This is an alternative approach to Baltimore Harbour or cut into Long Island Bay for vessels moored in the harbour area.
Why sail this route?
The southern entrance into Baltimore is the preferred, best marked and most straightforward. However, the northern entrance is the more protected from strong southerly conditions and can provide an enjoyable hour of pilotage to cut out into Long Island Bay or vice versa.Tidal overview
Today's summary tidal overview for this route as of Friday, February 26th at 21:00. The flood stream for the River Ilen commences at Dover -0005 (Cobh +0545), the ebb Dover +0605 (Cobh -0030).Out Going Stream
(HW Dover +0605 to -0005)
Now
(Tidal flow )
Ends in 01:44:51
(Fri 16:30 to 22:45)
In Going Stream
(HW Dover -0005 to +0605) 
Starts in 01:41:51
(Fri 22:42 to 04:52)
What are the navigational notes?
Midway between Sandy and Quarantine Islands, 51° 29.656' N, 009° 24.312' W
In the north end of The Sound between Sandy and Quarantine Islands.
► Next waypoint: 0.13 miles, course ⇓ 347.23°T (reciprocal ⇑ 167.23°T)
River Ilen turning point, 51° 29.785' N, 009° 24.359' W
Entering or breaking off the River Ilen that trends northeastward to the town of Skibbereen.
► Next waypoint: 0.10 miles, course ⇓ 250.54°T (reciprocal ⇑ 70.54°T)
Passing between the mainland and Sandy Island, 51° 29.751' N, 009° 24.514' W
Be vigilant of a drying rock that extends from the northeast-most point of Sandy Island in this vicinity.
► Next waypoint: 0.15 miles, course ⇓ 234.43°T (reciprocal ⇑ 54.43°T)
Passing south of the Mealbeg Rocks off Turk Head, 51° 29.662' N, 009° 24.714' W
The Mealbeg Rocks are two distinct rock groups of inner and outer rocks close off Turk Head. The inner is a half tide rock but the outer one is the real danger here as it is normally covered with its head only awash at low water. It is located about 50 metres south by southwest of the inner rock and is marked by the Mealbeg South Cardinal Buoy, Fl 6 + LF1 15s moored close southwest.
► Next waypoint: 0.25 miles, course ⇓ 281.38°T (reciprocal ⇑ 101.38°T)