East Ferry is quaintly located within the North Eastern area of Cork natural harbour, one of the largest natural harbours in the world. East Ferry has a full service marina and with its bars and restaurants set amongst country tranquillity, is a wonderful choice for an overnight on board.

Home to the world’s oldest recorded yacht club the Royal Cork established in 1789 and at the heart of the village of Crosshaven, another must for a memorable overnight stay. Leaving Crosshaven and heading South West towards Kinsale, passing Newfoundland Bay and Sovereign Islands one cannot but marvel at the scope and volume of coastal wildlife with an abundance of seals and dolphins, summer visits by huge (but harmless) basking sharks and an extensive array of seabirds, fishing the rich shoals of sea fish off our coasts.

A tranquil anchorage en route to Kinsale in a location which spells beauty and relaxation. Dingy ashore and take a casual walk down to Ballinaclashet or catch your supper off the stern, this is the essence of quality time.

The home of Kinsale Yacht Charters and our sister companies. Kinsale is a world renowned port and colourful thriving town. As well as being the Gourmet capital of Ireland with around 40 places to dine and savour your favourite tipple, the town boasts a superb harbour guarded by the watch towers of Charles Fort and James Fort which for many years trained their big guns across the harbour entrance to keep the varying enemies of by gone centuries at bay.

You will simply find everything you could ever want here and it's easy to understand why many a visitor ends up a resident.

If staying in Kinsale we recommend The Blue Haven Hotel, www.bluehavenkinsale.com.

Cruising further west, a colourful little port entered after rounding the famous Kinsale Head steeped in history and now home to the world famous www.oldheadgolflinks.com, one of the most spectacular and stunning Golf locations in the world.
Courtmacsherry boasts friendly bars and restaurants amidst rolling countryside.

Continuing west around Seven Heads comes Glandore with its rocky entrance guarded by ‘Adam and Eve’. Locals for centuries have guided seafarers in with simple advice “Hug Adam, avoid Eve”. Nowadays the entrance is fully buoyed and visiting yachts can find colourful coastal village with the nearby fishing port of Union Hall just across the bay.

Next down this superb coastline comes Castletownsend a safe deep anchorage within a large inlet beneath rolling green hills. Don’t miss May Anne’s Bar and Restaurant.

Onward west brings us to Baltimore with ‘Lots’ wife guarding the entrance. Another jewel of the natural harbour with Sherkin Island forming the rest. Baltimore today is a shriving coastal town renowned for water sports with Glennans sailing school, diving, sea fishing, a range of family to gourmet restaurants and a rich history which includes giving its name to its larger namesake in America and being overrun by a raiding party of Ottoman Turks with Barbary pirates in 1631 when most of the inhabitants were taken into a life of slavery in Algiers.

A visit to Cape Clear is a special treat. A Gaeltacht (Irish Speaking) area, this small island is home to a large range of wildlife and very friendly inhabitants. A summer picnic on board in South Harbour is a really memorable occasion. The island for many years was famous for having three pubs and no policeman! Just off Cape Clear is the famous Fastnet Rock.

One of West Cork’s most popular cruising areas, with a large open bay, excellent for anchoring in the shadow of Mount Gabriel. Another centre for waterspouts and training and yet another dream location to relax and rewind. Ashore there is a terrific mix of friendly pubs and great restaurants together with an extensive collection of interesting craft shops and chic boutiques.

Just 6 miles to the south west of Schull lies Crookhaven a large 2 mile long protected inlet, idea for an overnight with dinner on board or ashore at one of the lively pubs or restaurants.

Heading Southwest from Crookhaven brings us around the Mizen Head, the most South Westerly point of Ireland. Once around the Mizen there are a series of spectacular inlets and bays, one more stunning than the next. At the head of Bantry Bay which is nearly 20 miles long lies Glengarriff, a lively little town with another great mix of shops, restaurants and pubs for a perfect stopover.

Within historical Bantry Bay lies Bere Island with Laurence Cove marina located on the north of the island. The island has a fascinating history, Bantry Bay has twice had French Fleets anchored in its waters and the British Navy had major installations up until 1936. There are restaurants and a convivial pub together with a frequent ferry service to the major fishing port of Castletownbere.

Dingle or An Daingean, meaning Fort in Irish, is a colourful and vibrant market town, boasting a full service marina and everything ashore for the cruising motor yachtsman. The town boasts an extensive collection of restaurants including the famous Doyle’s seafood restaurant together with fine pubs, many with excellent music sessions with visiting talent always welcome. Fungi the dolphin has been a resident for many years and frequently greets visiting boats.