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Eastbound: Cork to Rosslare Harbour
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What is the route?
This is a coastal description for eastbound vessels planning to sail along the coast between Cork and Rosslare Harbour. The sequence of description is from west to east coastal anticlockwise. Those taking the opposite direction, Rosslare Harbour to Cork, should avail of the westbound description or clockwise sequence for the same coastal area.
Why sail this route?
Many cruisers enjoy inshore coastal sailing and particularly so between close situated locations. This coastal description strives to assist passage planning by highlighting the key coastal locations characteristics and immediate offshore dangers that may be encountered whilst sailing in this area.
What are the navigational notes?
The eighty five miles of coast between Cork and Rosslare harbour, moves from a predominately rock-cliff boulder-strewn indentations in the west, to long stretches of sandy shorelines, backed by lowlands, in the east. The passage is interspersed by numerous headlands and peninsulas with a few off-lying dangers residing to seaward of the salient points.
Careful advance planning is required to round the southeast corner of Ireland. This seaway has to be treated with the utmost of respect as between Coningbeg Super Buoy, situated four miles south of the Saltee Islands, and Tuskar Rock there are many rocks, shoals and shallows. Through all of this the Atlantic Ocean and the St. George's Channel collide and with tidal flows that reach up to 2.5 knots. To say the least it can be a very rough corner, both close in and well out to sea. In heavy weather conditions, with wind against tide, heavy overfalls will be found all along the coast and it should be entirely avoided. In fair conditions, with careful tidal planning, it is more than manageable.
Boats approaching from the west and rounding Carnsore Point, Ireland’s south-eastern corner, into Saint George's Channel or the east coast of Ireland, have two primary options. The first is an offshore route, round the Saltee Islands to the south of Coningbeg Super Buoy and head northeast to round the corner outside, or on the eastern side, of Tuskar Rock. The latter is an inshore route; pass between the Saltee Islands and the mainland, through St. Patrick’s Bridge and come close in around Carnsore Point and head up northeast along the shoreline.
The offshore route is straightforward and the best approach to take at night, with poor visibility or in uncomfortable weather. The inshore route is the preferred leisure craft route for many reasons. It avoids the ‘Inshore Traffic Zone’, residing to the east of Tuskar Rock, shortens the approach distance and secures smoother inshore waters. With the benefit of good visibility, plus a good breeze, or a reliable engine, the inshore option is the better and more interesting.
CORK HARBOUR to YOUGHAL BAY
Residing between Cork Head on the west side and Power Head to the East, Cork Harbour is moulded into the lower reaches of the River Lee. Reportedly the second largest natural harbour in the world and Ireland's second largest port, it is one of the most secure and easily accessed harbours in Ireland. Having the separate ports of Cork, Cobh, Whitegate and Ringaskiddy, within its confines, it is the principal south coast commercial harbour and a key centre for leisure craft sailing. The harbour offers a host of berthing opportunities with shelter from all winds and seas. Ireland’s second largest city, Cork, is situated on both sides of the river about fifteen miles above the entrance.
The principal features that first present themselves to a vessel approaching Cork Harbour from seaward are the high bluffs of Dogsnose on the east side of the entrance,
and Ram’s Head, about 0.6 mile north of Weaver’s Point, on the entrance’s western side. On the summit of the Dogsnose, where Fort Carlisle, renamed Fort Davis, will be seen with a notable double wall immediately east, running down the face of the hill to the sea. Fort Camden, renamed Fort Meagher, faces Fort Davis will be also seen at opposite sides of the harbour entrance on the summit of Ram’s Head. One mile south southwest of Fort Meagher the ruined Templebreedy Abbey, with a spire, stands on high land and a notable water tower, with a radio mast, will be seen close north of it the Abbey.
Upon a closer approach, Roche’s Point Light, the disused signal towers and Roche’s Tower, about 410 metre to the east, comes into view. The entrance to the harbour lies 0.8 of a mile south of the forts, between Roche’s Point and Weaver’s Point. The surrounding land on each side of the entrance is relatively low. A light is shown from Roche’s Point. Upon rounding Roche’s Point the entrance to the harbour opens, and the entrance channel is well marked by lighted buoys.
Roche’s Point - Fl WR 3s position: 51° 47.586'N, 008° 15.287'W
Roche’s Point light sectors are as follows: (Red. Vis.) Red shore-292°. White 292°-016° (84°).Red 016°-033° (17°).White (unintensified) 033°-159° (126°). R 159°-shore.
Between Roche’s Point and Power Head the bottom near the shore is foul and rocky, and must be approached with caution. Powerhead Bay on the west side of the head has a clean shingly beach and gas pipelines from Kinsale Head Gas Field land here so leisure craft are advised to keep away.
Three miles to the east southeast of the entrance of Cork harbour is Power Head with an old signal station standing upon its head. A radio tower 125 metres in elevation, stands about 1.2 miles north of it. The headland is foul to some distance with the Hawk Rock, with 2.7 metres of water, residing 400 metres off.
More importantly and Quarry Rock, with 0.3 metres of water resides 300 metres out from the Power Head.
Just under two miles southeast of Power Head Pollock Rock has a depth of 7.5 metres and it is marked by a lighted buoy.
Pollock – Red Buoy Fl R 6s position: 51°46.239'N, 008°07.876'W
The ground around Pollock Rock, and between it and the shore, is rocky and uneven. A further south cardinal marker situated a mile to the southeast marks the southern edge of the Pollock ridge.
Power – South Cardinal Q (6) + LFl 15s position: 51°45.595'N, 008°06.679'W
Leisure vessels may pass north of the rock, where depths of 11 to 12.8 metres will be found. Care should be taken to keep clear of the shoals and rocks lying close off Power Head.
From Power Head to Ballycotton Island the coast is high, and precipitous, but foul for some distance. It should not be approached to depths of less than 20 metres of water.
Two miles to the east of Power Head, is the open Ballycroneen Bay that offers no shelter. Near the middle of it is the little village of Ballycroneen and a sandy beach extends to the westward from the village. Opposite the centre of the beach, and distant one-third of a mile from it, there is a pinnacle rock with only 1.8 metres over it, and 6 to 8 metres 200 metres distance around it. The bottom throughout the bay is foul.
Three rocks, called The Smiths reside 1.5 miles southwest of Ballycotton Island about 0.8 of a mile offshore. They consist of three distinct pinnacles disposed in the form of a triangle, about 100 metres from each other. One of these uncovers on spring tides, at which time, the others have respectively, 0.9 and 1.5 metres of water over them. They rise from a small rocky base, carrying over it from 4 to 4.5 metres and are steep-to to the south. They are marked by a lighted buoy to the southwest.
The Smiths – Red Buoy Fl (3) R 10s position: 51°48.615'N, 008°00.726'W
A further small patch called Wheat Rock resides between The Smiths and the shore, nearly half a mile northwest of the former, with 8 to 9 metres distance between them. The Wheat Rock dries on last quarter ebb.
The small fishing boat harbour of Ballycotton resides on the north side of the extreme point of the mainland; about 7.5 miles east northeast of Power Head. It dries at low water and is subject to a heavy ground swell in southerly winds. An anchorage may be had outside Ballycotton Harbour.
Immediately offshore to the east is the 50 metre high and bold-to Ballycotton Island. The island is distinguished by its lighthouse, a 15 metre high black tower enclosed in white walls, standing on the summit of Ballycotton Island.
Ballycotton Lighthouse - Fl WR 10s position: 51° 49.522’N, 007° 59.169’W
Ballycotton Island is the outer of two small islands that shelter Ballycotton Bay to the north. The inner island, 54 feet high, resides between it and the shore. It is connected with the mainland by a bed of rocks that uncovers on the last quarter ebb. There is a channel between the islands, a quarter of a mile wide, that is obstructed by Sound Rock which shows its head at low water. The passage is to the eastward of the rock, between it and the outer island, 150 metres wide, with 4 metres of water. It is recommended that strangers should not take this route and go around the seaward side of the island.
North Ballycotton Island resides Ballycotton Bay and Knockadoon Head about 5.5 miles to the east. It affords good shelter in westerly and south-westerly winds. The soundings are regular, and shoal gradually from 18 and 20 metres north of the lighthouse, to 5 metres at half a mile's distance from the western shore. The bottom is made up of sand over mud with clay and has good holding ground. When there is any westing in the wind very little sea comes in between the islands, even at high water. But with the wind from the eastward of south, a heavy sea rolls in. Tidal streams are negligible in the bay, but runs with some force round Ballycotton Island, and through the sound.
YOUGHAL BAY to DUNGARVAN BAY
Between Capel Island and Ram Head, about 7 miles northeast, resides Youghal Bay with many dangers and little shelter. Youghal Harbour is located at the head of the bay in the mouth of the River Blackwater. With offshore winds and in moderate weather it is possible to anchor to wait for tide on the south side of the bay. With northerly winds vessels may anchor half a mile offshore off Whiting Bay in 10 or 12 metres where a sandy bottom will be found. But with the wind anywhere onshore, or in unsettled weather, it is advisable for a leisure craft to pass Youghal Bay.
The extreme point of the mainland surrounding Ballycotton Bay is Knockadoon Head. An old tower stands on the head and is highly prominent.
About 0.5 mile east of Knockadoon Head Capel Island will be seen with a white 37 metre high tower standing on the summit of the island.
Capel Island - Beacon position: 51° 52.927'N, 007° 51.131'W
The island is rocky, precipitous, and bold-to. A sound with from 4 to 5 metres of water, separates it from Knockadoon Head. Rocky ledges from both shores of the sound contract the channel to little more than a 200 metres wide, and the tide runs through it with great force, occasioning overfalls, which give it an appearance of danger. It is, however, sometimes used by local boats but not recommended for a stranger.
The north shore of Yougal Bay is of moderate elevation, and free from danger, terminating to the eastward in Ram Head, which is also distinguished by an old telegraph tower. Half a cable southeast of the head there is a rock with 5 feet water, and steep-to.
About 19 miles north northwest of Ram Head the sharp peaks of the Knockmealdown Mountains will be seen. About 10 and 12 miles east, respectively, of these mountains are the long ridges of the Monavullagh Mountains and the Comeragh Mountains. These ranges are visible everywhere off the coast between Cork and Waterford in clear weather.
The general character of the Youghal Bay is foul and rocky. However along the north shore there is a tract of sandy ground, extending from half to one and a half miles off.
On the outer edge of the bay are the Bar Rocks, with 0.6 metres over them at low water. They consist of three irregular patches extending 800 metres in length, and 100 metres wide.
Bar Rocks – South Cardinal Q (6) + LFl 15s position: 51° 54.855'N, 007° 50.053'W
Half a mile east of the Bar rocks, Black Ball Ledge has 3.4 metres low water over it, and is more of a concern for deep water commercial shipping approaching at low water. This is marked by an east cardinal.
Blackball – East Cardinal Q (3) 10s position: 51° 55.334'N, 007° 48.529'W
Inshore, one and a half miles to the northwest of Capel Island, are Black Rocks, on the outer edge of the extensive strand that covers the bays western shore. Black Rocks uncover at three and a half hours ebb, and dry to 1.8 metres. They are quite out of the track of vessels going into Youghal Harbour but should be noted for shallow vessels operating close inshore. The western shore continues shallow with a foul rocky bottom from this up to the Bar.
At the head of the Youghal Bay The Bar, composed of sand, with as little as 1.5 metres of water over it, sweeps round the entrance of the harbour between East Point and Molly Goggin’s Corner, in the form of a horse-shoe. There are two channels over it in use, known as the East and West Bars. Both channels are supported at night by a sectored light situated on the western side of the entrance.
Youghal - Fl WR 2.5s 24m 17/13M position 51° 56.571'N, 007° 50.535'W
The light sectors are as follows; White 183°-273° (90°).Red 273°-295° (22°).White 295°-307° (12°). Red 307°-351° (44°). White 351°-003° (12°)
The east channel, running closely along the north shore, is considered the best channel as it is the deeper of the two with a least charted depth of 2.8 metres. Stay in the channel however as a shallow 1.8 metres section lies immediately south of the channel a mile to the southwest of the East Point. Youghal Harbour’s entrance is easily recognized in daytime by the opening between its high, bluff shores.
Between Youghal Bay and Ardmore Bay the coast is high, bold, precipitous, and free from outlying danger.
Close north of Ram Head, to the north-east of Ardmore Head, is Ardmore Bay offers an anchorage in settled conditions. The bay is open and exposed, but clear of danger, and shoals gradually to the shore. Black Rocks, that form the north boundary of the bay, uncover to the distance of 400 metres from the shore. A conspicuous tower stands on the slope of a hill near the village at the head of the bay.
Five miles east northeast of Ram Head and four miles southwest of Helvick, is Mine Head. This is a bold precipitous headland 222 feet high, and steep-to, and is easily identified by its circular stone tower lighthouse standing near the edge of the cliff.
Mine Head – Lighthouse Fl (4) 30s 87m 20M position: 51°59.556'N, 007°35.225'W
There are two outlying rocks in the vicinity of Mine Head. The westernmost, covered at high water, is called the Longship Rock. Longship Rock resides a mile to the west of the head, and 400 metres out from the shore.
One-third of a mile to the eastward of the head is the above-water Rogue Rock. The Rogue resides a quarter of a mile from the shore, is 2.7 metres above high water, and steep-to to seaward. The rock is connected with the shore by a ridge of half-tide rocks.
Between Mine Head and Helvick Head the coast retains its bold and elevated character to, where it terminates in the 67 metre precipice of Helvick Head.
Steep and bluff, Helvick Head is 67 metres high with a white watch house standing upon its summit. On the north side of the head some conspicuous whitewashed cottages will be seen, with a building resembling a tower at their eastern end. The very small fishing harbour of Helvick, protected by a breakwater, is situated about 0.2 miles west of the head.
Between Helvick Head on the south and Ballynacourty Point, 1.5 miles to the north, resides Dungarvan Bay. Viewed at high water, the bay presents a large expanse of which the greater part uncovers and the remainder is shallow. Ballynacourty Point is made conspicuous by the white tower of Ballynacourty Point Lighthouse.
Ballynacourty Point Lighthouse - Fl (2) WRG 10s position: 52° 04.688’N, 007° 33.182’W
A narrow well marked channel along the northern side of the bay, from Wyse's Point to Abbey Point, leads into Dungarvan town quay located about 2.2 miles west of the entrance. The channel has a least depth of 0.2 metres LWS over the bar and requires a flood tide for access. Using the tide however the channel can admit vessels with draughts in excess of three metres to the quays. The leading Wyse’s Point channel marker can be found approximately half a mile west from Ballynacourty Point Lighthouse.
Wyse - Port Red Can Buoy FL. R. 5s position: 52° 04.719’N, 007° 33.971’W
Half a mile eastward of Ballynacourty Point is Carricknamoan Rock. This is a one metre high flat topped rock with a surrounding rocky patch. A reef called Caricknagaddy, nearly all uncovered at low water, extends half a mile from the point in a south-easterly direction, terminating in Carricknamoan. The direction of this reef is indicated by the sector of green light of the lighthouse. When approaching the bay it may be more than difficult to pick out Carricknamoan from the shoreline behind. At deck level the low lying reef appears all as one.
Central to the entrance of Dungarvan Bay is Carrickapane Rock. Locally known as Black Rock, it is a clearly visible 2.0 metres high rock that sticks up in all conditions. A sunken rocky ledge of 1.1 to1.7 metres of cover extends 200 metres from it in a west by south direction. On other parts of Carrickapane it is largely steep-to.
Carrickapane or Black Rock – unmarked position: 52° 04.000’N, 007° 32.000’W
Half a mile south southeast of Carrickapane is Helvick Rock that has 1.4 metres of water. This is marked by the Helvick east cardinal buoy situated 400 metres to the east of the rock.
Helvick – East cardinal Q (3) 10s position: 52° 03.611’N, 007° 32.251’W
The Helvick marker also assists in positioning The Gainers situated about a third of a mile west-northwest of Helvick Rock. This is a rocky shoal that uncovers at low water. To the west of these rocks the bay is entirely choked with sand-banks.
DUNGARVAN BAY to WATERFORD HARBOUR
Between Dungarvan Bay and Great Newtown Head the coast, for a distance of 12 miles, is largely characterised by precipitous cliffs. It is fringed by detached masses of rock, with occasional islets such as Stradbally Cove, and clear of outlying dangers.
Three miles to the northeast of Dungarvan Bay is the 68 metre high Ballyvoyle Head. It can be distinguished by the ruins of the square tower and Clonea Castle that stands close north of the headland.
Situated about 5 miles east-northeast of Ballyvoyle Head is Bunmahon. The buildings and tall stacks in the Bunmahon Village are conspicuous from offshore. In the 18 and 19th Century it was famous for its extensive copper mines that yield up to 7,000 tons of ore annually. The cliffs are tinged with copper ore and perforated with old mine shafts.
Burke and Sheep islands are clusters of bold rocky islets, lying about 2 miles to 2.5 miles to the west of Great Newtown Head, and extending half a mile from the shore. They are clear of outlying dangers.
Between the high and bold west and eastern shores of Great Newtown Head and Brownstown Head is the wide and sandy Tramore Bay. The 44 metres high headland of Great Newtown Head is the western boundary of Tramore bay and is readily distinguished by three white towers upon its summit. One of the towers features a colossal figure of a man, known as Metal Man, with his left arm extended in the direction of Waterford Harbour to the east.
Two and a half miles across the bay, upon its eastern limit, is Brownstown Head with two similar black towers. The purpose of Tramore Bay’s extensive eighteenth century markings was to readily distinguish it from the entrance to Waterford Harbour. The low sandy beach at the head of Tramore Bay, lying in front of the submerged lands of the Back Strand, gives it the appearance of an estuary. In hazy weather, many an eighteenth century sailing vessel made that mistake and, for many, it proved fatal. Prevailing south-westerly’s makes Tramore shallow bay a lee shore that, along with poor ground holding, left little to halt the inevitable.
Between Tramore Bay and the entrance of Waterford Harbour, the coast is bold and clear of danger. There are just a couple of noteworthy points.
The Swede Patch, with 2.7 metres of cover, is of little issue to leisure craft. The drying half-tide Falskirt Rock, 400 metres off Swines Head, at the entrance to Waterford Harbour, requires particular attention. Half a mile or more offshore here clears all dangers.
Between Swines Head and Hook Head four miles east-southeast resides the entrance to Waterford Harbour. This is formed by the estuaries of the River Suir and the River Barrow, which join in a position about 10 miles above entrance. The estuary offers a host of berthing opportunities in perfect security.
Passing over the mouth of the harbour the western shore of the entrance is high and bold, and dotted with numerous houses. The steeples and harbour wall of
Dunmore East, a busy and picturesque fishing port, can be seen at the western entrance to Waterford Harbour. The high shores of the county Waterford will be seen terminating to the eastward at Credan Head 2.5 miles to the northeast.
WATERFORD HARBOUR to the SALTEE ISLANDS
The eastern Wexford shore, Hook Point, is a long and narrow low lying peninsula that terminates in a shelving point where the legendary Hook Head lighthouse stands.
Hook Head Lighthouse - Fl 3s 46m 24M position: 52° 07.300’N, 006° 55.700’W
The only high point in southeast Wexford, Forth Mountain, will be seen inland and South Saltee Island will appear in the eastern horizon as the journey continues eastward to the south of Hook Head.
Caution: Under conditions of strong west winds, and particularly between about 2 hours before to 2 hours after High Water Dover, it is advisable to keep more than a mile south of Hook Head in order to avoid the Tower Race.
After passing Hook Head the journey takes a vessel across Bannow Bay and Ballytiege Bay that reside between Hook Head and Crossfarnoge Point adjacent to Kilmore Quay. The open bay is free of offshore obstructions until arriving close in to Kilmore and the Saltee Islands.
Those who decide to cruise the eastern shoreline of the Hook Peninsula should make note and identify the key rocks and shoals in its northwest end.
Approximately half way between Hook Head and Baginbun Head, just under a mile east by north of the small drying harbour of Slade, with its notable square tower, is Brecaun Bridge. It is a reef that extends over 0.3 of mile offshore, with a depth of 1.2 metres at its extremity. Forth Mountain bearing 047°, and open southeast of Baginbun Head, leads southeast of this reef.
Made conspicuous by its Martello Tower Baginbun Head has rocks extending 600 metres to the northeast. A useful local boatman’s waypoint for passing east of Baginbun Head is as follows.
Baginbun Head - clear water waypoint position: 52° 10.450’N, 006° 49.244’W
This waypoint, or further east of it, will keep a vessel clear of the extending rocks from the headland.
Approaching the small drying Fethard Harbour note the uncharted Shoal Rock. With 1.00 metre of cover at a low spring tide it lies one and a half nautical miles north-northeast of Innyard Point. The area off Innyard Point, requires a wide berth as it dries up to 200 metres to the northeast of the point.
In the centre of the entrance to Bannow Bay is Selskar Shoal with 0.3 metres of cover while Selskar Rock, on the east side of the bay, dries to 2 metres.
Ballyteige Bay lies between the entrance to Bannow Bay and Crossfarnoge Point, about 8.5 miles east by southeast. It is unsuitable for anything but a temporary anchorage in settled conditions and is foul with shoals and rocks.
In the northwest extremity of the bay two low islets called the Keeragh Islands will be found. Residing a mile offshore they are no more than 6 metres in height and a reef extends from the islets to the mainland. The Keeragh Islands should be given a wide berth owing to these obstructions and complicated surrounding currents.
Half a mile to the northeast of the islets is the unmarked George Rock with 1.2 metres of cover.
Thirteen miles east northeast of Hook Head is Crossfarnoge Point. Ballyteige Castle will be seen nearly a mile north northeast of the extremity of Crossfarnoge Point and a chapel with a belfry about 0.4 mile within the same point. Forth Mountain, 8.7 miles north of Crossfarnoge Point, is visible in clear weather from all parts of Ballyteige Bay. The popular fishing harbour and marina of Kilmore Quay resides immediately east.
In the area four miles to the south are the Saltee Islands consisting of two islands, Great Saltee and Little Saltee. Both islands are fronted by numerous rocks and shoals and have highly irregular surrounding currents. They offer a host of, largely settled condition, anchorages out of the strength of the tidal currents. Below are additional notes for the Saltee Islands.
ADDITIONAL NOTES for the SALTEE ISLANDS
Below are additional navigational notes for vessels assessing other routes and berthing opportunities in and around the Saltee Islands or for those who plan to cruise in this area.
Two passages lead through the islands; St. Patrick’s Bridge, the shallower passage, leads north of Little Saltee and is used by fishing vessels and leisure craft. Saltee Sound leads between the two islands and has depths in the fairway of 8 to 10 metres. The fairway is reduced to a width of about 0.3 mile between the foul ground extending from the islands. In uncertain weather, or when a heavy swell is running, Saltee Sound however would be the preferred option.
Sea conditions around and particularly to the south of the islands are formidable in strong winds or with wind-against-tide. However in fair conditions circumnavigating the islands offer excellent cliff scenery and interesting sailing in the areas tidal races and eddies. For those planning to cruise around islands a detailed chart, such as Admiralty 2740, is recommended to navigate through this sailing area’s complex rocks and shoals. Here are some notes, sequenced from south to north, to assist in locating the position of the key rocks and shoals surrounding the Saltee Islands.
Coningbeg Rock: Coningbeg Rock is steep-to and dries to 2.8 metres and is typically awash with breakers when covered. It lies two and a half miles south by southwest Great Saltee and one and a quarter miles to the southwest of Coningmore.
Coningbeg Rock – position: 52° 04.144’N, 006° 38.478’W
The rock is marked by the Coningbeg Super Buoy that is situated one mile due south from the rock itself. This is a red tower and hull with ‘CONINGBEG’ written in white letters on each side.
Coningbeg Super Buoy - Q(6) + L fl 15s position: 52° 03.198’N, 006° 38.567’W
Cruising vessels may pass north of Coningbeg Light float between it and Coningbeg Rock but stay well clear of the rock.
Coningmore Rocks: This rock group consist of a cluster of three rocks lying within 300 metres of each other with the largest being an easily identifiable four metres high. The steep-to cluster is a mile and a third to the south of Great Saltee’s southernmost point.
Coningmore Rocks – unmarked position: 52° 05.191’N, 006° 37.283’W
Red Bank: This is a quarter of a mile long rocky shoal with 7.9 metres of cover. The tidal current over the bank and the uneven ground to the S of it causes considerable overfalls. It is situated two miles southwest of Great Saltee, one and a quarter miles northwest of Coningbeg Rock, and a mile and a half west of Coningmore.
Red Bank West Cardinal - VQ(9) 10s position: 52° 04.499’N, 006° 41.652’W
The Brandies: The Brandies are two dangerous rocks 500 metres apart. ‘West Brandie’ being the higher of the two, drying to 2.5 metres, whilst East Brandie dries 0.9 metres. They are situated one and a half miles to the southeast of Great Saltee and a mile and three quarters west by southwest of the Bore Rocks East Cardinal. The tidal current sets past these rocks with considerable strength and causes overfalls when they are covered.
Brandies – unmarked position: 52° 05.852’N, 006° 34.692’W
The Bohurs: The Bohurs are three separate rocks with the north most, Long Bore, residing to the east of the islands in a direct line of approach to Saltee Sound from Carnsore point. Although they have plenty of cover for sailing craft, the shallowest being Long Bohur with 4 metres of water over it, they should be avoided as tidal races and breaking seas surround them and particularly so in wind over tide conditions.
From north to south, ‘Long Bohur’ with 4 metres of cover resides one and a quarter miles to the east of the southern end of Little Saltee Island. Half a mile south by southeast of Long Bohur is ‘Short Bohur’ with 7.3 metres of cover. Finally ‘The Bore’, with 5.5 metres of cover, resides just under a mile to the south of Short Bohur and three quarters of a mile northwest of the Bore Rocks East Cardinal.
Bore - East Cardinal Q(3) 10S position: 52° 52 06.074’N, 006° 31.871’W
Shoal Rock: Shoal Rock has 0.9 metres of cover and resides a quarter of a mile southeast of Great Saltee Island’s south-western point. It is made visible by a triple ripple.
Shoal rock – unmarked position: 52° 06.119’N, 006° 37.805’W
The entire southwest corner of Great Saltee Island should be given a wide berth. As along with Shoal Rock, Moly Hoy (shows), Panstown Rock (shows above high water) and off-lying rocks from the east side of the southern tip of the island, called the Seven Heads Reef, complicate the inshore area.
Sunken Rock of Makeston: Close in to the shore on the east side of the island, off the bays to the southeast of Great Saltee Island immediately east of Gilert Bay, Makeston Rock shows.
Sunken Rock of Makeston – unmarked position: 52° 06.853’N, 006° 36 419’W
Ring Rock: Ring Rock resides immediately offshore of the northwest point of the Great Saltee Island outside the Ring Rock.
Ring Rock – unmarked position: 52° 07.223’N, 006° 36.634’W
Whitty Rock: Whitty Rock, awash at low water, resides outside the Ring Rock, 500 metres off the northwest point of the Great Saltee Island.
Whitty Rock – unmarked position: 52° 07.239’N, 006° 37.577’W
Power’s Rock: Powers Rock, with 0.3 metres of cover, resides 600 metres to the northwest of the centre of Great Saltee Island.
Power’s Rock – unmarked position: 52° 07.344’N, 006° 37.084’W
Galgee Rock: Galgee Rocks, awash at low water, reside 250 metres to the southwest of Little Saltee Island southernmost point.
Galgee Rock – unmarked position: 52° 07.869’N, 006° 35.228’W
Goose Rock: Goose Rock, dries to 2.6 metres, resides 300 metres off the southwest corner of Little Saltee Island. Please note a covered off lying portion resides 15 metres to the southwest.
Goose Rock – unmarked position: 52° 08.042’N, 006° 35.546’W
Privateer Rock: Although unnamed Privateer Rock, with 3 metres of cover, is clearly marked on the charts half a mile west of the centre of Little Saltee Island.
Privateer Rock – unmarked position: 52° 08.349’N, 006° 35.635’W
Jackeen Rock: Jackeen Rock, with 1.5 metres of cover, lies just over a mile west by southwest of the north tip of Little Saltee Island.
Jackeen Rock – unmarked position: 52° 08.438’N, 006° 36.722’W
Murrock’s Rock: Murroch's Rock, awash at low water, resides just under three quarters of a mile to the northwest of the Little Saltee Island.
Murrock’s Rock – unmarked position: 52° 08.753’N, 006°. 35.919’W
Forlorn Rock: Forlorn Rock, with 1.2 metres of water, is west by southwest and nearly half a mile offshore of Crossfarnoge (or Forlorn) Point.
Forlorn Rock – unmarked position: 52° 09.889’N, 006° 36.172’W
Lings: These are a series of rocks extending 600 metres south from the shore between Crossfarnoge Point and Kilmore Quay, plus to the east of the entrance path.
Cautions: Note the position of Jackeen and Murrock’s rocks if striking off a course for Hook Head after crossing St Patrick Bridge.
Note the position of Galgee and Goose rock if rounding the southwest corner of Little Saltee Island.
Note the position of Forlorn Rock if you are trying to cut from Hook Head into the harbour.
Note the position Shoal Rock when rounding Great Saltee Island’s southwest corner ‘Seven Heads’. You need to plan an outside or inside path round this covered rock.
Those electing to enter the inshore area via Saltee Sound should pay particular attention to Galgee, Goose Rock and Privateer off the southwest corner of Little Saltee Island. Likewise there is a ledge extending northward from Great Saltee called the Sebber Bridge plus Jackeen and Murrock’s rocks between Great Saltee and the shore.
A sharp lookout should be kept for lobster pots whilst operating in this area.
SALTEE ISLANDS to GREENORE POINT
via the OFFSHORE ROUTE
There are two primary options to pass the Saltee Islands and proceeding east to round Carnsore Point; the offshore route or the inshore route.
The offshore route is to come south from Hook Head and pass to the south of the Saltee Islands and Coningbeg Super Buoy and then out to the east of Tuskar Rock. It is straightforward and the best approach to take at night, with poor visibility, in uncomfortable weather or if there is any uncertainty.
Coningbeg Lighted Buoy is moored about 1.7 miles south southwest of the Coningbeg Rock and well south of the Saltee Islands. It has a red hull with the name painted in white letters on each side. Vessels should pass to the south of the lighted buoy or close north.
Coningbeg - Super Buoy Q(6) + L fl 15s position: 52° 03.198’N, 006° 38.567’W
Once Coningbeg Super Buoy has been rounded alter course for the eighteen miles distant South Rock marker to the south of Tuskar Rock.
The path to South Rock will have a vessel pass about a mile southeast of the Bore east cardinal that will appear on the vessels port side.
Bore - East Cardinal Q(3) 10S position: 52° 52 06.074’N, 006° 31.871’W
Then about half a mile southeast of the Barrels east cardinal that will appear on the vessels port side.
Barrels – East Cardinal Q (3) 10s position: 52° 08.363’N, 006° 22.108’W
The Barrels buoy is moored about 2 miles south of Carnsore Point and it marks the drying Barrels Rocks that resides about 1.8 miles south southwest of Carnsore Point. An additional shoal, Nether Rock, with 5 metres of cover, lies 0.5 mile north northwest of these rocks.
Note: Once the Barrels Buoy has been rounded there is the option to reappraise the route. At this stage a vessel could turn north to round Carnsore and proceed close east along the shoreline to the west of the Bailies, depending on the weather conditions or visibility.
The South Rock light buoy is moored 1.5 miles South of Tuskar Rock marking the South Rock with 2.4 metres of water over it.
South Rock - South Cardinal Q (6) + LFl 15s position: 52° 2 10.810’N, 006° 12.848’W
Continue to pass outside Tuskar Rock giving it a wide berth. Tuskar Rock is the outermost danger of this corner of Ireland, residing 6 miles east northeast of Carnsore Point. It is 5 metres high and located on a rocky bank with depths of less than 3 metres around it, except on the east side that is steep-to. A light is shown from a conspicuous lighthouse structure, 34 metres high, standing on the rock.
Tuskar - Lighthouse Q(2) 7.5s position: 52°12.175'N, 006°12.445'W
On the west side of the rock, the deep-water channel is l.5 miles wide between the dangers west of the rock and The Bailies bank and this is a viable option to avoid the traffic separation scheme.
Note: A traffic separation scheme is established within 11 miles southeast of Tuskar Rock. Vessels proceeding north should enter St. George’s Channel through the outer lane and vessels proceeding south should leave the channel through the inner lane. Northbound vessels should be aware that outbound vessels from ports on the east side of the Irish Sea, generally head across St. George’s Channel in order to enter the south and inner traffic lane.
Upon rounding Tuskar turn hard to port to track into the South Sheer channel and enter into Rosslare Harbour and Bay, otherwise known as South Bay.
SALTEE ISLANDS to GREENORE POINT
via the INSHORE ROUTE
This path is through the pass in St. Patrick’s Bridge then to Carnsore Point, 8.5 miles east of Crossfarnoge Point, to the north of the Tercheen Rock and Black Rock the Barrels, then inside the 3.5 miles wide pass between the coast and Tuskar Rock. This route requires more attentive navigation plus good visibility. A most useful set of waypoints are available in the following route.
Those passing east via the inshore route through Saint Patricks Bridge, immediately south of Kilmore Quay, should align on Kilmore Quay’s red and white safe water marker buoy.
Kilmore Quay Safe Water Marker - White long flash – position: 52° 09.200’N, 006° 35.300’W
Note: The Kilmore Quay Safe Water buoy may not be marked on older charts as it was only established in April 2007.
Be careful to track down directly west onto this marker. There is limited room to deviate to the north or south on the approach line. To the south outlying dangers exist on Saltee Island’s western side and should be noted. Deviation to the south will take a vessel close to the Murroch’s and Jackeen Rock situated southwest of the marker. Likewise any deviation to the north will take a vessel too close to the Forlorn Rock, with 1.2 metres of water, west southwest and nearly half a mile offshore of Crossfarnoge (or Forlorn) Point. Detailed and positions for these unmarked rocks can be found in the addendum ‘additional notes for the Saltee Islands’ below.
The Kilmore Quay Safe Water Marker leads onto St. Patrick’s Bridge situated within the 1.75 mile wide gap between the shore and North Saltee Island. St. Patrick’s Bridge is a ridge of rock and shingle that curves back from the northern most point of the Little Saltee to the mainland east of Kilmore Quay. The attached ends dry off a considerable distance from each side and at about midway between the island and the shore, if a little closer to Little Saltee, there is a passage over the ridge. The passage has 2.4 metres at LWS and is well marked from April to September by two seasonal port and starboard light buoys.
Starboard Marker – Green Buoy Fl. G6s 2M position: 52°09.300’N, 006° 34.700’W
Port Marker – Red Buoy Fl. R6s 2M position: 52°09.135’N, 006° 34.700’W
On approach the 35 metre high Little Saltee Island, on the southern side, plus the constant use by leisure and fishing boats should make the bridge and passage plain to see. A local boatman’s set of waypoints will align the bridge for crossing at the optimal point.
St. Patrick's Bridge West – alignment waypoint: 52° 09.300’N, 006° 35.650’W
St. Patrick's Bridge – waypoint: 52° 09.300’N, 006° 34.700’W
St. Patrick's Bridge East – alignment waypoint: 52° 09.300’N, 006° 33.000’W
The St. Patrick's Bridge passage offers the shortest and simplest route from Carnsore Point to Hook Head.
East of the Saltee Islands to Carnsore Point the coast is low and fronted by offshore dangers. The inshore route continues to Carnsore Point by passing north of Tercheen Rock, the Nether Rock and Barrels Rock. The key rocks to locate on this run are the former Black and Tercheen rocks.
Nether Rock is a rocky patch with 5 metres of cover located 1.5 miles to the southwest of Carnsore Point, and the Barrels Rock. The key rocks to locate are the Black and Tercheen rocks.
500 metre long and 2 metre high Black Rock is highly conspicuous. It resides 2 miles southwest-by-south of Carnsore Point.
Black Rock – unmarked position: 52° 09.209’N, 006° 24.893’W
400 metres to the north of Back Rock Tercheen Rock is the key rock to identify on this leg.
Tercheen Rock – unmarked position: 52° 09.409’N, 006° 24.911’W
Tercheen Rock is clearly visible as it is always awash and dries at low water.
Note: Once past these rocks, and tracking to round Carnsore Point, there is time to reappraise the inner route. If at this point there is any uncertainty, i.e. visibility is poor or a big sea is running, there is the opportunity to go east and take the latter half of the offshore route by making for South Rock buoy (moored 1.5 miles South of Tuskar Rock) and then rounding Tuskar Rock on its eastern side.
Modestly marking Ireland’s southeast corner Carnsore Point is a low 16 metre high clay cliff with rocky shelves beneath. A prominent hut and flagstaff stand on the point. There are several rocks to the northeast but it is largely clear on the southern side with plenty of depth 500 metres offshore. Keep close to the southern shore to align a path to St. Patrick’s Bridge to the north of Tercheen Rock.
Note: Beware of the strong tidal sweep when passing the Fundale Rock Buoy and Carnsore Point. It is essential that a vessel stays on track here and avoids being swept too far south or ashore depending on the tide at hand.
Once the corner is rounded align the vessel on a path to pass close east of the Fundale port hand marker Buoy.
Fundale - Red Can Buoy Fl (2) R 10s position: 51° 10.655’N, 006° 20.299’W
The buoy marks Fundale Rock that resides 600 metres west-northwest of Carnsore Point. It uncovers at half-tide and dries to 1.2 metres.
Once the Fundale marker is passed to port align on the Splaugh marker.
Splaugh - Red Can Buoy Fl R 6s position: 52° 14.432’N, 006° 16.774’W
This route between the Fundale and the Splaugh markers, just over 4 miles 028°(T), along the coast, takes a vessel just inside, to the west of, The Bailies and close outside, to the east, of Whilkeen and Collough rocks.
Part of an irregular bank of rocks and coarse ground that extends from Greenore Point in a south-southwest direction for four miles, The Bailies reside approximately midway between the Tuskar and the shore. At its shallowest the bank has just over 9 metres of cover and heavy overfalls are to be found here on its rocky pinnacles. The direct path between the Splaugh and Fundale markers takes a vessel along the inshore edge of The Bailies where deeper waters are to be found between the shoal and the Wexford shoreline. It may be advisable for smaller vessels to avoid The Bailies entirely in the full strength of the tidal streams when the overfalls occur.
The two rock groups that exist outside Carne Harbour; are Collough to the south and Whilkeen Rocks to the north. Although unmarked they are prominently noted on charts
Crossfintan Point, 1.2 miles north by northeast of Carnsore Point, has the outside danger Collough Rock. Half a mile to the south of Whilkeen and just under a mile north-by-east of the Fundal Buoy Collough Rock, the rock resides 0.6 mile east of the point, is steep-to, and has a depth of 0.9 metres. Foul ground extends 0.2 mile northeast and east of Collough Rock. Collough Rock can be located on the chart at the following position.
Collough Rock – unmarked position: 52° 11.450’N, 006° 19.803’W
Awash at high-water springs and drying to about 2.5 metres Whilkeen Rock resides 800 metres out from the shore. It forms the extremity of a reef that partially uncovers at low water with foul ground extending ashore for a distance of 400 metres to the northeast and east of it. It can be found on the chart at the following position.
Whilkeen Rock – unmarked position: 52° 12.234’N, 006° 20.051’W
From there a vessel may continue free from offshore dangers on a direct path to pass immediately east of the Splaugh rock marker.
GREENORE POINT to ROSSLARE HARBOUR
A water tower half a mile to the northwest makes Greenore Point highly conspicuous. It may be additionally distinguished from Carnsore Point by its 18 metre high clay cliffs. The very small Helen’s Bay boat harbour, protected by a short pier, may also be seen 0.7 mile south southwest of the point.
This is a dangerous corner that requires specific attention. A reef extends 800 metres east by northeast from Greenore Point. At the end of the reef is Carrick Rock that is marked by a perch in the form of a red mast with a metal flag with letters "CR". Greenore’s off lying dangers plus unpredictable strong tidal currents make this area particularly dangerous. Heavy overfalls occur off the point caused by the corners rocky uneven bottom.
Immediately offshore, 0.7 mile east southeast of Greenore Point, is the Splaugh Rock, an extensive rocky shoal, with 0.6 of a metre on its shallowest part. Splaugh Rock is marked by the Splaugh Light buoy three quarters of a mile to the east-northeast.
Splaugh - Red Can Buoy Fl R 6s position: 52° 14.432’N, 006° 16.774’W
Once around Splaugh turn hard to port to track into the South Sheer channel to enter into Rosslare Harbour and Bay, otherwise known as South Bay.
Leisure vessels taking the inshore route should entirely avoid Greenore Point and the surrounding area. It is recommended that the passage around Greenore Point should be taken by passing in through and between The Splaugh port hand marker and the South Long.
Both Rosslare Harbour and Rosslare Bay are entered from the south through the South Shear Channel. The South Shear Channel passes south of the extensive shoal that contains the Holden’s Bed and Long Bank that enclose the Rosslare Harbour and bay.
The southernmost sand bank is immediately east of Rosslare Harbour and called the Holdens Bed. It is approximately three-quarters of a mile long, north to south, and a quarter of a mile wide. Located immediately to the southwest of the Long Bank it may be considered a detached portion of this larger bank. The Holdens Bed has 5.8 metres of water at its shallowest point and its western edge is steep-to.
The South Shear is immediately south of Holdens Bed bank and the southern end of the Long Bank. It is half a mile wide with a controlled depth of 6.7 metres at the entrance decreasing to 3.9 to 4.5 metres off the head of the harbour breakwater. The key northern markers for the South Shear are starboard markers off the Holdens Bank plus a south cardinal off the southern end of the Long Bank. All of the following markers should be passed to starboard.
West Holdens – Starboard Buoy Fl (3) G 10s position: 52° 15.763'N, 006° 18.747'W
South Holdens – Starboard Buoy Fl (2) G 6s position: 52° 15.146'N, 006° 17.249'W
South Long - South Cardinal VQ (6) + LFl 10s position: 52° 14.835’N, 006° 15.647’W
The South Shear’s southern dangers, on the opposite or south side of the channel, are the shoals and reefs surrounding the mainland’s Greenore Point plus the Splaugh Rock. These are marked by the following markers that should be passed to port.
Calmines - Red Can Buoy Fl R 2s position: 52° 14.997’N, 006° 17.781’w
Splaugh - Red Can Buoy Fl R 6s position: 52° 14.432’N, 006° 16.774’W
The channel, along with that of the North Sheer that provides a northern approach, is supported at night by a white sector light from the red metal tower set on Rosslare Harbour pierhead.
Pierhead Light – Red tower Oc.W.R.G. 5s 15m 13-10M position: 52° 15.430’N, 006° 20.320’W
The light sectors are as follows; Green 098°-188°, White-208°, Red -246°, Green-283°, White-286°, Red-320°.
Vessels continuing north may avail of the ‘Northbound - Rosslare Harbour to Dublin Bay’ coastal description available in ‘Routes’.
What is the best sailing time?
May to September is the traditional Irish Sailing season with June July offering the best weather. June and July’s statistical incidence of strong winds are however two days of winds up to force seven. As such, depending on personal sailing preferences, a vessel may expect to be held-up or enjoy robust sailing conditions. Ireland is not subject to persistent fog. Statistically complete days of persistent fog occur less than once in a decade.
What weather information is available?
Current local weather conditions may be appraised by clicking on the underlined and active locations listed along the route. For more information Met Éireann (the Irish National Meteorological Service) on line services provide an Eastern Atlantic 24 hour synoptic, the current Irish Sea Area Forecast and Irish observations.
The UK Met Office Shipping forecast. They also offer visible satellite and infrared satellite imagery to enable close observation of approaching frontal systems. This clear movement information makes it easy to predict when an area is going to get wet. Moreover it enables a viewer to estimate very accurately when the sharp veer off the back of a cold front will arrive and as such avoided. 21st Operational Weather Squadron provide Atlantic and European synoptics.
XCweather provides a local view of wind conditions direct from and array of reporting station manned along the British Isles. Three hour historical info plus expected wind direction and strength for the next couple of days are available on this site and it is possible to interpolate between stations.
Wind guru is an international surfing site that looks at eighty five beaches around the coast of Ireland. It provides wind and wave information plus meteorological data such as temperature, wind speed and direction. The sites wind, wave height and direction information enables a good picture of a seaway, wave against wind or tide, backwash off a coast etc., to be developed in advance.
Whilst off-line national weather information is broadcast as follows:
Coastal radio stations (VHF Channel)
Weather forecast at 0103 and thence every 3 hours updated every sixth.
Cork 26, Bantry 23, Valentia 24, Shannon 28, Clifden 26, Malin Head 23, Dublin 83, Wicklow Head 87, Rosslare 23, and Mine Head 83.
RTE Radio 1
Sea area forecast: 24 / 48 hour outlook and gale warnings rounding the country in a clockwise direction from headlands to headland.
FM 88.90 MHZ
MW 567khz/529m and 729khz/412m.
Weekdays 0602, 1253, 1823, 2355
Sundays 0633, 0755, 0855, 1253, 1823, 235
BBC Radio 4
LW 198khz/1525M. VHF
92.4/94.6MhZ
Daily 0048, 0535 (0542 on Sundays, 0556 Saturdays), 1201,1754.
What dangers are to be avoided?
Are there any security concerns?
Never been a security issue known to have occurred sailing off the Irish coast.
Original contributor:
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