This is the primary coastal description and set of waypoints for the area between Rosslare Harbour and Cork Harbour. The detailed coastal description may be used by those planning to come closer inshore or to approach one of the useful passage havens that are listed along the length of the route. The sequence of description is from east to west or coastal clockwise, as follows:
- • From the Rosslare Harbour via its entrance channel
- • Inside the Bailies
- • Between Carnsore Point and the Tercheen and Black Rock
- • Between the Saltee Islands and the mainland via St. Patrick's Bridge
- • South of Hook Head and directly to the Cork Habour entrance
Why sail this route?
The is a straightforward set of waypoints providing a coastal route to passing between Rosslare and Cork Harbour whilst rounding the southeast corner of Ireland. Boats approaching from Saint George's Channel, or the east coast of Ireland, and rounding Carnsore Point, Ireland’s south-eastern corner, have two primary options:- • The 'offshore route' that rounds the corner outside of Tuskar Rock and the Saltee Islands to the south of Coningbeg Super Buoy.
- • The 'inshore route', that comes close in and around Carnsore Point and heads almost directly west to pass through St. Patrick’s Bridge, between the Saltee Islands and the mainland.
What are the navigational notes?
100 metres north of Calmines Buoy, 52° 15.030' N, 006° 17.781' W
Calmines Red Can Buoy, Fl R 3s SYNC
► Next waypoint: 0.87 miles, course ⇓ 135.47°T (reciprocal ⇑ 315.47°T)
100 metres north of Splaugh Light buoy, 52° 14.410' N, 006° 16.785' W
Splaugh Light red buoy, Fl(2) R 6s Sync, situated ¾ of a mile to the east by north-east of an extensive rocky shoal, with 0.6 of a metre on its shallowest part. From here steer to stay inside The Bailies.
► Next waypoint: 3.78 miles, course ⇓ 207.16°T (reciprocal ⇑ 27.16°T)
100 metres east of Fundale Rock Buoy, 52° 11.045' N, 006° 19.600' W
Fundale Red Buoy, Fl (2) R 10s, marks a Fundale Rock that resides 600 metres west-northwest of Carnsore Point. It uncovers at half-tide and dries to 1.2 metres. This is close to the shoreline so some vigilance is needed not to allow the strong tidal sweep around Carnsore Point to set the boat towards the shore. Beware of lobster pots along this corner.
► Next waypoint: 1.60 miles, course ⇓ 233.46°T (reciprocal ⇑ 53.46°T)
Carnsore Point, 52° 10.090' N, 006° 21.700' W
Approximately 500 metres south-east of the point. This leg is positioned close to the Carnsore Point in order to keep pass well inside Tercheen Rock, awash and 400 metres to the north of Back Rock that is always clearly visible. Steering for St. Patrick's Bridge keeps the vessel north of the Bohurs which are subject to extensive overfalls.
► Next waypoint: 6.99 miles, course ⇓ 263.25°T (reciprocal ⇑ 83.25°T)