Irish Sea charter

[rex_seadog]

Am chartering a 38 footer from Conwy in a couple of weeks and possible ports of call are I of M (Port St Mary?), Carlingford Lough then Malahide, Howth or D.L (can't spell it!) for a night in Dublin with a return through the Swellies (via Hollyhead?). As this is my first experience of this cruising area any advice on these or alternatives would be appreciated. In particular what restrictions are there on entry to Carligford Lough - Reeds says difficult on the ebb with stream up to 5 knots?

I'm sure the Irish Cruising Club pilot book will have most of the answers but unfortunately I won't get to see this until I take over the boat. Even so personal recommendations of forumites are always valued.

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[david_e]

Howth would be my choice for a stopover but it can be busy. As it happens all the Dublin ports are easily accessable by the Dart train, excellent service.

Go onto the Mobo forum and talk to 'hlb' about Carlingford Lough and the IoM, he knows the area pretty well.

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[Sybarite]

Carlingford Lough : the tides are strong but manageable. The channel is clearly marked. If you are going to the marina (nice restaurant there) you need to go a mile or two past it before sharply angling back to find the entrance to the approach channel. Making a bee-line for it takes you over some shoals.

If you have to choose between Howth or Dun Laoghaire (the fort of Leary) Howth IMO has more character. Picturesque litte village and lots of nice restaurants. Both marinas though have friendly staff. Check you depth going into Howth at low tide, especially if springs. No problem in DL. Just don't run into the HSS - or the seals.

John



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[Jools_of_Top_Cat]

Menai Strait

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[extravert]

I'll add my bit to the places you mention that have not already been commented on by others.

Port St Mary is attractive, but open to the South East. This will often be OK, but if you want shelter from this direction, go round the corner to Port Erin, which is sheltered from the East but completely open to the West. There are two visitor's moorings here, and good holding. None of these IOM small harbours is much good in really grotty weather.

Malahide is a big smart marina which is the friendliest of the Dublin lot, but has a least depth of 0.8m, so not possile to get in all the time. There is lots of space though. The river has a few boats on unlit moorings, which can be a bit alarming at night, but OK if you go slow. Getting into Dublin is reasonably easy. There is a train station 20 minutes walk away with reasonably frequent trains.

There are few facilities in Carlingford village itself (20 minutes from the marina). It's a sleepy rural Irish village. However, it is possible to go to the head of the Lough and tie up on a free pontoon in Warrenpoint. There are more shops here. Although you are limited to around high water to berth at Warrenpoint, we found it much easier to go there by boat than try to get there by bus.

The Swellies route back is very scenic, but it's a lot less stressful going back via Holyhead. There is a marina there and access is any tide any weather. Caernarvon bar can be a bit fearsome when it's windy out.

<hr width=100% size=1>One day, I want to be a real sailor. In the mean time I'll just keep tri-ing.

 

[[3889]]

If you want access to Dublin centre closest option is here.
http://www.ddda.ie/cold_fusion/dublin_docklands/moorings/moorings.cfm

Otherwise agree Howth is most pleasant marina.

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[chris_db4]

Having visited Carlingford, Port st Mary, dublin city and Dun loaghaire this year already, i would advise the extra time and effort of going up the river and through the east link bridge to the city moorings, it puts you into the heart of the city and lets you explore, Howth is well worth visiting in its self. Carlingford lough is worth entering with the slack/start of the flood during springs unless you have a large engine, for entry into the marina the advised back transit is obvious as it's the last pair of nav marks. Port St Mary is a good harbour but at this time of year you may find fishing boats tied up at the 'Yacht Berth' end of the harbour if you arrive late at night but otherwise its fine. Anyway hope you have a good one and let us know how it went.

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