Sailing around Ireland 2026

[Supertramp]

Planning a cruise around Ireland next summer April/May/June. Starting from Wales, main interest is the S/W/N coasts as I know the Irish Sea well.

Looking for advice and guidance on the following points:

1. What anchorages, harbours, pontoons deserve visiting?

2. Any areas or headlands to avoid or take extra care with?

3. Name the one experience or place not to miss!

Boat is a 36ft ketch, mostly singlehanded, anchoring preferred but good shelter and Irish pubs welcome. I have the Norman Keane ICC guides.

 

[SaltyC]

Watching with interest as a possible for 26 or27.

 

[Concerto]

This also interests me as I plan to start in mid May in a clockwise direction starting from Pwllheli.

 

[AngusMcDoon]

You have to watch out for the fishermen in harbours once you're in the wilder bits. Unlike the curmudgeonly taciturn Scottish variety the Irish fishermen will seek you down in harbour and talk at you for hours about nothing at all until your eardrums start bleeding. Escape before dawn is not always guaranteed.