Doolin Co Clare

Colin D · 20 August 2015, 10:40

Heading to Doolin over the next couple of weeks for a few days to do a bit of exploring with the kids on our Valiant PT 520 .I was wondering about the new slip as I will be launching with my Ford S max .
Hopefully weather permitting we get the chance to get under the amazing cliffs of Moher and over to the Aran islands for lunch and refreshments . Any information greatly appreciated.

gaelforce · 24 August 2015, 15:59

Fantastic place but be careful it's straight into the Atlantic. I haven't been since the new quay was built but the old one was approached with respect and only in good weather. I had a Valiant 520 by the way. Anchor routine should be practised, at your straight onto a rough lee shore in any type of west wind.

Inis Oírr is grand in anything but a south easterly, and has pubs 5 minutes from quay. Inis Meáin is grand but a hike to pub.

In Cill Ronáin I park across from ferries or go into Cill Éinne. Harbourmaster there now so watch your speed going in.

Liscannor is doable and worth doing, watch out for Kilstiffin at mouth of Bay, and a lovely natural sea arch on the way beneath Hag's Head.

Enjoy it, but I wouldn't risk anything over F4 with kids.

ShinyShoe · 24 August 2015, 19:13

If Doolin is no good, Kinvara Slipway (5+pubs closest at the top of the slipway) is usually OK as the 'harbour' protects it. Not sure what it's like these days must be at least 7 years since I was there. Very nearly moved out there last year... Amazing place. Great people.

Colin D · 24 August 2015, 21:18

Thanks lads . I got a call from the Hotel in Doolin last Friday with a cancellation so we packed the car and went up for a few days without the Rib (forecast was poor ) . I do most of my boating in Cork Harbour and surrounding coast and to see the swell and push from the sea is Doolin its a different animal up the west coast. Thanks for all the advice and any tips of where to get a good cover for the Valiant pt .Much appreciated

willk · 24 August 2015, 21:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by ribcraft4.8

...to see the swell and push from the sea is Doolin its a different animal up the west coast...

Hoooo yah!

I'm just a touch around the corner at the top, again in an old Treaty Port, and the difference when you poke yer nose out to the West is remarkable. The Round Ireland really brought that home to me

Colin D · 24 August 2015, 21:57

As we were leaving Doolin Sunday morning early I drove down to the pier to see was there anyone launching at the slip.
The wind had dropped off a little from Saturday but there was still a big swell and push going on .Two hours and forty five minutes later .Im reversing down my usual slip in Cork harbour launching my trusty Valiant pt 520 in flat calm conditions to go Bass fishing .It was like a different country and the Fishing was good too.

gaelforce · 25 August 2015, 00:10

North and South of Doolin often sees big Atlantic stuff banging off the cliffs and reflecting out for hundreds of yards offshore,.
You get combinations of direct and reflected waves that make it very lumpy and difficult to read.
Galway Bay is much easier.

Ron Noco · 25 August 2015, 01:16

Anywhere on the Atlantic is a waiting game, every morning I look out the window in hope, and I'm in a bit of the Shannon estuary :-(

tonymac · 29 August 2015, 10:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron Noco

Anywhere on the Atlantic is a waiting game, every morning I look out the window in hope, and I'm in a bit of the Shannon estuary :-(

Sooooo true!!!

It may be a beautiful day but the sea can be so rough. Some days in Donegal .......