 anchored there, don,t miss it if weather suits.
 
You will be very welcome to visit our port and yacht club at Dunmore East near Waterford. The anchorage is free and there is a great club nearby. The village is a good spot with lovely fish restaurants, pubs, shops, chandlery, bank machine etc. PM me if you are calling and we can go for a pint.
 
Hi Nick, I spent the winter in Waterford working in Waterford marine on the quay, left on the 8th and am in Cameret (waiting for new sails from Hong Kong), on our way back to warmer climes. When we are visiting family around Christmas, I will take you up on the invite and have a craik in "Jordons" or the Club. Bill.
 
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