Information on Sailing into Courtmacsherry

Available

Courtmacsherry Harbour entrance is located to the northwest of Courtmacsherry Bay. The Harbour entrance is marked by a starboard Harbour bouy and by a light at Woodpoint. Coming from the East after rounding the Oldhead of Kinsale you need to be careful to avoid the Barrel rocks which are unlit and marked by a pole. We would recommend setting a course for the Bouy called Black Tom located in the Bay which will safely keep you clear of the Barrels.
Other noticeable hazards coming from the South or the West would be Horse Rock which is awash and is located to the East of Barry’s point.

Courtmacsherry Harbour is accessible at all states of the tide depending on your draft. Part's of the Harbour dries and there is a Bar at the mouth of the Harbour which at low tide may cause problems for boats with a draft of more than 4.5 feet in particular at Spring lows and also if there is a swell running. We recommend sailing boats to drop their sails before entering the harbour, as due to the shallows each side of the channel it is generally not possible to sail into the Harbour. The Harbour is initially marked by starboard bouys and its important that you stay on their side of the channel. Do not go to the North of the starboard Bouys. It is advised to stay well to Port of the last starboard Bouy which is located close to the Hotel and marks the turn up to the Pier. The channel has shifted here in recent times and the bouy has not been moved and boats have grounded here at certain states of the tide. Follow the moorings and you should be fine. On the approach up to the Pier stay close to the moorings as you may ground to the North of the channel.

There is a Visitor pontoon with water and electricity located just to the West of the Pier which is the perfect location for you to enjoy your stay in Courtmacsherry.

There is a Community shop located near the Pier where fresh and local produce maybe purchased and Supermarkets located in Barryroe or Timoleague which are nearby. There are 3 Bars and a Hotel all open during the season as well as Coffee shops and takeaways. Evening meals are served in the Lifeboat Inn and the Hotel. Mechanics, Divers and diesel are available locally if required.