Donaghadee harbour and sound

[pcatterall]

We planned on calling at Bangor on our passage up to the Clyde next week.
Would Donaghadee serve as an alternate/? or the little marina at Copelands? If the tide was right (Looks like a shallow and narrow entrance)
Is Donaghadee passage OK if we are nickng round to Bangor?
Thanks.

 

[earlybird]

I wouldn't recommend either Donaghadee Harbour or Copelands Marina for your purposes.
Donaghadee Sound is perfectly OK if you time the tides right.

 

[SAMYL]

Keep going on to Bangor. Donaghadee is crowded and can be uncomfortable. Copelands is very small with a difficult entrance at the best of times and not much room.
Bangor is an excellent marina with all the usual facilities and right in the town.
Donaghadee sound is as stated before perfectly OK if you get the tide right, and even if you don't you can normally punch against it. It can be rough in a strong SE wind against tide.
I think I heard recently that there are now four buoys there instead of three, but follow the colours/lights and you won't go wrong.
Watch out for Briggs Buoy on the Bangor side of D'dee sound, you must keep outside it even though it looks well out from the shore.

 

[Juggler7823]

Keep going on to Bangor. I heard recently that there are now four buoys there instead of three, but follow the colours/lights and you won't go wrong.
Watch out for Briggs Buoy on the Bangor side of D'dee sound, you must keep outside it even though it looks well out from the shore.

Passed down the Sound in July and there was only 3 buoys then. It was just at dusk and nearly ran over 8 guys swimming across the Sound. Dark wetsuits and no escort boat!

 

[Tex]

I agree with the others.
Passage through the Sound is straight forward if tides are with you.
Entrance to Copeland Marina is tricky at best of times and very restricted due to the high drying sill.
Best carry on to the 5* marina at Bangor.

 

[mdonnelly]

Donaghadee

PM sent

 

[Watson47]

While all of the above are valid points, it depends on what you look for. Bangor is a worthwhile visit and has a great Marina, but Donaghadee is a beautiful and very historic harbour - a little more difficult to tie up at the pier, but usually plenty of willing help on hand & you will be tying up right beside one of the most beautiful Rennie, Lighthouses in Ireland.

http://www.photographers-resource.co.uk/A_heritage/Lighthouses/LG_Ireland/Donaghadee.htm

Your life may be more enriched in Donaghadee ...

Grace Neill's -Irelands Oldest Pub (Claimed) Established 1611 - it has great and very helpful 'patrons'

http://www.graceneills.com/

Pier 36 ... Great folk as well - nothing too much trouble.

http://www.pier36.co.uk/

Breakfast in 'Bow Bells' Bow Street.

Top people at the Lifeboat and the Sailing Club - I always enjoy a visit - often came for one night - stayed longer .. ! ... "Joseph Soar" is the outer boat in photo at the Visitors berths ...