Sailing to Ireland II

[TiggerToo]

The thread on this topic earlier this morning reminded me that I'd like to do this next year. But from Plymouth. Can anyone suggest hints for a good passage plan - I am especially interested in actual experience. Aiming to the south coast of the Emerald isle: where would YOU go?

 

[MoodySabre]

The Isles of Scilly are worth a visit if the weather is reasonable and you have a pilot book. Stunning bays and beaches. Then all you got to do is pretend you're in the Fastnet! Gulp /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

 

[Sans Bateau]

I did it from Gosport to Cork a few years ago, we passed Plymouth.

The passage was fairly straight forward, the obvious ports of refuge were factored in, but once we rounded Longship LH, we felt committed to Cork, of course in truth we wern t, we still had Padstow etc.

With SW winds that we had the wind was on the beam, so although a big rolling sea with a chop on top from the F5-6 we had a great sail. What was more tiresome was the beating into the SWly up to Longships.

 

[FAITIRA]

We left Waterford in June, went to Hugh Town, Scillys, 30hrs, thats probably the shortest passage, but if you want to cruise further West it would be a big advantage to aim much further West, Cork, Kinsale or Baltimore. A stop at the Scillys would make a nice two hop trip if you are shorthanded.

 

[TiggerToo]

Thanks everyone so far: we've been to the Scillies and we know how nice they are - there will be a strong temptation to remain there. Which point would you aim for in S Ireland for a first visit, though?

 

[smolyneux]

The 1601 in Kinsale, then Mary-Anne's in Castletownsend and then Murph's in Baltimore.

Simon

 

[seaesta]

I would go to Dunmore East. That was my forst (note the Irish Accent) stop when I sailed over from Milford Haven a few years ago.
Martin

 

[PembrokeshirePromise]

I'd probably head for Kinsale if the wind was in the right direction - nice Marina - excellent restaurants - but not cheap - stay for a night or so and then head W

Or if wind allowed I might be tempted to go further W (e.g. Baltimore direction) - so you could work your way back E. Lots of places to stop W of Kinsale without paying marina prices. New S&W Ireland crusing guide is well worth it

Depends on always on how long you have and how far you plan to go I guess

 

[Sans Bateau]

[ QUOTE ]
Which point would you aim for in S Ireland for a first visit, though?

[/ QUOTE ]

The entrance to Cork is so easy, I cant imagine anything being easier!

We stayed at the Royal Cork YC, very friendly, good food etc etc.

 

[macd]

The most interesting scenery and most agreeable places begin with Cork harbour, so that's a logical first landfall. Some of the harbours and inlets east of there are shoal and/or dodgy in a blow (but not Dunmore/Waterford). Additionally, prevailing winds are often on the nose if travelling west along the Irish south coast. Obviously you'll base your plans on the forecast at the time, but there's more likelyhood of a good reach from Scillies direct to Cork.

Cork's tenable in amost any conditions, and pretty well everywhere west of there is a delight. Cork entrance is around 130 miles from Hugh Town.

 

[john_morris_uk]

I have sailed Plymouth to Cork. We stopped at Mevagissey on the way out and in Falmouth on the way home. No dramas to report. It took us just over 24 hours to sail and motorsail round Land's End to Ireland. What else do you need to know?

 

[lookwide]

Has any one thaught of continuing up the east coast to Northern Ireland, Portrush on the Antrim Coast is supposed to be worth a visit.

 

[macd]

You might check the thread of a day or so ago, 'Sailing to Ireland'.
The Irish E coast certainly has it's attractions, especially, Carlingford, Strangford and the Antrim coast. It's also possible to berth close to central Dublin. Generally, until you turn the NE corner by Rathlin, it's less exposed than the rest of the Irish coast but also, on the whole, less wild and spectacular.

 

[jeanne]

The south coast of Ireland gets nicer the further west you go.
And as the wind is usually from the west, I would always try make the most westerly landfall that I could.
There are so many harbours and bays, all easy to enter, that your final port of arrival is not important. For me the highlights are Roaring Water Bay, west of Baltimore, the Blasket Islands, and Kinsale.
But there is always the proposition posed by Eric Hiscock, that the most beautiful anchorage in Europe is in either Adrigole or Glengariff, a few miles apart in Bantry Bay, and one should go to both, and decide for yourself.

 

[Mrnotming]

Hi Tiggertwo, in reverse I have done Rosslare, Milford Haven, Padstow, Penzance, Falmouth, Dartmouth, Plymouth, Cherbourg.I think going the other way I would got across from Milford Haven to Kilmore quay N of the Saltee Islands. St Patrick's Bridge a reef extends S wards from Kilmore Quay and is only Buoyed with small lit markers in summertime I think.So an approach via the Coningbeg LANBY to the West might be advisable if any much S or SW weather is present.If there is a big swell I would as another forumer said, head for Dunmore East or Ballycotton(small) Dungarvan is ok if you can take to the mud,hospitable too!Irish Cruising Club Sailing Directions (South and West ) will be essential.(most good bookshops and online) www.irishcruisingclub.com/publications/index.php give a list of stockists and an outline of the Sailing Directions.Amendments to June 2007 are available here as.pdf downloads.Good Sailing!!