Around the Coast - Ireland  

All prices in Irish punt, about 1.1 to £UK, or Euros.

SOUTH WEST,  SOUTH & EAST COASTS

Please note that the sequence of ports now follows that used in the Almanac.

Valentia - A notice has been received from Kerry County Council - "Please note that the current contact name for opening of the bridge is DONAL COURTNEY, 16 HARBOUR VIEW, PORTMAGEE. Phone 087-2265597. Please delete all references to Ruari Rudd, in this regard." John Crebbin. Chairman, ISA Cruising Committee, 13/8/98

Darrynane - narrow entrance between rocks. Leading marks are two whitish brick structures with pointed tops. Good holding in sand near "cliff" but check depth. Saw yacht fouling old anchor at S side. Many moorings at E side. Babaji, 14/6/98
There are 3 visitors buoys. Graham Rabbitts, Ariadne, 01/09/03

Sneem - idyllic (when fine!), good shelter and holding off beach at W end. Babaji, 14/6/98 Three visitors bouys added. Yellow. Unda, 26/7/99
The mooring cables referred to in the Almanac have been removed (5 years ago). Graham Rabbitts, Ariadne, 01/09/03

 

Castletown Bearhaven - Calor gas is available in suitable sizes. Graham Rabbitts, Ariadne, 01/09/03

Lawrence Cove Marina - Tucked in the extreme SE corner of Lawrence Cove, Bere Island in Bantry Bay. Appears at last moment but therefore excellent shelter. Electicity, water and diesel on pontoons. Very friendly owners. New June 1997. Showers £1. Card phone. Diesel. Position on pontoons 51N38.0, 9W49.9. Shop/PO 10 minutes. Babaji, 13/6/98

Glenngariff - Four visitors buoys added. Yellow. Unda, 26/7/99

Crookhaven - Excellent shelter. Moorings £5/night but difficult to pick up as bridles not buoyed, and hang below buoys. Friendly pub will sell items from adjacent shop out of shop hours. Babaji, 11/6/98

Kinsale - See Cruising November 2002..  Water, diesel and showers available at Kinsale YC, Castlepark and Trident marinas.  Current charge at Courtmacsherry pontoon 15euros per night.  Restaurants galore. Choice of supermarkets. Norman Kean, HLR, 11/01.05

Crosshaven (Cork harbour) - World's first YC, the Royal Cork, as friendly as ever. Rock infill being used to increase foreshore area in front of Club, and pontoons being extended to nearly double marina capacity, in readiness for Cork Week, otherwise little changed since 1981.  RCYC started 1720 Class (1720 is year of their foundation) rather like Melges). Fees include showers and electricity. Small shops but no bank in Crosshaven. This is best entry port from SW England or Scillies with safe deep water and good shelter. Banks, cash dispenser and supermarket at Carrigaline 5mi along Owenboy River (past Drakes Pool where Drake hid his squadron when out-numbered by the Spanish enemy in 1580). Diesel at Crosshaven Boat Yard Marina 30p/litre. Babaji, 5/6/98

Kilmore Quay New marina N end of busy fishing harbour. Small village with some shops good pubs & food. Showers etc in local church club (£1.50) Channel N of Saltee Is has R G buoys.Prominent leading marks for Hr entrance. S Hood, 22/6/01

New Ross (Co. Wexford) A new marina is recently opened 18 miles from Hook Head on the river Barrow . Berths available for 7.5 to 13.5m. Marina manager: John Dimond on 00353 86 3889652. Ed. 26/10/05

?Courtown Hbr is being dredged 1999 and hopefully there will be more moorings for visitors. At the moment there is an average of 3m at low water on the bar. When the harbour is dredged I will let you know more accurate depths. Perhaps a note of advice for the members would be that the harbor entrance is kept dredged regularly. Aine Stafford 17/9/99

Arklow - Moorings for about 40 boats have been created in the Arklow harbour basin, together with pontoons for another 30 in the adjacent river. 22/3/00
Berths alongside little used fishing boats in basin on S side - £7.50 for 3 nights! Showers free in nearby Lifeboat House. Ten minutes walk to town. S. Hood, 22/6/01

 

Howth (Dublin) - Free internet facilities are available at the library. Graham Rabbitts, Ariadne, 01/09/03

NORTH COAST

Please note that the sequence of ports now follows that used in the Almanac.

Ardglass Marina – tel: 028 4484 2332 – is the best place to wait for the flood into Strangford Lough . Dr John Noble, HLR, 31/1/05

Portaferry (N.Ireland) Lat: 54N22.7 Long: 5W33.9 Shops, fuel, pubs and restaurants all within a few minutes.Good base for exploration of Strangford Lough, which teems with wildlife, thanks to its sheltered nature. S Hood 10/1/01

Sail makers: Sketrick at 028 9754 1400; Rigger: 028 9754 1727; Marine Engine Services: 07831 311412 (Michael Glover). Dr John Noble, HLR, 31/1/05

Portaferry Marina - tel: 028 4272 9598.  Small Harbour dependent upon run of tide. Dr John Noble, HLR, 31/1/05

Glenarm, Co. Antrim - Lat: 54N58.3 Long: 5W56.8 New marina in old harbour, close to picturesque village, well positioned for North Channel crossings. Several good pubs, restaurants, shops etc. Showers in H M's portacabin on W side. Fish pens in bay are well marked & lit at night. S Hood, 16/11/02

There 3 visitors buoys in the bay N of Ballyglass, and also 3 visitors buoys on the port side of the river. Graham Rabbitts, Ariadne, 01/09/03

Bangor (N.Ireland) - Lat: 54 40N Long: 05 40W page: 684 Hbk: 6th , CA Amanac p216 Crest Nicolson 5 anchor Marina, plenty of visitors berths. 24hr fuel available. Diesel 35p/ltr and petrol. Easily entered, safe in all weathers. Friendly place with all sorts of shops, pubs, restaurants, chart agency, chandlery and boat repairs. Good place to explore rest of Co. Down and Belfast 25 mins by train, 5 minutes walk from Marina. Good place for crew changes, Belfast City Airport 20 mins by train. Belfast international Airport 1 1/2 hours by train and bus or 45 mins by taxi. Pilotage info available on the Berth Holders association web site www.bmbha.org Peter Lyons, Yacht: Honora, 04/07/03
Surprisingly there are no internet facilities available in Bangor. Graham Rabbitts, Ariadne, 01/09/03

Downings (Sheephaven) - eight buoys have been laid in extremely exposed position, well to seaward of pierhead,, most remote at 55N11.4, 7W50.5, but little used and trawlers on jetty do not mind you lying alongside in excellent shelter. McNutt's Coffee Shop good cafe by pier. Water tap and WC on pier. Shop and PO close. Babaji, 4/7/98

Portsalon (Lough Swilly) - six visitors moorings exposed to swell as usual! Very arrtactive place with lovely beaches, small shop, bar and restaurant at landing. Shop and PO 1km. One buoy at 55N12.3, 7W37.1. Babaji, 6/7/98

Rathmullan (Lough Swilly) - Calor Gas is available at pub; There is a good fresh water hose on the pontoon. . Graham Rabbitts, Ariadne, 01/09/03

Portrush (N.Ireland) - good harbour with visitors pontoon today, water and diesel 14p (UK)/l on pontoon, £7 per night, Hr Mr Richard McKay extremely helpful, showers (free during day beside Hr Mr office, in YC evenings 30p), friendly YC overlooking, attractive seaside resort, excellent restaurants, Calor gas. Babaji, 7/7/98

Londonderry (N.Ireland) Lat: 54N59.31 Long: 07W19.00 CAlm, p.693 A new pontoon, 200ft long has been established on the River Foyle at Londonderry. Details not available yet but it is open from 5th July 2003. Details as soon as available. Peter Lyons, Yacht: Honora, 04/07/03

Derry has a new pontoon, the Port in the City, that offers a berth for cruisers at the centre of things from Summer 2004. Ed. 16.02.05

 

WEST COAST

Please note that the sequence of ports now follows that used in the Almanac.

Aranmore Sound - six new visitors buoys just south of the island NE of the obelisk. Buoy nearest landing is at 54N59.6, 8W29.6. The least attractive of the islands visited with much badly sited building. Babaji, 2/7/98

Tory Island (Camusmore Bay) - very attractive island with neat villages. Pier has been doubled in width and will be lengthened by 80m over next year, about 10m so far. Large crane conspic feature. Diesel available. Good cafe. Shop closed 1400 to 1600. No buoys here! Babaji, 3/7/98

Killybegs - Superb all-weather harbour with all facilities tho diesel has to be ordered and delivered by tanker. Mooney Boats have first class engineering facilities including fittings, mainly heavy. Swan Net supplies rope. Water hydrants on quay between piers. Hr Mr will obtain fax forecasts. Fish and Chip shop. Banks with cash dispensers. Shop open Sundays. Anchor in NW corner of harbour where there is now no significant fishing boat activity, not where recommended where going ashore up dumped boulder wall not practicable; land at steps on east side od fishing pier. Good holding in mud. A mooring may be free. Highly recommended. Babaji, 28/6/98

Teelin - four yellow visitors buoys (max 15 tonnes!) have been laid but are highly exposed to open sea to south and unnecessarily far from landing in about 7 metres. No facilities. Babaji, 29/6/98

Blacksod Bay - ICC and CA recommend Elly Bay, clear of moorings. There are no moorings and nothing worth going ashore for. Sailing Club on N side. Blacksod Bay is surely worth the extra trouble and saves 4 unnecessary miles. Bridge over canal into Blacksod Bay now fixed. Babaji, 26/6/98
There are 3 visitors moorings in Elly Bay. Graham Rabbitts, Ariadne, 01/09/03

Broadhaven - Anchor near shore south of Ballyglass Pier and NW of lifeboat mooring to avoid light swell which causes severe rolling. No facilities not even rubbish disposal. Could lie alongside trawler on pier. Nearest excellent shops at Belmullet. babaji, 27/6/98

Little Killary Harbour ( Salrock)- The entry in the Almanac refers only to Salruck. There are now 8 visitors buoys off the village of Leenaun at the head of Killary (the main arm). There is also internet access at the hotel at Leenaun. References in the ICC pilot book to facilities at Killary Lodge (half way up Killary) are not accurate. It is essentially a private outdoor centre. Graham Rabbitts, Ariadne, 01/09/03

Clifden - not worth hassle of crossing bar and wending up to village unless holed-up; good overnight anchorage off sailing club and RNLI slip, Babaji, 24/6/98

Inishturk Island - Visitors buoys in Inishturk Island .The most sheltered of these moorings is taken up with lobster keep boxes.Same applies to Clare Island. Kim Roberts, Yacht: Samphire, 8/8/02

Inishboffin Is. (Boffin Hr.) - ldg line of two white towers takes you very close to Gun Rk to clear submerged rock to port. Once inside well sheltered. Day's Bar has well stocked shop nearby, restaurant and hotel. Recommended except in strongish SW winds when entry and exit would become impossible. Bicycle hire but short walk to beautiful east beach for bathing. Babaji, 25/6/98

Ballynakill (Ballynagill?) - There are now 8 visitors buoys in Fahy Bay. Graham Rabbitts, Ariadne, 01/09/03

Roundstone (Galway) - No sign of marina development yet. Gaz is available in the village. There are internet facilities at the café. Graham Rabbitts, Ariadne, 01/09/03
Rossaveal Harbour, Cashla Bay - Excellent all-weather harbour. Lie alongside disused trawlers or anchor in bay. No charge. Water hoses. Diesel 23.2p/l at old pier end, or phone garage for delivery Shower. £15M invested in harbour and facilities in recent years; home to 23 trawlers, catch 25,000ton last year sold for £9M. H. M. Capt. John Connolley very helpful. Babaji, 21/6/96

Galway Dock - Gates open HW-2 to HW. Near excellent shops. Being surrounded by luxury flats like Limehouse. Babaji, 20/6/96

Galway Harbour: Harbour master now Capt Brian Sheridan. Important to note that, below half tide, yachts should take a course from the Leverets Lighthouse (obvious black/white horizontal striped lighthouse in open water) directly to the dock gate. Reason is that the ground close to the harbour shoals considerably on both sides. Rinville (Called New Harbour on Admiralty chart 1984) is the home of Galway Bay Sailing Club. Boats lie to anchor or swinging moorings. Anchorage is uncomfortable in W/NW winds but is very well sheltered from all other points. GBSC opening hours: Wed eves, possibly Friday eves in Summer, Sunday afternoons 16:00-20:00. Rear Commodore - Cruisers is John Preisler, contact 091-754606 (work). John Preisler, Yacht: Saoirse, 19/02/02

The only place where we were asked to pay for use of visitors buoys (12 euros for 2 nights). There are 8 visitors buoys. Graham Rabbitts, Ariadne, 01/09/03

Kilronan (Kileany Bay, Inishmore, Aran) - Excellent sheltered anchorage off pier. Smooth water while sea crashes against massive cliffs to south. Chowder at Don Aonghasa restaurant excellent. Visit first century Dunaengus fort overlooking 70m cliff of overhanging sea. Three massive walls with pallisade of sharp pointed granite stones to slow your approach! Babaji, 19/6/96

Carrigaholt - Excellent anchorage in shelter of pier in mouth of Shannon. Babaji, 17/6/98
Pick your own mussels from pier, Tom Pilkington, email.

Fenit (Tralee Bay) - New enclosed marina built onto old pierhead one mile out to sea on viaduct. Metered electricity and water on pontoons. Diesel alongside inner wall Card-operated security gate. Free showers. Hr. Mr. David Buttimer. Small shop at root of pier and comprehensive shop a little further on right that will deliver to boat (066 36151). Several good restaurants including West

Kilrush - The only integrated marina and boatyard in the West coast of Ireland and also the most competitive. John Hehir, Marina Manager, 20/3/02
Please note that access channel into Kilrush Marina has 1.5m LAT not 2.5m as in pilot books,almanac and CA handbook,presumably due to silting. Kim Roberts, Yacht: Samphire, 13/06/02

 

Dingle Marina - New facilities block due for opening mid-July. Diesel, Slip for drying out. Dingleweb cafe £5/hour or £1.50/15 min. Babaji, 16/6/98

Gaz is available at Foxy Johns (a bar/ handyman's shop) right at the top of the village. As the harbour was full a number of boats were anchored west of the dredged channel, in line with the E-W channel (I.e. west of the buoy Fl R 5s) . Graham Rabbitts, Ariadne, 01/09/03

Smerwick - Lat: 52.12 Long: 10.21 New pier almost completed at Ballydavid in Smerwick Hbr. Sandy bottom but estimate it will dry at MLWS. Do not berth at head of new pier due to rocks which are a hazard even at HW. Due to open nature of bay a scend is always present on pier, but ideal for a few hours,fishermen friendly. Kim Roberts, Yacht Samphire, 1/10/02

Page created 6 June 1998 Update 27/10/05

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