Off to Ireland

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We're off to Ireland next week weather permitting, with the intention of going all the way round (clockwise) if things go well.

The bit between Dublin and Cork looks a bit dull and exposed, and we want to press on if possible so we can spend more time in the S and W . . . we might just do Dublin - Cork in a single passage if weather permits, but then again maybe not. Has anyone any recommendations for hidey-holes, places worth visitng etc along this stretch of coast?

- Nick



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If you are happy to mix with fishing boats etc then Dunmore East is worth a visit. You may even see the kittihawks nesting on the cliffs.

Youghal is on a river mouth with traditional swinging moorings. very quiet.

Ballycotton is a small harbour where it is usually possible to find a lunch stop berth. Not sure about overnighting.

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As you get round onto the South and South West Coasts, there are the well known harbours of Crooshaven/Cork, Kinsale & Schull all have fairly good facilities then Baltimore & Crookhaven are well worth a visit. Worth remembering that Cork Week starts June 10th so Crosshaven will be very busy but I guess you will be well past it by then. Round Mizen head Ahakista in Dunmanus bay is beautiful and a good anchorage, great bar there “The Tin Pub’ (my local). Bantry bay is stunning on a sunny day and there are moorings at the head of the bay in Bantry & Glengarriff, but it can take the best part of a day to get back out again if the wind is on the nose as it often is. Then on up to Dingle.

I’ll look out for you.

matt

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As you say, there isn't too much of interest twixt Dublin and Cork.

Going clockwise, you have Arklow; Wexford is very shallow, Kilmore Quay Marina is good (nice thatched cottages in village), Waterford is well worth a visit, Dungarvan is shallow, so is Youghal (although a dinghy trip with the flood up the River Blackwater would be absolutely memorable), there are 3 or 4 visitor moorings in Ballycotton (bright yellow ones); the Grapefruit Moon restaurant in Ballycotton has a fabulous menu.

You then have 4 marinas in Cork Harbour but what I would recommend is that you tie up to the pier on the opposite bank to East Ferry Marina, (you'll have enough water at all times) and try Murph's Bar Restaurant. You can overnight here if you have good fenders.

West of Cork then, you're into beautiful scenery where you will really want to dilly dally.

If you want me to expand on anything, send me a PM.

Kevin.

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.begleys.com/weather.htm>Useful links for Irish waters.</A>
 
I have to recommend Waterford like the others, the Waterford museum should not be missed. Arklow is quite nice although a little busy. Wexford is a great town but a terrible entrance, but has the friendliest and most helpful fishermen I have ever met.....

Have you got a pilot from the Irish Cruising Club, there are more places than you might think. A lot of people from Pwllheli go to Wicklow, although I have never been it is supposed to be very nice.

My Irish cruise last year covers the exact bit of coastline you are discussing, here

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.topcatsail.co.uk/Top_Cat_Irish_Cruise_00.html>http://www.topcatsail.co.uk/Top_Cat_Irish_Cruise_00.html</A>

<hr width=100% size=1>Julian

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You must stop off at

Kinsale easy to get into any state of the tide any allways somewhere to moor for the night.
If you like it quiet then Castletownsend or to some Castlehaven, only one shop, something out of the 1920's and only one pub, but what a pub, I think it's called Maryanne, Egon Ronay awards plastered all over the walls, and probably deserves them. You must try their "Sticky toffee pudding" probably the best I have ever eaten. Some moorings but most just anchor, no charges I don't think the've even got a harbourmaster. /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

<hr width=100% size=1>David
 
Thanks everyone - can't wait to get away now . . .

Waterford looks good, Jools - although it's a bit our of the way up the river. Also on the shortlist are Kilmore Quay and Ballycotton.

Then Kinsale and into the SW and W - the Tin Pub sounds worth a trip to Dunmanus, Matt - maybe have a pint with you there. We are an Albin Vega, Fairwinds V1842.

Will hopefully post a full account of the cruise on our return.

- Nick

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Nick, Cork Week is on this year from July 10th to July 16th. If you are taking the slow train around Ireland call in to Crosshaven for a look and great craic. It will be busy but worth the visit!!

After Cork Harbour, the next really nice anchorage is Oysterhaven, 3 miles east of Kinsale. Simply beautiful spot to wake up in. I wouldn't miss it.

Next stop Kinsale, then Glandore, Castlehaven, Baltimore, Schull and Crookhaven.
then off up the West Coast. The I.C.C. are having their 75th anniversary cruise down to Glengarriff (where they were founded), just after Cork Week. Don't miss that either! There will be a great muster there.

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If you need to rely on GPS/Chartplotter it is worth remembering that None of Ireland is WGS84 compliant and your GPS position will be about 100 yards out.
Read up Reeds Almanac

It doed make a difference when entering Arklow in fog. We started to enter South of the South pier. Woops!!!!!!!!!!!!

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E Coast Ireland

Not much in the way of good all-tide harbours.

Arklow is OK, if you don't mind gritty decks from the cement factory - very hard-drinking RNLI crew, who appear to be carrying out an extended survey into how much beer the english can consume before leglessness occurs.

Rosslare should be avoided at all costs, it's wide open to NW.

Wexford is picturesque, but you can only get in + - 2hrs HW and the channel is endless (well 6 wriggling miles).

Ideally placed for a stopover is Kilmore Quay which is a pleasant place, tho' coming in behind Little Saltee can be a little tricky if the markers for St Patrick's Bridge aren't in place. I wouldn't advise an after-dark approach to those of a nervous disposition. Immobilised by the local lifeboat crew, I was liberally sprinkled with holy water by the local priest there, during the annual Blessing the Boats in '99.

Dunmore E is a useful harbour of refuge, but tends to be crowded out. It's got one of the best restaurants, if you can get in, along the S coast.

I'd avoid Youghal, it has a double bar, like Bélon, though the holding inside is fantastic.


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Re: Off to Ireland - GPS

Now that IS a good reminder, Freeman . . .

We do use GPS as the primary navigation tool, but backed up by Mk1 eyeball, echo sounder and anything else that is handy . . .

Most modern charts tell you how much out the datum is from WGS84, and it's relatively simple to add/subtract the relevant amount if pinpoint accuracy becomes necessary. We've got Imrays all the way round, with an interesting collection of borrowed Admiralty charts in fathoms priced 10s/6d or 11s to help with the twiddly bits - plus, of course, the Irish Cruising Club guides.

- Nick



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Nick

Be sure to call and see us at Kilmore Quay. Beautiful place, can be a bit busy. Also Vega friendly! Three at moment and hopefully growing. Give us a call if you need any further advice, Steve will give you our telephone nos or E Mail me direct.

Cheers

Nigel. Eager Vega 3314

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just change your gps/plotter to whatever the co-ordinate system that the chart is using.GPS/plotters work in more than just WGS84

<hr width=100% size=1>Me transmitte sursum, caledoni
 
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