Situated on the south coast of Ireland, deep inside Cork’s harbour, Cork City Marina is a convenient pontoon berth that specifically welcomes leisure craft into the heart of the historic and nationally important city of Cork.
Being both inside the extensive natural harbour and several miles up-river the marina offers complete protection from all conditions. Safe access is assured in all reasonable conditions by Cork Harbour, one of the most easily approached, well-marked and safest natural harbours in the world.
Keyfacts for Cork City Marina
Last modified
September 14th 2021 Summary
A completely protected location with safe access.Facilities
Nature
Considerations
Position and approaches
Expand to new tab or fullscreen
Haven position
51° 53.924' N, 008° 27.745' WThe position of the pontoon alongside the Custom House Quay.
What is the initial fix?
The following Cork Harbour initial will set up a final approach:
51° 46.580' N, 008° 15.460' W
This waypoint is a mile out from the entrance and near the Outflow Marker Fl(Y) 20s. It is set on the alignment of 354° (T) of the Dogsnose leading lights that are situated on the east side of Cork Harbour entrance. This waypoint sets up an east channel approach but a vessel may alter course to and enter via the west channel. What are the key points of the approach?
Offshore details are available in southeastern Ireland’s coastal overview for Rosslare Harbour to Cork Harbour . Details for vessels approaching from the southwest are available in southwestern Ireland’s coastal overview for Cork Harbour to Mizen Head .
Not what you need?
Click the 'Next' and 'Previous' buttons to progress through neighbouring havens in a coastal 'clockwise' or 'anti-clockwise' sequence. Below are the ten nearest havens to Cork City Marina for your convenience.
Ten nearest havens by straight line charted distance and bearing:
- Glenbrook - 5.4 nautical miles ESE
- Cork Harbour Marina - 5.8 nautical miles ESE
- Cobh - 6.8 nautical miles ESE
- Spike Island - 7.3 nautical miles ESE
- Drake’s Pool - 7.4 nautical miles SE
- Cuskinny - 7.7 nautical miles ESE
- Crosshaven - 8.2 nautical miles SE
- East Ferry Marina - 9.4 nautical miles ESE
- White Bay - 9.6 nautical miles SE
- Northeast of Great Island - 9.7 nautical miles E
These havens are ordered by straight line charted distance and bearing, and can be reordered by compass direction or coastal sequence:
- Glenbrook - 5.4 miles ESE
- Cork Harbour Marina - 5.8 miles ESE
- Cobh - 6.8 miles ESE
- Spike Island - 7.3 miles ESE
- Drake’s Pool - 7.4 miles SE
- Cuskinny - 7.7 miles ESE
- Crosshaven - 8.2 miles SE
- East Ferry Marina - 9.4 miles ESE
- White Bay - 9.6 miles SE
- Northeast of Great Island - 9.7 miles E
What's the story here?
Custom House Quay at the heart of Cork City
Image: © Trebography
Image: © Trebography
Cork City Marina is located alongside the South Custom House Quay at the head of Cork Harbour, on the River Lee and at the heart of Cork City. Cork is the second-largest city in Ireland with a population of about 200,000. It is centred on an island that lies between two channels of the River Lee. The river diverges at Custom House Quay to form the cities’ eastern end and converges again 1¾ miles upriver to enclose the island.
City Marina on Custom House Quay
Image: With thanks to ©John Finn
Image: With thanks to ©John Finn
The pontoon lies immediately south of the dividing point and has a total of 150 metres of berthage available, 50 metres inside and 100 metres outside. The inside berths can cater for vessels of up to 2.5 metres draft, the outside berths are suitable for larger craft with a draft of up to 4.0 metres. Owners wishing to stay overnight at Cork City Marina should make advance berthing arrangements with the Port Operations Office senior berthing master +353 (0) 21 4273125 from 0900 – 1700, Monday to Friday. Outside of these hours, contact should be made with the Tivoli Security Centre at +353 (0) 21 4530466. It is also possible to arrange a request by filling iin their online berth request form .
Port of Cork, Cork City Marina
Image: William Murphy via CC BY-SA 2.0
Image: William Murphy via CC BY-SA 2.0
The intention of the marina is to provide a City facility to be used by visitor craft on day trips or for short-term stays. The maximum length of stay for any craft is, therefore, six nights and any extension to this must be approved by the Harbour Master.
How to get in?
Cork Sea Buoy with the Cork Harbour entrance five miles northward
Image: Burke Corbett
Image: Burke Corbett
Use Ireland’s coastal overviews Rosslare Harbour to Cork Harbour or Cork Harbour to Mizen Head as appropriate for seaward approaches.
The approach to Cork Harbour, or Port of Cork, is 6 miles wide and lies between Power Head, situated about 3 miles eastward of the harbour, and Robert’s Head, on the western side. The approach is clear of any hazard for recreational boating save for, to a limited extent, Daunt Rock that has 3.5 metres of water over it. It lies ¾ of a mile southeastward of Robert’s Head and is marked by Red Port buoy, FI(2)R.6s, moored about 100 metres eastward.
The first mark will be the Cork Sea Buoy that is situated five miles south of the entrance.
Cork Sea Buoy – LFl 10s position: 51°42.935'N, 008°15.601'W
The entrance to Cork Harbour
Image: Michael Harpur
Image: Michael Harpur
The principal features of the harbour’s entrance and the area within will have made themselves clear before arriving at the initial fix. The high bluffs of Dogsnose on the east side of the entrance, plus Ram’s Head, situated about 0.6 of a mile north of Weaver’s Point, on the entrance’s western side. On the summit of the Dogsnose, Fort Davis, previously called Fort Carlisle, will be seen with its notable enclosing double wall immediately to its east, running down the face of the hill to the sea. On the opposite side of the harbour entrance, Fort Meagher, previously named Fort Camden, will also be seen facing Fort Davis from the summit of Ram’s Head.
Roche’s Tower standing on a hillock to the east of the entrance
Image: Michael Harpur
Image: Michael Harpur
Once all these points come into view the entrance to the harbour, between Roche’s Point and Weaver’s Point, ¾ of a mile wide and situated a 1¼ south of the forts, will be readily apparent. On the eastern side of the entrance is the distinctive Roche’s Point’s Lighthouse and sectored light. A disused signal tower, Roche’s Tower, will be seen standing on a hillock about 400 meters to the east.
Roche’s Point - Fl WR 3s position: 51° 47.586'N, 008° 15.287'W
Roche’s Point light sectors are as follows: (Red. Vis.) Red shore-292°. White 292°-016° (84°).Red 016°-033° (17°). White (unintensified) 033°-159° (126°). Red 159°- shore.
Roche’s Point Lighthouse overlooking the harbour entrance
Image: Michael Harpur
Image: Michael Harpur
Weaver’s Point, on the western shore, will be discernible with 50 metres of high ground standing behind it. The surrounding land on each side of the entrance is relatively low.
The east side of the entrance has a pair of important rocks that could prove problematic for vessels cutting into the entrance from the east, particularly so at high water. These are the Cow Rock and Calf Rock that extend out about 2w300 metres to the south of Roche’s Point lighthouse. The conning-tower-like shape of the inner Cow Rock always shows but not so the outer Calf Rock. This is the real danger here as it is the outer of the two rocks and it covers only drying to 1.4 metres at LWS.
Roches Point with a ripple over the covered Calf Rock
Image: John Finn
Image: John Finn
As such it is critically important not to cut into the entrance when approaching from the east as this runs the danger of colliding with Calf Rock. Although very difficult to pick out, the alignment 329.5° T of Christ Church spire, 4 miles within the harbour at Rushbrooke, and the eastern extremity of Fort Meagher on Ram's Head, as best seen on Admiralty Chart 1777, leads clear of Cow and Calf Rocks.
The channels on either side of Harbour Rock are principally for large ships
Image: John Finn
Image: John Finn
Beyond these outer dangers, there are no dangers for recreational craft inside the entrance. The entrance is deep and straightforward in any weather, on any tide, night or day as there are no particular dangers for leisure craft. Simply pass between Roche's Point and Weaver’s Point where the western and eastern shipping approach channels commence to the west of Roche’s Point.
Roches Point as seen from The Sound with port hand W4 and North Cardinal E4 in
foreground
Image: John Hughes
foreground
Image: John Hughes
These channels mark the commercial shipping channels that exist on either side of a moderately shallow area called Harbour Rock. This area lies in the middle of the entrance, just within Roche’s Point and is an extensive rocky shoal with depths varying between 10.7 to 4.4 metres, with the shallowest part being a rocky pinnacle near its northeast elbow. In normal circumstances, there is no need to adhere to the marked channels save to observe their course in order not to impede any ships in transit. But in extreme southerly conditions, the sea can break on Harbour Rock on a low water spring tide. At such times the deep clear marked passages on either side, supported by light buoys and leading lights, should be availed of.
The Sound above Harbour Rock as seen from above White Bay
Image: Michael Harpur
Image: Michael Harpur
Beyond Harbour Rock, a central channel approach up through The Sound can be steered. All the next marks are similarly targeted at assisting commercial shipping. Most of the dangers that these marks have more than 5 metres of cover and plenty of depth close to the buoys. A nice anchorage can be had in White Bay immediately within and on the eastern side of the entrance about ¾ of a mile north of Roches Point.
The Lower Harbour as seen through the narrows between Fort Meagher and Fort
Davis
Image: Michael Harpur
Davis
Image: Michael Harpur
The channel between Ram Head’s Fort Meagher and the corresponding Fort Davis on the opposite shore forts narrows to ½ a mile concentrating the run of the ebb and heightening a wind on tide condition. This is worth noting as those entering during strong southerly conditions over an ebb tide may find that it can get surprisingly rough here.
Fort Davis and the corresponding Fort Meagher on Ram Head’s
Image: Michael Harpur
Image: Michael Harpur
Progressing out between the forts the lower harbour will have, by this stage, unfolded itself. This has the separate ports of Cork, Cobh, Whitegate and Ringaskiddy within its confines and its principal features are Spike Island, Haulbowline Island, and the town of Cove. A comparatively small part of the wide expanse that presents itself is available for navigation and the greater part of it is occupied by shallows.
Spike Island in the Lower Harbour with the entrance in the backdrop
Image: Tourism Ireland
Image: Tourism Ireland
Through this body of water, the deepwater channel continues in a north by east direction towards Great Island. The Fairway is well marked with its western side defined by port buoys, with even numbers, and the eastern bank by starboard markers with odd numbers.
Lateral marks north of Ram’s Head leading to Crosshaven
Image: Michael Harpur
Image: Michael Harpur
A further set of lateral marks will be seen on the west side of the Lower Harbour located about 250 metres north of Ram’s Head. These serve to mark the entrance to the Owenboy River, which opens up to port, and leads into the recreational boating centre of Crosshaven located in the river mouth. There is a further possibility of anchoring further upriver in Drake’s Pool located 1½ miles above the entrance to the Owenboy River.
The leading boating centre of Crosshaven in the entrance to the Owenboy
River
Image: Michael Harpur
River
Image: Michael Harpur
The fairway then passes between Spike Island, situated nearly 1 mile southward of Cobh and ½ a mile from the western shore of the harbour, and the Whitegate Marine Terminal on the east side located between starboard buoys Nos 7 and 9.
Whitegate Marine Terminal as seen from Spike Island
Image: Michael Harpur
Image: Michael Harpur
About ½ north by northeast of Whitegate Marine Terminal, 1½ miles to from the forts, another branch breaks off northeastward to form the East Channel that leads eastward to Aghada on the southeastern side of Cork's Lower Harbour. It then swings northeastward to pass around the east side of Great Island leading to East Ferry Marina and to another anchoring possibility above to northeast of Great Island .
Aghada pier on the southeastern side of the harbour with East Passage in the
backdrop
Image: Michael Harpur
backdrop
Image: Michael Harpur
To the south of Spike Island, the western bank is steep-to, but from abreast of the island and to the north, a flat called the Spit Bank extends from the western shore to the fairway. Spit Bank is an extensive flat of muddy sand, gravel, and weed, that dries from 0.1 to 0.8 metres in places at low water springs. It extends in a triangular form northward from Spike Island and eastward from Haulbowline Island with the Pile Light marking its northeastern extremity.
Spit Bank Light – WR 4s 10m 10/7M position 51°50.720’N, 008°16'.452’W
Spit Bank Light
Image: MrDmhiston
Image: MrDmhiston
The Bar extends across from Spit Bank Pile Light to the No. 16 and No. 18 port buoys. Near these buoys it had 10 metres and the western part gradually shoals to about 6 metres LAT. It is entirely possible to cut these marks between them and the Spit Bank but it is advisable to keep well off the Spit Bank.
Cuskinny on Great Island
Image: Michael Harpur
Image: Michael Harpur
In either case, at about 2¼ miles above the forts and close west of Cuskinny on the shore of Great Island, the main channel bends abruptly to the westward passing around the north side of The Bar and the Spit Bank following the southern shoreline of Great Island and Cobh .
Cobh town as seen from Cobh Road
Image: Tourism Ireland
Image: Tourism Ireland
From north of the Spit Bank align on the port buoy No. 20, then steer towards starboard hand mark No 15 off White Point opposite Haulbowline Island. This leg, a distance of about 2 miles, passes north of Haulbowline Island, with its naval vessels, and onward toward the Ringaskiddy Ferry Port.
Yacht passing L.E. Emer and L.E. Eithne at Haulbowline
Image: Brian Clayton via CC BY 2.0
Image: Brian Clayton via CC BY 2.0
A little above Haulbowline the fairway meets the River Lee when it again resumes its northerly direction. Progressing northward, for about 2 miles, where the industrial dockyards of the harbour will be first seen.
Cork Harbour Marina
Image: James O'Brien
Image: James O'Brien
Cork Harbour Marina will be seen tucked into the highly protected western shore opposite Cork Dockyard and at the foot of the picturesque Victorian village of Monkstown.
Cork Docks and the West Passage
Image: MrDmhiston
Image: MrDmhiston
This leg then passes through the West Passage of Great Island to Marino Point situated at the east side end of Lough Mahon. Keep vigilant in this area and well clear of the southwest corner of Great Island. Be aware of a frequent, rapid ferry service that crosses the West Passage immediately north of the narrows. There is a possible anchorage at Glenbrook in the West Passage.
Fast ferry service crossing the West Passage
Image: AirCam Ireland
Image: AirCam Ireland
From the northwest corner of Great Island, the path turns to the northwest for 3½ miles through Lough Mahon, marked on each side by numbered light buoys and with a maintained depth of 6.5 metres, to the Tivoli Container Terminal.
Blackrock Castle and Tivoli Docks
Image: © Trebography
Image: © Trebography
From here the River Lee turns northwest to Cork City docks, a distance of just over a mile, where the channel then narrows between the highly industrialised river banks. The river has a maintained depth of 5.2 metres.
Cork City docks leading to Cork City
Image: Bigchrome
Image: Bigchrome
Here the City of Cork will be seen situated on both sides of the river about 15 miles above the entrance. Follow the commercial Quays until they divide at Custom House Quay where a conspicuous ‘Port of Cork' sign will be seen in front of its tastefully restored Victorian Office.
The river diverging at Custom House Quay where the conspicuous 'Port of Cork' sign stads
Image: With thanks to ©John Finn
Image: With thanks to ©John Finn
The pontoon will be conspicuous on the south side of the divide before Eamon De Valera Bridge on the Custom House Quay.
Port of Cork sign on Custom House Quay
Image: William Murphy via CC BY-SA 2.0
Image: William Murphy via CC BY-SA 2.0
Berth as directed by the harbour office. During busy periods, double banking may be necessary and the person in charge of the alongside craft will be expected to co-operate with the rafting.
Cork City Marina on Custom House Quay
Image: Marion Wacker via CC BY-SA 2.0
Image: Marion Wacker via CC BY-SA 2.0
The docks are reserved for industrial use only. Custom House Quay is the only leisure berth possibility along the run from West Passage. Speed is restricted to 6 knots throughout the harbour and smaller vessels should give way to large vessels that are restricted by draft to the marked navigation channels.
Why visit here?
Cork derives its name from the Irish description 'Corcach Mór Mumhan' that translates to 'the great marsh of Munster'. This was shortened in time to 'Corcaigh' and then anglicised to the present Cork. With the nucleus of the city occupying an island that is formed by the north and south channels, two arms of the River Lee, in former times it would no doubt have merited its name.St Fin Barre’s Cathedral
Image: William Murphy via CC BY SA 2.0
Image: William Murphy via CC BY SA 2.0
The city’s origins date back to the 6th-century when it was a monastic settlement founded by Saint Finbarr. The original site is believed to have been in the vicinity of the site of St Fin Barre’s Cathedral and the settlement became a focal point for the raiding Danes of the 9th century. The town was frequently pillaged and the 'Annals of the Four Masters' noted a fleet burned Cork in 821 and that, by 846, the Danes appear to have been in possession of the town as a force was collected to demolish their fortress. It seems the town suffered two centuries of turbulence for in 1012 Cork was again reported to be in flames. Nevertheless, it was the Danes then appear to have founded a new city on the banks of the Lee as a trading centre. They built a trading port here that became part of a coastal chain of important trade centres of the time. Along with Dublin, Wexford and Waterford, they all became part of what was then a Europe-wide Scandinavian trade network.
Map of 16th-century Cork
Image: Public Domain
Image: Public Domain
These, in turn, were then taken over by the Anglo-Normans, and Prince John granted the city its charter in 1185. During this time the city grew steadily. The original core of the city was built on a marshy island that was created by a divide in the River Lee. The early town huddled between the river's northern and southern channels, bisected by yet another, and was very marshy with streets that were more like canals. The waterways between the islands were then built over to form some of the main streets of the present-day city. In time the town was fully walled with castellated watch-towers. Early maps show ships below the walls and some sections of these walls and gates remain today with the remnants of the old medieval town centre can be found around South and North Main streets.
Morrison's Quay in 1870
Image: National Library of Ireland on The Commons
Image: National Library of Ireland on The Commons
The city then grew in fits and starts, extending in times of abundance and halting in poorer times. By the 19th-century Cork was a flourishing sea-port with walled quays constructed along the river as far as their junction, and a handsome custom house built overlooking the harbour. During much of this development and through the majority of the Middle Ages, the culture of Cork City was that of an Old English enclave surrounded by a wall - an order for the reparation was found in the city council books that date from 1610. Although hosting a population of about two thousand the city's municipal government was dominated by little more than a dozen merchant families. Their wealth came from trade with continental Europe that comprised of the export of wool and hides and the import of salt, iron and wine. This tightly-knit cultural and trading outpost was surrounded by a predominantly hostile Gaelic countryside.
The Old City Hall
Image: Public Domain
Image: Public Domain
Cut off from the nearest English government stronghold, that was enclosed within the Pale around Dublin, the surrounding Gaelic and Hiberno-Norman lords extorted 'black rent' from the city citizens in order to keep them from attacking the city. This continued to be the case for several centuries and a description of Cork in 1577 describes it as, "the fourth city of Ireland" that is "so encumbered with evil neighbours, the Irish outlaws, that they are fayne to watch their gates hourly ... they trust not the country adjoining" [and only marry within the town] "so that the whole city is linked to each other in affinity".
St Patrick Street in 1902
Image: National Library of Ireland on The Commons
Image: National Library of Ireland on The Commons
The centuries of sequestration and entwining bloodlines has provided Cork City with a very strong sense of identity. One of the ancient names for Cork harbour is 'Bealach Coullach', 'way of the tribes', which indicates it to be a city that is strong of its own mind and purpose. This has been a reoccurring historical hallmark of the city and its denizens to the present day. Cork earned its nickname, 'the rebel city', as a result of its ill-fated support of the Yorkist cause during the War of the Roses.
Cork City in 1920 after being burned by Crown forces
Image: National Library of Ireland on The Commons
Image: National Library of Ireland on The Commons
It carried this nature into the twentieth century in the War of Independence where the centre of Cork was gutted by fires started by the British Black and Tans in the battle for independence where some of the fiercest fighting between Irish guerrillas and UK forces took place. Likewise, in the immediate aftermath of the Irish Civil War, Cork was for a time held by anti-Treaty forces, until it was retaken by the pro-Treaty National Army in an attack from the sea. As a result of this stand, the people of Cork refer to the city as 'the real capital'.
St Patrick's Street after the burning
Image: Public Domain
Image: Public Domain
This unique sense of city and fraternity continues today where young, proud 'Corkonians' generally view themselves as different and it imbues them with a cocky charm and buoyancy of spirit. Consequently, they refer to themselves as living in 'the people’s republic of Cork'. Many capitals and second cities, such as London and Manchester, Sydney and Melbourne or Madrid and Barcelona, have a sense of rivalry but the rivalry between Cork and Dublin is palpable and pronounced.
Pro-treaty forces escorting anti-treaty prisoners along the quay following the Battle of Cork
Image: National Library of Ireland on The Commons
Image: National Library of Ireland on The Commons
Today the city has grown from its trading merchant city roots to a cosmopolitan vibrant 21st-century city. It is home to 123,000 people that make it the second-largest city in the Republic of Ireland and the third most populous city on the island of Ireland. Cork Harbour is one of the most important industrial areas in Ireland. While many older industries such as shipbuilding, steel-making and fertiliser manufacturing have declined or ceased in recent years, they have been replaced with newer industries most notably the pharmaceutical industry. In this area, Cork is hugely significant at a worldwide level with 8 out of 10 of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies having a home here and in excess of 100 other pharmaceutical firms operating in the Cork Harbour area. These all bring significant employment and wealth to the region.
The 1824 Cork City Gaol now a museum
Image: William Murphy via CC BY SA 2.0
Image: William Murphy via CC BY SA 2.0
Specifically set up to bring visiting leisure craft into the heart of this city, Cork City Marina embodies the Latin motto on the cities coat of arms 'Statio Bene Fida Carinis', 'A safe harbour for ships'. The Port of Cork is also a designated as a port of entry that may be used for clearing in purposed by vessels arriving entering territorial waters of the Republic of Ireland from outside of the EU & UK territories.
Cork City bridge
Image: Tourism Ireland
Image: Tourism Ireland
Being situated in the cradle of the city, just 500 metres from the city's central Patrick Street, the marina offers a unique opportunity to embrace this special city. The friendly, vibrant port city is, in fact, best seen by foot from the pontoon because most of the smaller roads and alleys are open exclusively to pedestrian traffic. Moreover, it has a host of attractions that can scarcely be touched upon in a short introduction within easy walking distance.
Cork City Hall
Image: Tourism Ireland
Image: Tourism Ireland
Some attractions to start with are the tower of St Ann's church at Shandon for views across the city. St Finbar's where the city started from dates from the 7th-century, with works continuing through the 12th-century. This building was damaged during the Siege of Cork (1690), and a new structure was built in 1735 - though elements of the earlier spire were retained. This structure remained until 1862 when a new larger cathedral was commenced. The first service was held in the cathedral in 1870 but building, carving and decoration continued into the 20th-century. The Old Butter Exchange, active for over 150 years with buyers worldwide, is well worth a visit. The Cork Public Museum and Cork City Gaol with waxwork figures depicting the warders and prisoners from the 19th century will be of interest to historians. The Crawford Art Gallery in Emmet's Place is housed in the original Cork Custom House building and there is plenty more.
Cork City at night
Image: Tourism Ireland
Image: Tourism Ireland
Clearly, a visit here will require planning to get the most out of the city and the first visit should be to the Cork City Tourist Information Centre on Grand Parade. Here visitors will find a wide range of activities that will easily overwhelm the pontoon’s maximum stay of six nights.
From a boating perspective, this is a perfectly protected berth on the River Lee at the centre of one of Ireland’s historic cities. A city that remains to this day a flourishing metropolis with one of the best natural harbours in Europe below it.
What facilities are available?
Cork Harbour is a major yachting centre for Ireland and as such you can get everything you need, if not at the city centre marina, certainly in the harbour area. Water, electricity and refuse facilities are available on all pontoons. Within 100 metres of the Port of Cork City Marina is The Clarion Hotel that at the time of writing, 2012, offers overnight marina users the use of its shower and leisure facilities for €5 and also a breakfast promotion. All that is required is the marina payment receipt to be presented at the hotel.Being Ireland’s second largest city Cork has excellent transport connections. Iarnrod Eireann, Ireland's national train company operates from Cork's Kent Train station and is located on the Lower Glanmire Road, north of the River Lee. Less than 10 minutes’ walk from it is the city bus station. Bus Eireann provides a regular national service including an Air Coach bus service from Cork's Parnell Place Bus Station to Cork Airport throughout the week. Cork Airport is conveniently located just 8 kilometres from Cork City Centre.
Any security concerns?
The marina has secured gates, 24hr security and the area is covered by CCTV. It lies within the area covered by the International Ship and Port Security Code and all directions issued by the security staff or harbour staff must be complied with in this area.With thanks to:
Gareth Thomas, Yacht Jalfrezi and Brian Berry. Photographs with thanks to ‘The Quays Bar & Restaurant’ shotspoof, John Glynn, Chris Murray, Seek New Travel, derekmenzies, Cork City Council, KlausFoehl, Philip Halling, Padra Martin and Gordon Kinsella.Port of Cork, Cork City Marina
Image: eOceanic thanks William Murphy via CC BY-SA 2.0
Cork City Marina
Image: eOceanic thanks William Murphy via CC BY-SA 2.0
Cork City Marina
Image: eOceanic thanks branislaw
Aerial overview of Cork Harbour (i)
Aerial overview of Cork Harbour (ii)
Aerial overview of Cork Harbour (iii)
About Cork City Marina
Cork derives its name from the Irish description 'Corcach Mór Mumhan' that translates to 'the great marsh of Munster'. This was shortened in time to 'Corcaigh' and then anglicised to the present Cork. With the nucleus of the city occupying an island that is formed by the north and south channels, two arms of the River Lee, in former times it would no doubt have merited its name.
St Fin Barre’s Cathedral
Image: William Murphy via CC BY SA 2.0
Image: William Murphy via CC BY SA 2.0
The city’s origins date back to the 6th-century when it was a monastic settlement founded by Saint Finbarr. The original site is believed to have been in the vicinity of the site of St Fin Barre’s Cathedral and the settlement became a focal point for the raiding Danes of the 9th century. The town was frequently pillaged and the 'Annals of the Four Masters' noted a fleet burned Cork in 821 and that, by 846, the Danes appear to have been in possession of the town as a force was collected to demolish their fortress. It seems the town suffered two centuries of turbulence for in 1012 Cork was again reported to be in flames. Nevertheless, it was the Danes then appear to have founded a new city on the banks of the Lee as a trading centre. They built a trading port here that became part of a coastal chain of important trade centres of the time. Along with Dublin, Wexford and Waterford, they all became part of what was then a Europe-wide Scandinavian trade network.
Map of 16th-century Cork
Image: Public Domain
Image: Public Domain
These, in turn, were then taken over by the Anglo-Normans, and Prince John granted the city its charter in 1185. During this time the city grew steadily. The original core of the city was built on a marshy island that was created by a divide in the River Lee. The early town huddled between the river's northern and southern channels, bisected by yet another, and was very marshy with streets that were more like canals. The waterways between the islands were then built over to form some of the main streets of the present-day city. In time the town was fully walled with castellated watch-towers. Early maps show ships below the walls and some sections of these walls and gates remain today with the remnants of the old medieval town centre can be found around South and North Main streets.
Morrison's Quay in 1870
Image: National Library of Ireland on The Commons
Image: National Library of Ireland on The Commons
The city then grew in fits and starts, extending in times of abundance and halting in poorer times. By the 19th-century Cork was a flourishing sea-port with walled quays constructed along the river as far as their junction, and a handsome custom house built overlooking the harbour. During much of this development and through the majority of the Middle Ages, the culture of Cork City was that of an Old English enclave surrounded by a wall - an order for the reparation was found in the city council books that date from 1610. Although hosting a population of about two thousand the city's municipal government was dominated by little more than a dozen merchant families. Their wealth came from trade with continental Europe that comprised of the export of wool and hides and the import of salt, iron and wine. This tightly-knit cultural and trading outpost was surrounded by a predominantly hostile Gaelic countryside.
The Old City Hall
Image: Public Domain
Image: Public Domain
Cut off from the nearest English government stronghold, that was enclosed within the Pale around Dublin, the surrounding Gaelic and Hiberno-Norman lords extorted 'black rent' from the city citizens in order to keep them from attacking the city. This continued to be the case for several centuries and a description of Cork in 1577 describes it as, "the fourth city of Ireland" that is "so encumbered with evil neighbours, the Irish outlaws, that they are fayne to watch their gates hourly ... they trust not the country adjoining" [and only marry within the town] "so that the whole city is linked to each other in affinity".
St Patrick Street in 1902
Image: National Library of Ireland on The Commons
Image: National Library of Ireland on The Commons
The centuries of sequestration and entwining bloodlines has provided Cork City with a very strong sense of identity. One of the ancient names for Cork harbour is 'Bealach Coullach', 'way of the tribes', which indicates it to be a city that is strong of its own mind and purpose. This has been a reoccurring historical hallmark of the city and its denizens to the present day. Cork earned its nickname, 'the rebel city', as a result of its ill-fated support of the Yorkist cause during the War of the Roses.
Cork City in 1920 after being burned by Crown forces
Image: National Library of Ireland on The Commons
Image: National Library of Ireland on The Commons
It carried this nature into the twentieth century in the War of Independence where the centre of Cork was gutted by fires started by the British Black and Tans in the battle for independence where some of the fiercest fighting between Irish guerrillas and UK forces took place. Likewise, in the immediate aftermath of the Irish Civil War, Cork was for a time held by anti-Treaty forces, until it was retaken by the pro-Treaty National Army in an attack from the sea. As a result of this stand, the people of Cork refer to the city as 'the real capital'.
St Patrick's Street after the burning
Image: Public Domain
Image: Public Domain
This unique sense of city and fraternity continues today where young, proud 'Corkonians' generally view themselves as different and it imbues them with a cocky charm and buoyancy of spirit. Consequently, they refer to themselves as living in 'the people’s republic of Cork'. Many capitals and second cities, such as London and Manchester, Sydney and Melbourne or Madrid and Barcelona, have a sense of rivalry but the rivalry between Cork and Dublin is palpable and pronounced.
Pro-treaty forces escorting anti-treaty prisoners along the quay following the Battle of Cork
Image: National Library of Ireland on The Commons
Image: National Library of Ireland on The Commons
Today the city has grown from its trading merchant city roots to a cosmopolitan vibrant 21st-century city. It is home to 123,000 people that make it the second-largest city in the Republic of Ireland and the third most populous city on the island of Ireland. Cork Harbour is one of the most important industrial areas in Ireland. While many older industries such as shipbuilding, steel-making and fertiliser manufacturing have declined or ceased in recent years, they have been replaced with newer industries most notably the pharmaceutical industry. In this area, Cork is hugely significant at a worldwide level with 8 out of 10 of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies having a home here and in excess of 100 other pharmaceutical firms operating in the Cork Harbour area. These all bring significant employment and wealth to the region.
The 1824 Cork City Gaol now a museum
Image: William Murphy via CC BY SA 2.0
Image: William Murphy via CC BY SA 2.0
Specifically set up to bring visiting leisure craft into the heart of this city, Cork City Marina embodies the Latin motto on the cities coat of arms 'Statio Bene Fida Carinis', 'A safe harbour for ships'. The Port of Cork is also a designated as a port of entry that may be used for clearing in purposed by vessels arriving entering territorial waters of the Republic of Ireland from outside of the EU & UK territories.
Cork City bridge
Image: Tourism Ireland
Image: Tourism Ireland
Being situated in the cradle of the city, just 500 metres from the city's central Patrick Street, the marina offers a unique opportunity to embrace this special city. The friendly, vibrant port city is, in fact, best seen by foot from the pontoon because most of the smaller roads and alleys are open exclusively to pedestrian traffic. Moreover, it has a host of attractions that can scarcely be touched upon in a short introduction within easy walking distance.
Cork City Hall
Image: Tourism Ireland
Image: Tourism Ireland
Some attractions to start with are the tower of St Ann's church at Shandon for views across the city. St Finbar's where the city started from dates from the 7th-century, with works continuing through the 12th-century. This building was damaged during the Siege of Cork (1690), and a new structure was built in 1735 - though elements of the earlier spire were retained. This structure remained until 1862 when a new larger cathedral was commenced. The first service was held in the cathedral in 1870 but building, carving and decoration continued into the 20th-century. The Old Butter Exchange, active for over 150 years with buyers worldwide, is well worth a visit. The Cork Public Museum and Cork City Gaol with waxwork figures depicting the warders and prisoners from the 19th century will be of interest to historians. The Crawford Art Gallery in Emmet's Place is housed in the original Cork Custom House building and there is plenty more.
Cork City at night
Image: Tourism Ireland
Image: Tourism Ireland
Clearly, a visit here will require planning to get the most out of the city and the first visit should be to the Cork City Tourist Information Centre on Grand Parade. Here visitors will find a wide range of activities that will easily overwhelm the pontoon’s maximum stay of six nights.
From a boating perspective, this is a perfectly protected berth on the River Lee at the centre of one of Ireland’s historic cities. A city that remains to this day a flourishing metropolis with one of the best natural harbours in Europe below it.
Other options in this area
Click the 'Next' and 'Previous' buttons to progress through neighbouring havens in a coastal 'clockwise' or 'anti-clockwise' sequence. Alternatively here are the ten nearest havens available in picture view:
Coastal clockwise:
Glenbrook - 3.3 miles ESECork Harbour Marina - 3.6 miles ESE
Spike Island - 4.5 miles ESE
Drake’s Pool - 4.6 miles SE
Crosshaven - 5.1 miles SE
Coastal anti-clockwise:
Cobh - 4.2 miles ESECuskinny - 4.8 miles ESE
East Ferry Marina - 5.9 miles ESE
Northeast of Great Island - 6 miles E
Aghada - 6.1 miles ESE
Navigational pictures
These additional images feature in the 'How to get in' section of our detailed view for Cork City Marina.
Detail view | Off |
Picture view | On |
Aerial overview of Cork Harbour (i)
Aerial overview of Cork Harbour (ii)
Aerial overview of Cork Harbour (iii)
A photograph is worth a thousand words. We are always looking for bright sunny photographs that show this haven and its identifiable features at its best. If you have some images that we could use please upload them here. All we need to know is how you would like to be credited for your work and a brief description of the image if it is not readily apparent. If you would like us to add a hyperlink from the image that goes back to your site please include the desired link and we will be delighted to that for you.
Add your review or comment:
Please log in to leave a review of this haven.
Please note eOceanic makes no guarantee of the validity of this information, we have not visited this haven and do not have first-hand experience to qualify the data. Although the contributors are vetted by peer review as practised authorities, they are in no way, whatsoever, responsible for the accuracy of their contributions. It is essential that you thoroughly check the accuracy and suitability for your vessel of any waypoints offered in any context plus the precision of your GPS. Any data provided on this page is entirely used at your own risk and you must read our legal page if you view data on this site. Free to use sea charts courtesy of Navionics.