rex_seadog
New member
We are thinking of chartering in the Clyde or maybe further up on the west coast to cruise over to Ireland. Any advice would be welcome, in particular possible ports of call in N Ireland.
N Ireland cruising
- Thread starter rex_seadog
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vyv_cox
Well-known member
No other replies, so here's mine based on memory.
Bangor - best marina I've ever been to. Don't miss eating in RUYC, half a mile down the coast. Much America's Cup memorabilia on display and fantastic value in luxurious surroundings. Have also stayed in Belfast but it was rather industrial about 10 years ago.
Ardfern - newly opened when I was last there but I understand further improved since then. A rather sleepy little town but quite pleasant.
Strangford Loch - amazing place, but buy a good chart and use the tide tables. Flow runs up to six knots in the entrance channel. You could spend several days in the Loch alone, even assuming you didn't run aground on a pladdy.
Red Bay - a convenient anchorage for crossing to Scotland, if the wind direction is offshore. Gets a bit rolly past a northerly.
That's my limit in the North, plenty more good harbours in the South.
I have crossed to/from Islay and Gigha N of the Mull, and to Kip and Campbelltown to the S. Both quite straightforward in the right weather.
Bangor - best marina I've ever been to. Don't miss eating in RUYC, half a mile down the coast. Much America's Cup memorabilia on display and fantastic value in luxurious surroundings. Have also stayed in Belfast but it was rather industrial about 10 years ago.
Ardfern - newly opened when I was last there but I understand further improved since then. A rather sleepy little town but quite pleasant.
Strangford Loch - amazing place, but buy a good chart and use the tide tables. Flow runs up to six knots in the entrance channel. You could spend several days in the Loch alone, even assuming you didn't run aground on a pladdy.
Red Bay - a convenient anchorage for crossing to Scotland, if the wind direction is offshore. Gets a bit rolly past a northerly.
That's my limit in the North, plenty more good harbours in the South.
I have crossed to/from Islay and Gigha N of the Mull, and to Kip and Campbelltown to the S. Both quite straightforward in the right weather.
Bergman
New member
Can't improve much on Vyv's list, but if your boat isn't too big try Carnlough.
Small harbour right along main street of town. Very nice pub whose name I can't remember but turn right just past the big stone gateway.
When I was there it was free!
Small harbour right along main street of town. Very nice pub whose name I can't remember but turn right just past the big stone gateway.
When I was there it was free!
rex_seadog
New member
Thank you both for your suggestions. (Vyv - where is Ardfern - is it the one in Scotland?). These, together with other information I`ve gleaned, point to an interesting cruise. In general there seems to be surprisingly little information on this area - I don't recall any recent yottie magazine articles etc. Before we go we'll have to splash out on the ICC pilot.
vyv_cox
Well-known member
Sorry, brain rot! I should have said Ardglass - see http://www.ardglass.org.uk/marina.htm In my defence it's about 7 years since I was there, and about 12 since Ardfern.
G
Guest
Guest
Only just read your enquiry. I confirm that Bangor marina is probably one of the best you will ever visit. On the north side of Belfast Lough is Carrickfergus with a good marina. Ardglass has a small marina (opened 3 or 4 years ago) which is run very enthusiastically and you will be made most welcome there. There is a B&B nearby which does GREAT meals. Strangford Lough (NOT Loch!) is a great place to cruise but, as you were earlier advised, have an up-to-date Chart 2156 and use the tides. (Never leave the lough when a SE wind of any strength is blowing - the entrance can be bad. Never a problem going in though.) It's not difficult but you must be watchful. There is a new marina at Portaferry and the Quoile YC (approach a bit shallow in places at LW),the Down CC and the Ringhaddy CC will make you welcome. Also try Carlingford Lough SC. They have a new club house and an extension to their marina - well worth a visit. Along the north coast Rathlin Is is worth a visit and a walk ashore. There is a new marina at Ballycastle which I haven't visited yet but is well reported on.
I strongly recommend the ICC Sailing Directions 'North and East Coasts of Ireland' available (as they say) from all good nautical shops
N Ireland is the best kept secret in Britain. A lovely place and nice people (despite its troubles, which as a visitor, you won't notice.) Come on over a give it a try!
I strongly recommend the ICC Sailing Directions 'North and East Coasts of Ireland' available (as they say) from all good nautical shops
N Ireland is the best kept secret in Britain. A lovely place and nice people (despite its troubles, which as a visitor, you won't notice.) Come on over a give it a try!
dafteddy
New member
Agree with previous posts - best kept cruising secret in the British Isles. Bangor (Co.Down) has one of the very best marinas anywhere. Glenarm has just opened a great marina. Very eager to please. Facilities not all in place yet but their suggested alternatives are great. (Spent a night there last week - Excellent.)
You mentioned Ardfern, Scotland (Loch Craignish) - Very good workshops and supplies and a GREAT pub/restaurant just up the road. Kerrera Marina opposite Oban also excellent.
Ballycastle v. good marina, but avoid town at nights during weekends. Rathlin well worth a visit in settled weather. Carrickfergus also good as is Ardglass. Strangford Lough is a jewel. Confirm advice about the local chart and care re entrance but it is really well worth the effort. Marina at Portaferry small but adequate - Visitors Moorings and Club pontoons at Quoile Y.C., Killyleagh Y.C., East Down Y.C., Strangford Lough Y.C. and Down Cruising Club. Just make sure that you know where you are at all times.
Enjoy!
You mentioned Ardfern, Scotland (Loch Craignish) - Very good workshops and supplies and a GREAT pub/restaurant just up the road. Kerrera Marina opposite Oban also excellent.
Ballycastle v. good marina, but avoid town at nights during weekends. Rathlin well worth a visit in settled weather. Carrickfergus also good as is Ardglass. Strangford Lough is a jewel. Confirm advice about the local chart and care re entrance but it is really well worth the effort. Marina at Portaferry small but adequate - Visitors Moorings and Club pontoons at Quoile Y.C., Killyleagh Y.C., East Down Y.C., Strangford Lough Y.C. and Down Cruising Club. Just make sure that you know where you are at all times.
Enjoy!