Southern Ireland Explorer

Join TS Maybe as we explore the Southern coast of the Emerald Isle.

Day 1. Dublin – Arklow (47 miles)

After safety briefings and familiarisation with the boat we set sail for Wicklow. Leaving Dublin Bay we hoist the sails and head South. With beautiful views of the Wicklow mountains as we hug the coast on our way to Arklow. Passing the glorious sandy beaches of Brittas Bay we arrive in Arklow, a lively town in the Southern corner of County Wicklow. Situated on the River Avoca, Arklow has an attractive main street with ornate lighting and a charming riverside walk. The fishing village character is still evident in an area called “The Fisheries” and the port still boasts a sizeable fleet of fishing boats. The imposing St Saviour’s Church, impressively floodlit at night, dominates the high ground of the town.

Day 2. Arklow – Wexford (44 miles)

After breakfast and a morning wonder around the fishing village of Arklow, we set sail for Wexford. The town is positioned to the South of the Wexford Harbour, the River Slaney’s estuary. ‘Wexford’ is of course the town’s official name, but the area also has an Irish name, which is not particularly used by non-local folk. This name is “Loch Garman”, and it stems from the drowning of a man called Garman Garbh, which happened at the mudflats at the beginning of the Slaney River, caused by flood water that came from an enchantress. The loch that resulted from this was therefore called Loch Garman.

Wexford is known as the land of laughter and music, of legend and romance, where the locals take life easy and the warmth comes from the heart. Wexford, known as the “Maritime Centre of Ireland,” offers coastal villages, sunny seashores, national heritage attractions, and gardens including the very famous John F. Kennedy Park and Arboretum. Relax and enjoy the many attractions awaiting you in Wexford and let the famous hospitality wash up over you like a wave – you’ll be among friends here.

Wexford Town is an attractive place with Viking and earlier origins dating back to the 2nd century. The West Gate Tower combines with the ancient and historic Selskar Abbey to be the perfect setting to understand the historical development of Wexford.

Walk along the many interesting narrow laneways, which run steeply from Wexford Main Street, a narrow, winding street where it is possible for two people to shake hands across it at one point. Shops, pubs, restaurants are plentiful in an off Main Street.

Day 3. Wexford – Waterford (63 miles)

Leaving behind the charm and romance of Wexford we set sail for Waterford, The Crystal City. In 1171, King Henry II came sailing up the River Suir seeking out the Norman lord Strongbow in Waterford. While ploughing through the river, Henry passed the rugged Hook Peninsula to his right, and the small village of Crook to his left, nestled against the coast. As he went between the two, the king vowed to reach Waterford “by hook or by crook”. Out of such offhand quips, legendary phrases are born.

Waterford is Ireland’s oldest city – it was founded in the 9th century by the Vikings. In 1170, the city entered an important period of its history, when it was claimed by Strongbow for the Normans. Some of the most fascinating treasures from these two periods are on display at the Waterford Treasures, a trio of museums in the city centre. These include the Great Charter Roll of 1373, depicting the city as it appeared in the 14th century, and the magnificent Waterford Kite Brooch, crafted from gold and silver. Of course, it’s not just history that makes Waterford such a compelling destination. The city is also known for its craft beers, unique to Waterford; and Waterford Crystal, one of the world’s most prestigious cut-glass brands.

Day 4. Waterford – Dungarvan (45 miles)

Dungarvan is the administrative capital for County Waterford. It is a bustling market town in a high tourist amenity area. Although there is some dispute about monastic and early Viking settlement in the Dungarvan area, the town owes its foundation to the Anglo-Normans in the 12th century. Their motte and bailey at Gallows Hill to the west of the town still survives. A charter was granted by King John in 1215 and the town prospered until it was destroyed in 1582, after which it declined. Because of its strategic location, Dungarvan was the focus for many 17th century battles. It never regained its medieval prosperity as it lacked the amenities of a good trading port. The Duke of Devonshire engaged in a programme of rebuilding at the turn of the 19th century and Dungarvan today owes much of its shape to that period. Relative prosperity returned, but was short lived, as the great famine of the 1840s had a devastating effect.

St Mary’s Church (Church of Ireland), entrance through a gate on Emmet Street, was built in 1828 by George Richard Pain. The stark gable wall standing to the back of the church is thought to have formed part of the pre-Reformation church of St. Mary the Virgin. The Churchyard contains some interesting gravestones. On the west side of the cemetery is a mass grave and a memorial to those who died in the Moresby shipwreck in 1895.

The Market House, in Parnell Street, renamed the Old Market House Arts Centre for its exhibition space for local, national and international artists dates from the 17th century. The Dungarvan Museum, situated in the Old Town Hall on St Augustine Street, presents the history of Dungarvan and West Waterford through a series of displays and panels. Head towards the harbour and Barrack Lane where St. Garvan’s Church is situated. This was thought to be the site of a 16th century church dedicated to St. Garvan, who is reputed to have established the first settlement here. Across from St. Garvan’s is Dungarvan Castle, a 12th century Anglo-Norman castle. It was the focus of many of the battles visited on the town.

Day 5. Dungarvan – Crosshaven (48 miles)

Leaving Dungarvan behind, we make our way to Crosshaven, anchoring off Ballycotton for lunch. Ballycotton is the hidden gem of East Cork. It is a small picturesque fishing village which sits on a rocky-ledge overlooking Ballycotton Bay and is surrounded by sandy beaches. There may even be time to head ashore and take a cliff top walk, admiring the views of the Atlantic Ocean.
From here we make our way to Crosshaven, the penultimate stopover before arriving in Cork. Crosshaven is a village near the mouth of Cork Harbour, known nationally and internationally as a major sailing and angling centre. Crosshaven boasts a long and colourful seafaring and boat building tradition. It history is in keeping with its picturesque setting on the Owenabue estuary within Cork harbour. Relax in one of its many cafes or bars or take a beautiful walk to enjoy the mixture of views of land, river and sea. Here, you can enjoy scenic walks, good food and spend the evening relaxing in one of the local hostelries and enjoy the music and the ‘craic’.

Day 6. Crosshaven – Cork (10 miles)

With the morning free, why not take the opportunity to visit Camden Fort Meagher.
Fort Meagher (formally known as Fort camden) is recognised internationally to be one of the world’s finest examples of a Classical Coast Artillery Fort. Fortifications at the site date from about 1550. They were further added-to in 1600. However, after the Battle of Kinsale the Fort became derelict. At the end of the 17th. century the Fort was fortified by the Jacobites in an effort to block the Williamites’ naval forces. In 1690 it fired on the Williamite fleet as it entered Cork Harbour, but was silenced by a party sent ashore to attack it. It was known as James’ Battery and consisted of two blockhouses and eight guns. During the war against the French in the late 1780’s Crosshaven got a permanent garrison and the threat of war with Spain around 1790 led to the erection of new gun batteries on the site.
By 1837, the Fort contained only a token force of a master gunner and eight men. In 1875 the land side of the Fort was modified for the mounting of 30 additional guns. Sitting at the west side of the harbour it covers 24 hectars and stands about 60 metres above sea level. The fort area is honeycombed with underground passages and emplacements including a large magazine. It has a magnificent tunnel, engineered to house the fixed torpedo invented by Louis Philip Brennan. The Fort was handed over to the Irish Army in 1938 and in 1989 Cork County Council acquired ownership.

After lunch we make our way through Cork Harbour and along the River to Cork, one of the most buzzing cities in Ireland, with riverside walks, great pubs and super-memorable off-beat experiences. Sitting proudly on an island in the middle of the River Lee, Cork is a bustling collection of cool coffee shops, vibrant art galleries, unusual museums and seriously good pubs. Despite being a city, there’s a decidedly towny feel here – life is laidback, nothing is too much hassle. Pleasantly compact, friendly, and with a wry sense of humour, Cork does things ist own way whether it’s jazz festivals or craft beers.

What is included in the voyage cost:

• Accommodation and all meals on board Tall Ship Maybe
• Sailing tuition and supervision from fully qualified crew members
• Third party liability Insurance
• Use of waterproofs and safety equipment

What is not included:

• Travel to and from the boat
• Personal travel insurance.  Check out Top Sail for specialist Tall Ship sailing travel insurance
• Merchandise available to purchase on board
• Excursions and meals onshore, unless otherwise stated