Ireland

Top 25 Anchorages > Ireland

It can be a bit of pot luck cruising along the Irish coastline as very little has been surveyed since 1914. Because of this you need to stay alert to depths of water in estuaries and sandy bays as there is often considerably less water than indicated on charts. However, despite this, there is a lot to discover and an awful lot of craic to be had.

'Summer Loving' appeared in our August 2009 issue. Buy the full article here.

Castle Haven, Ireland Top 25 Anchorages > Ireland > Castle Haven

Sitting in the southwest of Ireland , this pretty estuary is a breath of fresh air and it can be entered at all states of tide. Certainly one of the best anchorages in west Cork - Ireland's jewel of a cruising ground - Castle Haven offers a protected and excellent anchorage in most weathers, with some swell in strong southerly or southwesterly winds.

Above the village the inlet - now much narrower and sheltered by a gravel spit called The League - continues for a mile between steep wooded shores. This stretch of coastline is beautiful and scattered with lovely towns, just waiting to be discovered.

Watch out for The sea can be turbulent in strong winds by Horse Island at the entrance to the estuary Great for Exploring the West Cork coastline

Local tip Give the ship's cook the night off and go to Mary Ann's for dinner where you'll get to taste some of the seafood that this region is famous for. Water on the slipway, nearest diesel at Union Hall or Baltimore

'Summer Loving' appeared in our August 2009 issue. Buy the full article here .

Skerries Bay, Ireland Top 25 Anchorages > Ireland > Skerries Bay

The fairly sheltered Skerries Bay can be susceptible to northerlies but its close proximity to the quaint town of Malahide , and its clear waters, make it an attractive anchorage.

Many boats, including some rather intimidating trawlers, moor up at the pier but if you anchor in the bay you get the best of both worlds. Drop anchor in 3m of water and jump in the tender and head to one of the many delightful pubs.

Watch out for The huge trawlers in the bay

Great for A bit of craic

Local tip Grab a bite at gastro pub Stoop Your Head, or pop next door to Joe Mays for some music

'Summer Loving' appeared in our August 2009 issue. Buy the full article here .

Ringhaddy Sounds, Stragford Lough, N Ireland Top 25 Anchorages > Ireland > Ringhaddy Sounds

Ringhaddy Sound is especially good for those that have just done an Irish Sea crossing, as its rural setting provides some nice serenity.

Due to the strong tide, which can run at 8 knots at springs, it's best to enter on the flood tide and leave near high water. Once in the Strangford lough the islands all look the same so pay close attention to your chart, although Ringhaddy Sound is easily spotted by the forest of masts. You may be charged for anchoring, but fees are rarely collected.

Watch out for Keep your wits about you inside the lock as it's studded with boulder reefs or ‘pladdies'. Also note that Black Rock is 1.5m high, not 5m as on older charts