Destination Ireland

Azul · 23 February 2017, 21:39

Hello
We're hoping....weather permitting etc etc of course...to day trip or maybe have an over nighter in Ireland this season leaving from Pwllheli or Holyhead.... We'd be interest to hear of any experiences...
Thanks
John and Sandra

matata · 23 February 2017, 22:14

Hi Azul, we,ve sailed to Dun loaghaire from both Holyhead and Pwytheli many times . We also have a 5,5 m delta with a yam f115. I'm working on building up the courage to go over in it, from Abersoch to Grey stones,just south of Bray, then hug the coast to Dun Laoghaire. Its very picturesque. On board tanks might be a problem as I think you may have to walk to a petrol station in Greystones. If I can be of any help just ask. Nik

Iron Dials · 23 February 2017, 22:25

Hi Azul.

Dublin has 3 marinas Dun Laoghaire, Howth and Malahide (plus Greystones further South and Poolbeg in the Liffey but a little out of town)

Malahide needs a little care around low tide and fresher Easterlies.
Petrol in Malahide and Dun Laoghaire.

All 3 are very easy walks into their towns (max 5 mins)
Howth and Malahide are nice coastal towns with a choice of eateries and a few pubs.
Dub Laoghaire is on a bigger scale, both marina and the town feels more urban. It has a fuel berth and day visitor rate was €5 in 2016.

All three are nice. I've kept my rib in Malahide for last couple of years with no problems, Howth is my favourite and Dun Laoghaire is probably the best from facilities point of view.

If you plan to motor up the Liffey read this
A guide to port entry - Dublin Port
I wouldn't bother though. No formal/secure berthing but you can tie up and send someone up for coffee.

All three marinas are 5 mins walk to train station that runs through city centre.

I haven't crossed Irish Sea by rib so no use to you there I'm afraid.

Hope this is useful.

Enjoy your trip.

willk · 23 February 2017, 23:10

It's a bit longwinded but worth a read:

http://www.rib.net/forum/f18/caernar...2-a-44202.html

Irondials has good info above, but I'd argue that the trip up the Liffey is very much worth doing. He sees central Dublin all the time but for a visitor the trip up under the bridges and into the heart of town is great. Possibly give the ensign a miss - the local skangers are a crack shot with beer cans and bottles - ask Mick

Azul · 24 February 2017, 13:07

Hi Nik
Thanks for your response. I'm sure the trip needs some very careful preparation and settled weather and I agree some courage! Will keep in touch if i decide to go for it. Trip in company might be sensible...
John

Azul · 24 February 2017, 13:13

Iron Dials
Thanks for the really useful info. Thinking now of Holyhead to Howth - motor up the Liffey - Dun Laoghaire for fuel and then back. John

Azul · 24 February 2017, 13:18

Willk
Thanks for the link and safety advice. Ensign down - umbrella up it is then! John

willk · 24 February 2017, 13:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Azul

Ensign down - umbrella up it is then! John

Lol - but don't get me wrong - you'll be made feel very welcome in Dublin.

jambo · 24 February 2017, 14:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

Lol - but don't get me wrong - you'll be made feel very welcome in Dublin.

Certainly will great city and friendly folks. Enjoy the craic [emoji106][emoji481]

Azul · 24 February 2017, 15:21

I know it's great there have visited in the past and felt very welcome :-)

Maximus · 24 February 2017, 15:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Azul

I know it's great there have visited in the past and felt very welcome :-)

The Red Ensign didn't go down that well with some of the local Kids last time we ventured up the Liffy as I recall...then again All places have the "Epsilon" element

Great Town and Country all the same!

Pikey Dave · 25 February 2017, 09:14

Done it a few times, always used Dun Loaghaire, friendly & accommodating. About €20 for the boat for the night & similar for a taxi into Dublin. Hotels are cheaper in Dublin & handy if you want to do the whole " temple bar" experience. Excellent little restaurant called "the winding stairs" good seafood.
Trip up the Liffey is worth the effort imo, gives you a different perspective of the city. Allow 3 hrs each way for the Irish Sea crossing at a steady run, fair weather & a tea break half way. ( got to have a cake stop [emoji106])

Iron Dials · 25 February 2017, 09:30

Dun Laoghaire has a few very large reaggattas planned for this Summer, so just don't get caught in rush hour there.

Ok, you're probably right about motoring up Liffey, over familiarity on my part I suppose.

PD excellent choice of restaurant!

Azul · 25 February 2017, 10:22

Pikey Dave
Thanks for your info. It's beginning to look like we'll need a couple of nights there now! Appreciate the restaurant recommendation too.
I'd reckoned on about 3 hrs to cross as the Mrs gets a little cross if I drive like a ~~~~ and refuse to stop for a breather :-)

beamishken · 25 February 2017, 11:18

We did Douglas Iom to Dun laoghaire a few years ago in 4 hours but it was perfectly flat.
We didn't much care for Dun Laoghaire it's a bit like a tescos car park for boats, we got the train into Dublin on advice from locals not to go up the liffey but regretted not going up the river afterwards. We only stayed one night then moved over to Howth with the intention of staying another night and liked it so much we stayed 3 nights. we thought Howth was a much more cozy marina we filled up with diesel from a tanker in the fishing harbour as it was way cheaper

Azul · 25 February 2017, 19:48

Beamishken.
Thanks for your info. Just need that perfectly flat sea you had and we're off! Will be looking closely at Howth as it sounds our sort of place.

matata · 26 February 2017, 07:19

My lad is moving to Stockholm and we were thinking of going to see him and possibly drag the rib up...it looks perfect. Any advice/thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Nik

Pikey Dave · 26 February 2017, 09:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by matata

My lad is moving to Stockholm and we were thinking of going to see him and possibly drag the rib up...it looks perfect. Any advice/thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Nik

Hmm! I'd probably give the run up the Liffey a miss. I'd use Howth as a base as it's slightly closer.

Azul · 01 March 2017, 15:17

Thanks to everyone for the advice!
Fingers crossed for some calm weather now.

Deno · 01 March 2017, 16:15

Recent Lurker on here lads.

I live in Howth and its a great place to visit. Superb hill and cliff walking available. The marina is actually a Yacht Club which owns its own marina, so there's a good atmosphere and club activity going on, along with a bar. Diesel and petrol (not at the water) is available but the petrol is v.expensive. There is no nearby petrol station.

Eating and drinking in Howth is great but there is an issue with Hotels, nearest being the Marine Hotel about a mile away. There are some B&B's however.

Malahide is also great and only 20min by water from Howth, same deal with entertainment but with a hotel (Grand Hotel) and a petrol station within walking dist. The marina is just a commercial one however but access for RIBS is not tide dependant.

North of Malahide is Skerries which has a lovely quiet fishing harbour where I think you could overnight and good restaurants ('Stoop your Head') and pubs.

I'd pick Greystones over Dun Laoghaire on the south side of the bay. Also I'd run up the Liffey into Dublin C/C. See if the MV Cill Airne (converted ferry into a restaurant) will allow you to tie up, this is an excellent spot for food also. Any queries, please ask