Kinsale vs Cork

lustyd

lustyd

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From the Scillies which to head for? We then plan to go East so if we skip Kinsale we may not be back but Cork looks easier and ever so slightly closer.
 
I went there once, 20 yrs ago. We went to Cork and visited Kinsale each way when going west. I don't remember anything difficult about the entrance. It's a nice town if not actually unmissable and the coast is attractive with some interesting small places nearby. I would be guided with wind and weather.
 
Fr J Hackett said:
Personally I would go Bantry bay then Kinsale then Cork, it obviously depends on your time available but it would be a shame to miss Both Bantry and Kinsale.
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The timeline is basically we’d like to be in IoM for end of May to watch the bikes. Bantry looks too far west, realistically Kinsale is the furthest I think we’d go that direction from Scillies. We’ve yet to decide between west Ireland and Norway for the return south
 
Mystic 1.jpg

Castletownshend is an easy entrance and has a sheltered anchorage, off a small (one, very picturesque, street) village. Have used that as an arrival point from Scilly. Then proceeded to a shoreside berth when rested & ready......

EDIT: writing whilst you posted #4.....
 
Also I think too far west unfortunately, we’re trying to keep the crossing manageable for two of us while also keeping the trip north east doable to hit TT
 
lustyd said:
Also I think too far west unfortunately, we’re trying to keep the crossing manageable for two of us while also keeping the trip north east doable to hit TT
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By going to Bantry you lose a day to travel to Kinsale plus the time you would spend in both places, the South coast is a lot more pleasant than the East coast although there are some nice places after Arklow.
 
I quite liked Arklow to be fair. Bantry would also add 8-9 hours to the crossing which I’m not keen on with two on board (one less experienced).

Probably should have said the trip is next week too 🤣
 
For preference, I'd go to Kinsale if the wind is good. Cork is mostly the Royal Cork at Crosshaven or a lon g river trip to Cork City. Last there in summer 23
 
lustyd said:
I quite liked Arklow to be fair. Bantry would also add 8-9 hours to the crossing which I’m not keen on with two on board (one less experienced).

Probably should have said the trip is next week too 🤣
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Bantry, Kinsale and Cork are all very similar crossing times from the scillies My crossings used to be between 30 and 36 hours starting at first light.
 
Have you considered Baltimore, and Roaring Water Bay beyond?

It's an easy entrance - needs to be for all the 'Baby Jesters' - and has a welcoming yacht club as well as a handful of good restaurants which are noticeably cheaper than Kinsale.
 
zoidberg said:
Have you considered Baltimore, and Roaring Water Bay beyond?

It's an easy entrance - needs to be for all the 'Baby Jesters' - and has a welcoming yacht club as well as a handful of good restaurants which are noticeably cheaper than Kinsale.
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Too far west but a great area.
 
Fr J Hackett said:
Bantry, Kinsale and Cork are all very similar crossing
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Navionics says there’s a 40 mile difference which is quite a bit on top of a 130 mile trip.
I’m undecided on leaving time, first light seems sensible though and I think I’d prefer more daylight hours at sea.

Thanks for all the great replies, I’ve not done south coast before so all useful knowledge. We have pilot books but they never seem as useful as a couple of sentences from people who have been.
 
lustyd said:
Navionics says there’s a 40 mile difference which is quite a bit on top of a 130 mile trip.
I’m undecided on leaving time, first light seems sensible though and I think I’d prefer more daylight hours at sea.

Thanks for all the great replies, I’ve not done south coast before so all useful knowledge. We have pilot books but they never seem as useful as a couple of sentences from people who have been.
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Departure time wise: I tend to work it backwards, on a 24hr + passage. Aiming for a midday arrival. Giving max opportunity of daylight (for, often, the most exacting part) in event of being faster / slower than expected. With the overnight bit clear of either coast, if possible.
 
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Have you considered going straight to Kilmore Quay? Same distance from the Scilly Islands and a welcoming atmosphere in my experience (12 years ago). And it is a fair bit closer to your destination, given you seem to have a deadline.
 
Yes I thought about that but do want to get some of the south coast in so was finding the balance between rushing, easy passages and progress. And weather, the weather has cooperated so far but this week is starting to look windy!
 
I would say it depends on your plans afterwards and the weather, if you get a good weather window then definitely go west first. If you make the effort to go to Kinsale you can work your way anti-clockwise to Dublin if that is your plan. Waterford is an interesting place and worth a visit it has quite a lot of history.
 
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