Sailing to Ireland

[retsina]

I would like to sail to Ireland, early next season, from Milford Heaven in West Wales. What is the best route?. I understand that the Irish sea can be rough sometimes; when is the best time to cross it? where to?

Any good marinas or other places to visit? I would stay there 2 to 3 days.

 

[graham]

The shortest crossing from Milford is about 55 miles to Kilmore Quay. Sheltered fishing harbour with a small yacht marina.

 

[damo]

Cross any time the weather is suitable; navigation is easy (just avoid the TSS); loads of destinations; if you have some charts and an Almanac you wouldn't need to ask.

 

[MoodySabre]

I did Milford to Kilmore three years ago in August - unhelpful winds - we left Dale about 2300 and arrived 1500. Could be done quicker! Nav was straightforward. Kilmore has limited appeal (apart from decent food at the pub). Taxi to Wexford was reasonable.

Down to Waterford - lovely up the river but a net dodging exercise getting down the coast. About 20 miles further to come back from there.

It was my first night sail and a lovely clear night - marvellous.

 

[alisdair4]

A linked question. If you were to sail the north of Ireland, what pilot book would forumites recommend. I am looking at this as an enjoyable alternative to being battered around the MOK next summer.

 

[santeana]

Apologies Captain for thread drift. Irish Cruising Club Sailing Directions for North and East Coast is what you need. If you think the N coast will be a relief from MoK Alisdair you may be a trifle disappointed! Shallow sea, Atlantic emptying along coast and thro' Rathlin, overfalls here, 5 knot currents there.....but come and see us in Coleraine! Portrush and Ballycastle will give you a good welcome, too.

 

[justbrowsing]

there is only one pilot worth considering and that is Sailing directions for the East and North Coasts of Ireland
by the Irish Cruising Club

 

[macd]

ICC pilots referred to by other posts are indeed excellent, if expensive. I believe Imray are soon to publish an Irish Sea pilot covering both Irish and UK coasts (plus the bit in the middle that's neither UK nor Ireland). You'll know which might better suit your likely cruising areas.

 

[dbewick]

Are the nets still a problem in that part of the world? I went into Kilmore Quay last year en route to Cork and it was a bit of a nightmare trying to avoid them. Word at the time was that the government were buying up the licences of the fishermen and that there woud be far fewer of them in the future (this does nothing about the illegal ones of course). Does anyone know what the situation is at the moment?

 

[damo]

Going between Kilmore Quay and Cork in August, via Dunmore East, I saw very few markers, although I was usually a mile or two off.

Mind you, being in a long keeler I don't worry too much about lines in the water anyway /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Dyflin]

The ICC North and East Coast Sailing Directions are about to be replaced with a brand new edition (should be out next February or so). Drift salmon netting is now illegal in Ireland, so the problem is much reduced...

(But the south and west coast sailing direction is good for a few years yet).

Kilmore Quay is a great stopping off point, but then continue around and up the river into Waterford "city".

Kilmore Quay
http://marinas.com/view/marina/6568

Waterford
http://www.waterfordcity.ie/environment/marina.htm
http://marinas.com/view/marina/6584

Three Sisters Marina, New Ross.
http://www.iwai.ie/nav/threesisters/index.html
http://marinas.com/view/marina/6582

The Irish Sea (or St Georges Channel at this end) is sheltered on two sides obviously but like any offshore trip, just keep a close weather eye for a window. Worst case scenario, if you get stuck on the Irish side, lock the boat up and take the ferry home to Fishguard or fly from Waterford Airport. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[billywilliams]

Tides are much stronger on the Welsh side. Leave Milford Haven 2 or 3 hours after local High Water and enjoy an extended west going flow.

 

[FAITIRA]

South of the Connibeg LANBY to Dunmore East, then catch the tide up to Waterford Harbour, 15mls, interesting City, a pint (or 2) of the very best G in Jordans Bar on the Quay (best old pub in Waterford), opposite the marina. Visiting Dunmore and Waterford would nicely occupy your 2/3 days. Kilmore is ok but nothing much there. Don,t consider Rosslare except for shelter, it,s the pits!
Dunmore is ok, (a pretty village) to wait for the tide to Waterford but a bit difficult for an overnight berth due to the fishing fleet coming and going. Mooring/anchoring can be very rolly. A local ex publican describes Dunmore as, "A small drinking village with a fishing problem".