Dublin - Docking
Dublin is a busy port for large commercial ships and small craft should keep a sharp lookout and are advised to use the southern entrance channel into the Bay and then to keep to the southern side of the Bay itself. Monitor VHF channel 12 for shipping movements.
Once inside the river, shelter is very good but the entrance can be rough in strong easterlies with an ebb tide.
There is a marina at Poolbeg and also pontoons between the lifting East Link and Samuel Beckett Bridges. They are on the N side of the Liffey and offer convenient access to the city centre.
There are several other marinas and repair facilities in and around the capital Dublin, the best centres being at Dun Laoghaire, Howth and Malahide.
Malahide is about 12nm north of Dublin Bay and the approach is restricted by a sandbar at LW (LAT 0.8m) and should not be entered in strong onshore winds.
The Howth Yacht Club marina has excellent docking facilities and its location is ideal for visiting Dublin. Good provisioning, fuel and LPG are available locally. The club offers temporary membership to those spending the winter here.
Immediately to the NW of Howth YC, there is a good anchorage sheltered from everything except E/NE winds, good holding in mud in 5 metres.
Dublin Harbour Master
Tel:+353 1 874871
East Link Lifting Bridge
Tel:+353 (0)1818 3300
VHF Channel 12 ‘Eastlink’
The bridge opens every day at 1100,1500,2100 and on request but it is important to check the schedule in advance.
Last updated: August 2017
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If you need a convenient stop off point along the Ireland east coast or intend visiting Dublin, the Howth YC and marina has a lot to commend it. Immediately to the NW of the marina, there is a good anchorage sheltered from everything except east or northeast winds, good holding in mud in 5 metres.
There is a passage from here to the marina inside Irelands Eye island, but check the tides and the depth, otherwise go round the outside, but again check the depth approaching the marina. Once inside there is plenty of depth around the visitors’ pontoon.
We were incredibly impressed with the yacht club which is managed superbly well, and the facilities are excellent. They were running a cadet fortnight in June, but the kids were under control, no mess in the changing rooms, boats were left neatly so that one barely noticed them, and the emphasis was on fun, and not just sailing! Well done Howth YC.
Fuel, water and provisioning are all available.
Immediately outside the YC there is a fabulous cliff walk to the east and south sides of the Ben of Howth as far as the Baily Lighthouse, marking the headland and entrance to Dublin Harbour, where one is walking along a narrow footpath and in many places a sheer drop of over a hundred feet to the clear waters of the Irish Sea below. The views are stunning.
The train service from Howth to Dublin is excellent with frequent trains, and the connection by bus to the airport is also easy and quick.
If you need a convenient stop off point along the Ireland east coast or intend visiting Dublin, the Howth YC and marina has a lot to commend it.
Immediately to the NW of the marina, there is a good anchorage sheltered from everything except east or northeast winds, good holding in mud in 5 metres. There is a passage from here to the marina inside Irelands Eye island, but check the tides and the depth, otherwise go round the outside, but again check the depth approaching the marina. Once inside there is plenty of depth around the visitors’ pontoon.
We were incredibly impressed with the yacht club which is managed superbly well, and the facilities are excellent. They were running a cadet fortnight in June, but the kids were under control, no mess in the changing rooms, boats were left neatly so that one barely noticed them, and the emphasis was on fun, and not just sailing! Well done Howth YC.
Fuel, water and provisioning are all available.
Immediately outside the YC there is a fabulous cliff walk to the east and south sides of the Ben of Howth as far as the Baily Lighthouse, marking the headland and entrance to Dublin Harbour, where one is walking along a narrow footpath and in many places a sheer drop of over a hundred feet to the clear waters of the Irish Sea below. The views are stunning.
The train service from Howth to Dublin is excellent with frequent trains, and the connection by bus to the airport is also easy and quick.