Ireland / Mulroy Bay to Broadwater

[sighmoon]

Hello,

We're considering a trip to the North West corner of Ireland this year, if we can get out at all.

Looking at Navionics, the maze of loughs between Mulroy Bay and Broadwater look very appealing.

Reeds warns about a shifting channel and then says "enter at half flood (not HW)" why is that? HW at the head of the loch is 2.5 hours after HW at the entrance, so presumably, even entering at HW, there'd be enough tide to carry one in a way.DO they say that because they envisage us bumping several times on the way in? For the same reason, are we better off leaving against the tide?

How significant are the tides? I don't see a specific warning but given the amount of water in the lough, and how pinched the channel gets, I imagine they might get fierce.

Any information appreciated.

Thanks,
Simon

 

[cpedw]

Irish Cruising Club Sailing Directions:
"The tidal stream reaches 5 knots at springs in the First Narrows and for that reason as well as the many shoals, it is preferable to enter Mulroy Bay on a rising tide if proceeding through the Narrows. Arrival off the Bar one or two hours before HW is ideal." It goes on to mention 8 knots and rapids in the later narrows!

We went in there last summer; entered on a falling tide because we needed shelter but anchored just past the bar to wait for the tide. There was swell over the bar but plenty of depth for our 1.6m draft. We only went as far as Fanny's Bay but there's a lot to explore, described in detail in the ICC SDs. If you cant get under Harry Blaney's bridge (19m).

 

[dgadee]

I haven't sailed there but kayaked several times throughout the system. Quite strong flows at the various narrow channels. There can be a big swell at the entrance. Never seen a sailing boat in there - Ribs yes, but nothing bigger. Very nice part of the world.

 

[sighmoon]

Thanks.
What are the rapids like? Worse than Strangford Lough?

 

[dgadee]

Thanks.
What are the rapids like? Worse than Strangford Lough?

Strangford is long and wide. Here it is narrow and winding. Both have bars.

 

[dgadee]

Thanks.
What are the rapids like? Worse than Strangford Lough?

Ps - do go in and report back!

 

[Netdrum]

Hi Simon,

I keep my boat at Meavgh just inside Mulroy Bay, it’s a great location but the navigation is very difficult without local knowledge. There are relatively new navigation marks leading to the Mulroy Bridge but beyond that into Broad Water the Navigation is interesting. The Bay has a number pinch points or Narrows which funnel the tide and produce a very fast flow with dangerous conditions. At the mouth of the Bay there is the Mulroy Bar and the first set of Narrows and there was a Port hand mark at the Bar Rocks which has moved position so care is advised on the approach from Melmore Head.
There are some visitor moorings at the boatyard in Meavgh which is marked as Fannys Bay on the chart and great shelter here. Most visiting yachts call to Downings in Sheephaven Bay which is closer to the village if you land at the pier there. Drop me a PM if you need more info or have an arrival date and if I can be be of any assistance.
Regards

Derek

 

[Netdrum]

See Post above

 

[sighmoon]

Thanks. It's more of an option than a plan at this stage.

I guess the plan would be to be at the narrows at HW

Drop me a PM if you need more info or have an arrival date and if I can be be of any assistance.

Will do, thanks