Cruising Highlights in Ireland
Author: Robert Wilcox
Cruising Highlights in Ireland
The coast between the Shannon estuary and St George's Channel offers a rare combination of beautiful, challenging and enjoyable cruising grounds. Ashore there are unique historic sites and friendly hostelries.
The Dingle peninsula hosts quiet lunchtime anchorages, prolific wildlife and dramatic vistas while the town itself is a rewarding place to relax and restock. A visit to the uninhabited Blasket Islands is a 'must' to get a feel for life on the edge of Europe.
Portmagee is not, at first sight, an obvious destination. But for anyone gripped by the tenacity of human beings to survive in adverse habitats it is the best place to stop off for a visit to the Skelligs where 5th century monks lived 200m up on a remote island to protect their religion.
Derrynane harbour encompasses all that is different about cruising southwest Ireland. The scenery is utterly impressive and the beaches pristine. An exciting entry is rewarded by a beautiful protected harbour. Nearby Derrynane House is worth a visit. It was the home of Daniel O'Connell - a prime mover in Ireland's quest for independence.
Crookhaven or Clear Island:- The Fastnet Rock and Lighthouse is legendary and a must for most sailors passing this way. The best views occur in the afternoon with the sun on its southwest face. Depending on the weather, either Crookhaven or South Harbour on Clear Island offer good moorings nearby. Ashore, both have good walks, restaurants and pubs.
Castlehaven: The countryside near Castlehaven has lost the rugged grandeur of the Atlantic facing coasts and is far more pastural with rolling hills and gentle farmland. Ashore there is a fantastic restaurant and Irish idiosyncracies such as trees planted to obstruct the main street!
Kinsale: Kinsale is a sailor's town, convenient for a road trip to Cork and good day sails west to Courtmacsherry (around the Old Head of Kinsale) and east to Oyster Haven.
Crosshaven (Cork); For the racing sailor and 'Cork Week' (10th – 16th July, 2010)
.jpg)
