Crosshaven, County Cork

We’ve spent the past week in Crosshaven, known among sailors as the home of Royal Cork, the world’s oldest yacht club and Cork Week, Ireland's largest International Sailing Regatta. With three marinas, a boatyard, a huge racing scene and a fine selection of pubs, it’s a fun village for sailors. The flowing taps of Irish Stout (the Murphy’s is especially wonderful) and friendly locals are icing on the cake.

Other Crosshaven highlights include Wednesday night trad sessions (Irish music) at the Moonduster, Saturday farmer’s market in the village square and Sunday racing fleets parading through the harbour. County Cork has always been my favorite part of Ireland and my love for the area has only increased.

Like us, other boats are enjoying the comforts and beauty of Crosshaven waiting for the right weather window to journey south, which appears to be starting tomorrow…

Dun Laoghaire

I am living on a real dock (not tied to a mooring, between two poles or at anchor) for the first time in the history of Event Horizon being my home sweet home. I will call slip T55 at Dun Laoghaire Marina home through August and you can be sure I will enjoy every moment while I temporarily live the high life.

Dun Laoghaire Marina is nestled within two breakwaters built by the government specifically to accommodate the marina which opened in 2001. The marina was expanded earlier this year resulting in over 700 berths and top-notch dock facilities, including a new barge with four private cabins each with a shower, toilet, sink and seating. Thankfully this barge is located near the visitor berths (and my home) because it is a hike to the other end of the dock where the main facilities (including laundry) are located and you exit to shore.


The marina is a short stroll from the town centre with all amenities and things to do. The town of Dun Laoghaire (pronounced Leary) is located on the south shores of Dublin Bay and is a stop along the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit railway) route, which is convenient for getting around. Now if I can get caught up on communications and work, there is much to explore.

Dunmore East to Dun Laoghaire

After 4 days of fun in the west, the boat was calling me home. Actually my captain was calling me home, ready to resume our journey north. So on Tuesday, 24th of July, we departed for the Irish Sea. I’ve heard many rough stories about the Irish Sea but she was in a good mood on this sunny day giving us gentle seas and a steady 17kt breeze perfect for flying the spinnaker most of the 14hr (116nm) passage to Dun Laoghaire Harbour.


In route we passed four wind farms, which made us smile. The first three wind farms we passed were land based but the last one (shown) is Ireland's first offshore wind project, the Arklow Bank Wind Park which is built on the shallow Arklow Bank in the Irish Sea five miles off the coast of County Wicklow and 40 miles south of Dublin.

Galway Arts Festival

Due to no wind for a few days, my captain gave permission to jump ship so the crew (all two of us) train hopped cross country to Galway, located on the west coast. We had recently discovered the famed annual Galway Arts Festival was underway and a friend living near the city center invited us to join her, and watch her performance in the Macnas Parade. Galway is known for its great pubs and craic any day of the week but this was an exceptionally thrilling time to visit. Theater, dance, music, comedy, visual arts and streets performances were in abundance throughout the city and I experienced as much as I could during my 4 day visit.

Waterford

Showered and ready to explore, the crew jumped on a bus and headed into the city of Waterford for the day. Most known for its crystal, Waterford is Ireland’s oldest city starting as a Viking settlement in 914. We walked the streets admiring its old architecture, bustling shoppers and numerous options for food and drink.

Upon return to the boat we learned that the forecast says little or no wind in the coming days which puts our journey north on hold.

Dunmore East

Wednesday, 18th of July we had a fine 9 ½ hr (63nm) sail to Dunmore East, which is located at the base of the River Suir near Waterford. Dunmore East is a small village with shops, pubs and restaurants and a busy fishing harbour. The harbour is deep, sheltered and provided us a good anchorage near the cliffs. The Waterford Harbour Sailing Club clubhouse was welcoming and a good source for local information.