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Navigating Carlingford Lough

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What is the route?
This is the tidal counter and the run-up through the length of Carlingford Lough from the entrance up to the Victoria Lock, which can be reached by high water. Victoria Lock is located about 2½ miles above Warrenpoint at the head of the Lough and is the single lock at the seaward end of the Newry Ship Canal that leads to Newry's town basin approximately 3½ miles above.


Carlingford Lough's countryside is steeped in mythology
Image: Tourism Ireland


Pilotage up to Warrenpoint is straightforward via a deep-water shipping channel that runs the entire length of the lough, making the port accessible at night or day in all reasonable conditions. Although well marked, access and piloting require good charts and visibility owing to exceptional currents in the entrance area, which attain 5 knots. Consequently, the entrance should be timed to be around slack water, and the vessel should be equipped with a reliable engine.

In addition to directions and waypoints for the deep-water shipping channel, the principal dangers in the area and the principal berths are highlighted to facilitate those who venture off the beaten path.

Why sail this route?
Nestled between the lower slopes of the Mountains of Mourne and the Cooley Mountains, Carlingford Lough offers boaters a stunning maritime environment. This picturesque expanse of water, extending eight miles northwesterly and one to two miles wide, provides diverse berthing opportunities that leisure vessels have long enjoyed. With its steep sides and deep waters, the lough is often compared to a Norwegian fiord. It boasts spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, which is steeped in history.

Views out over the entrance to the Lough from the southern shore
Image: Tourism Ireland


While sailing conditions are generally favourable, completely protected berths, with a well-marked, deepwater commercial channel running its length, diverse berthing options, and sheltered waters with minimal swell, navigating the lough presents challenges, particularly around tidal movements at the entrance to keep things interesting.


Carlingford Harbour with the entrance to Carlingford Lough in the backdrop
Image: Tourism Ireland


The lough's perfect combination of natural beauty, sailing infrastructure, and maritime challenges makes it one of this coastline's most attractive boating destinations.

Tidal overview
Today's summary tidal overview for this route as of Tuesday, February 18th at 09:03. In the entrance, the flood begins as set out from Dover in the timer or at about 5 hours 30 minutes before HW at Dublin and the ebb 10 minutes before HW at Dublin. At Cranfield Point, the tide rises about 4.8m at MHWS and 4.3m at MHWN.

Currents are barely perceptible at Hellyhunter Buoy but the spring velocity in both directions in Carlingford Cut is about 3½ knots. The spring velocity in the entrance and outer part of Hoskyn Channel is about 2.5 knots in both directions, increasing to about 4.5 knots south of Haulbowline Rocks. This latter velocity is also attained east of Haulbowline Rocks above the junction of Hoskyn Channel and Carlingford Cut. The strongest current in the Lough is between Halpin Rock and Greenore where it attains about 5 knots at springs. Off Carlingford, above Greenore, both the flood and ebb run at the rate of 1½ knots at springs; in Rostrevor Bay, at the head of the lough, the currents are feeble.




Carlingford Lough
Out Going

(HW Dover +0020 to -0500)

Now

(Tidal flow )


Ends in 00:23:01

(Tue 02:22 to 09:27)

Carlingford Lough
In Going

(HW Dover -0500 to +0020)


Starts in 00:09:01

(Tue 09:13 to 14:33)

What are the navigational notes?
Please use our integrated Navionics chart to appraise the route. Navionics charts feature in premier plotters from B&G, Raymarine, Magellan and are also available on tablets. Clicking the 'Expand to Fullscreen' icon opens a larger viewing area in a new tab.

Expand to
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Please zoom out (-) if all of the waypoints are not displayed.
The above plots are not precise and are indicative only.

NAVIGATING CARLINGFORD LOUGH

The 8-mile-long length of Carlingford Lough makes for a beautiful expanse of water with many varied and completely protected berthing opportunities. Navigation is easy as there is a lighthouse in the middle of the Lough's entrance and the well-marked, regularly dredged, deepwater commercial channel's first marks commence nearly 2 miles too seaward of it. From there, it stretches the length of the Lough to Warrenpoint, carrying sufficient depth for commercial ships all the way.


Haulbowline Lighthouse in middle of the entrance to Carlingford Lough
Image: Graham Rabbits


Navigation is easy, as there is a lighthouse in the middle of the Lough's entrance, and the well-marked, regularly dredged, deepwater commercial channel's first marks commence nearly 2 miles seaward of it. From there, it stretches the length of the Lough to Warrenpoint, carrying sufficient depth for commercial shipping all the way.

PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Tidal streams at the entrance to Carlingford Lough can attain up to 5 knots
Image: Sleeping Camper


Boaters should be aware of the Lough's strong tidal streams (up to 5 knots) encountered in its narrowish entrance, requiring careful navigation. The maximum tidal rates you can expect during the approach and the run up the Lough are as follows:

  • • 1 mile outside the entrance streams are imperceptible

  • • Buoyed approach channel 3.5 kn

  • • East of the lighthouse 4.5 kn

  • • Between Greenore and the entrance 1.5 kn

  • • Off Carlingford 1.5 kn

  • • After Killowen Point the tides ease and in the upper Lough the stream is feeble.

The key point to factor into any planned visit to Carlingford Lough is that it is very difficult for a displacement leisure vessel to enter or leave against its tides. Spring velocity in the entrance, around the Haulbowline Rocks, where it attains speeds of up to 5 knots. The area's surrounding mountains can cause sudden weather changes and particular care is required when this creates a wind-against-tide situation that produces short, steep waves.

Therefore, newcomers are best advised to approach slack water. As the slack water period between two tides at the Lough entrance is very short and only happens twice a day, possibly once in daylight, it may be best to stage the visit to the Lough by staying in a convenient local haven to set up an optimum time entry.

It is also worth noting that during northwest winds, the inlet is subject to heavy squalls that descend from the hills and, owing to the funnelling effect of the mountains, expect the northwest wind strength to be double what is forecasted. As such, during strong north-westerlies, Warrenpoint and Carlingford Lough Marina are the only places that will be comfortable.


Fishing for Oysters & Mussels in Carlingford Lough
Image: Tourism Ireland


Fish farming is widespread within the Lough area, and the locations are well-marked on the charts. However, Carlingford's farming is more orientated towards shellfish beds than fish cages, so they are more of a concern for anchoring than navigation.



Warrenpoint with its prominent breakwater at the head of the inlet
Image: Michael Harpur


Finally, all vessels moving within the limits of Warrenpoint Harbour, above Starboard No. 27 Buoy which is 1 mile below the town breakwater, fall under the control of the Warrenpoint Harbour Master who requires the following:

  • • Contact Warrenpoint Harbour Radio using VHF Channel 12 for permission to proceed prior to arriving at this mark.

  • • Maintain a listening watch on VHF Channel 12 when operating within the Limits of Warrenpoint Harbour.

  • • Do not transit under sail and take care not to impede commercial traffic in the Warrenpoint channel. Commercial vessels will be channel-bound, have right of way, and have no capability to manoeuvre.

  • • Avoid crossing the bows of oncoming commercial traffic.

  • • When the channel must be crossed this should be done as near as practicable to right angles. Warrenpoint Harbour Radio should be contacted prior to crossing.



The RoRo Terminal and container berths upriver of the Town Dock
Image: Michael Harpur



APPROACHES TO CARLINGFORD LOUGH

Seaward approaches are detailed in eastern Ireland’s coastal overview for Strangford Lough to Dublin Bay Route location. The mountains at the upper part of the lough may attain heights of from 300 to 600 metres but the land at the entrance is low. The low ingress is nevertheless easily identified from seaward by being framed between the Cooley Mountains on the southern side and the Mountains of Mourne appearing in the upper part of the Lough.


Haulbowline Lighthouse
Image: Eric Jones via CC BY-SA 2.0


On the shoreline, the entrance is situated between Ballagan Point and Cranfield Point, 2 miles to the northeast, and is almost entirely blocked by rocks and shoals that extend across the mouth of the Lough. The conspicuous 34-metre high grey granite Haulbowline Lighthouse stands at the centre of this.

Haulbowline Lighthouse - Fl (3) W10s 17M position: 54° 01.196’N, 006° 04.740’W

Close northeast of the lighthouse is the Carlingford Cut, the main entrance channel that the lighthouse marks. It lies between the foul ground off Cranfield Point and the Limestone Rock shoals extending out to Haulbowline Lighthouse. A fairway through the cut is dredged to a depth of 6.3 metres. It is marked by lighted buoys on each side and indicated by range lights.

The key point to factor into any planned visit to Carlingford Lough is that it is very difficult for a displacement leisure vessel to enter or leave against its tides. Spring velocity in the entrance, around the Haulbowline Rocks, attains speeds of 5 knots.

Therefore, newcomers are best advised to approach slack water. As the slack water period between two tides at the Lough entrance is very short and only happens twice a day, possibly once in daylight, it may be best to stage the visit to the Lough by staying in a convenient local haven to set up an optimum time entry.

Haulbowline Lighthouse in middle of the entrance to Carlingford Lough
Image: Graham Rabbits


It is also worth noting that during northwest winds, the inlet is subject to heavy squalls that descend from the hills and, owing to the funnelling effect of the mountains, expect the northwest wind strength to be double what is forecasted. As such, during strong north-westerlies, Warrenpoint and Carlingford Lough Marina are the only places that will be comfortable.

LISTED WAYPOINTS

The complete course is 11.82 miles from the waypoint 'Hellyhunter' to 'Entrance to Victoria Lock' tending in a north westerly direction (reciprocal south easterly).

Hellyhunter, 54° 0.346' N, 006° 2.454' W
600 metres due east of Hellyhunter, a south cardinal buoy Q(6) +FL1.15s. From here the line of the entrance’s leading light beacons may be picked up.

       Next waypoint: 0.69 miles, course 307.94°T (reciprocal 127.94°T)

Carlingford Cut Channel Entrance, 54° 0.768' N, 006° 3.375' W
Between the fairway's No.1 & No.2 buoys in line with the entrance’s leading light.

       Next waypoint: 0.53 miles, course 309.88°T (reciprocal 129.88°T)

Carlingford Cut Channel Midway, 54° 1.107' N, 006° 4.066' W
Between No. 3 & No. 4 Buoys

       Next waypoint: 0.35 miles, course 311.57°T (reciprocal 131.57°T)

Junction of Carlingford Cut and Hoskyn Channel , 54° 1.341' N, 006° 4.515' W
Less than 60 metres south of the No. 5 Buoy and 400 metres northeastward of Haulbowline Lighthouse which stands in the middle of the entrance to Carlingford Lough.

       Next waypoint: 0.36 miles, course 290.74°T (reciprocal 110.74°T)

West end of Hoskyn Channel , 54° 1.467' N, 006° 5.081' W
Close South of No. 7 buoy.

       Next waypoint: 0.35 miles, course 294.26°T (reciprocal 114.26°T)

Close South of No. 9 Buoy, 54° 1.609' N, 006° 5.618' W
Less than 60 metres south of the No. 9 Buoy marking Vidal Rock.

       Next waypoint: 0.82 miles, course 287.75°T (reciprocal 107.75°T)

Greenore Channel Entrance, 54° 1.859' N, 006° 6.948' W
Less than 60 metres south of the No. 11 Buoy where the dredged Greenore Channel commences.

       Next waypoint: 0.27 miles, course 293.26°T (reciprocal 113.26°T)

Greenore Channel Turnpoint , 54° 1.967' N, 006° 7.376' W
Between No. 10 & No. 13 buoys where the channel turns northwestward.

       Next waypoint: 0.53 miles, course 315.29°T (reciprocal 135.29°T)

Greenore Channel Turnpoint , 54° 2.340' N, 006° 8.005' W
Close South of No. 15 Buoy where the channel adjusts north by northwest.

       Next waypoint: 0.34 miles, course 331.44°T (reciprocal 151.44°T)

Between No. 14 & No. 19 Buoys, 54° 2.640' N, 006° 8.283' W


       Next waypoint: 0.35 miles, course 316.80°T (reciprocal 136.80°T)

Between No. 16 & No. 21 Buoys, 54° 2.898' N, 006° 8.696' W


       Next waypoint: 1.68 miles, course 298.51°T (reciprocal 118.51°T)

Northwest of Carlingford Bank, 54° 3.697' N, 006° 11.203' W
Close north of the No. 18 buoy.

       Next waypoint: 1.55 miles, course 307.71°T (reciprocal 127.71°T)

Entrance to Warrenpoint Port Channel, 54° 4.646' N, 006° 13.296' W
Close south of the No. 25 buoy. The breadth of the dredged channel is 120 metres.

       Next waypoint: 1.61 miles, course 313.88°T (reciprocal 133.88°T)

Warrenpoint Breakwater, 54° 5.763' N, 006° 15.277' W
Close south of the head of the breakwater.

       Next waypoint: 0.84 miles, course 310.20°T (reciprocal 130.20°T)

Newry River, 54° 6.302' N, 006° 16.365' W
On transit adjacent to the Warrenpoint Industrial Estate. Follow the channel marks from here to Victoria Lough when there is a sufficient rise of tide.

       Next waypoint: 1.55 miles, course 315.47°T (reciprocal 135.47°T)

Entrance to Victoria Lock, 54° 7.407' N, 006° 18.220' W
Outside the lock.


Hellyhunter South Cardinal Buoy
Image: Graham Rabbits
The first waypoint is 500 metres due south of Hellyhunter, a south cardinal buoy Q(6) +FL1.15s situated a ½ mile south of Hellyhunter Rock.

Hellyhunter South Cardinal - Q (6) + LFl 15s position: 54° 00.351'N 006° 02.052’W

This buoy is situated about 1½ miles southeast of Cranfield Point the northwestern side of the entrance to Carlingford Lough. From here the line of the entrance’s leading light beacons may be picked up.
Please note

Vessels approaching from the north should pass outside the South Cardinal Hellyhunter Buoy to avoid Hellyhunter Rock which has as little as 0.3 metres over it. In settled conditions, a cut is available between Hellyhunter Rock and the foul ground extending to the southeast of Cranfield Point.




Leading marks and Haulbowline Lighthouse as seen from Greencastle
Image: Michael Harpur


From the first waypoint approaching the Carlingford Cut on 310° T to the first channel marks close southward of Greencastle. At night the leading lights will just become visible at this range, Oc.3s7m13M.
Please note

In Carlingford Cut, the tidal streams run mainly in the direction of the channel, reaching a maximum rate of 3.5 knots between Nos. 1 and 3 buoys, increasing to a maximum of 4.5 knots between Nos. 3 and 5 buoys.




Rear leading light tower off the northeast shore within the entrance
Image: Jay Ken Crozier via CC BY 2.0


Then it is a matter of following the well-marked mooring buoys up to the Warrenpoint entry channel; odd numbers to starboard and even to port. Once inside the entrance, the waters are entirely absent of swell making marker identification easy. Once inside the buoyed channel continue along the Carlingford Cut between the marks until the No. 6 port hand mark is passed when the Haulbowline Lighthouse is abeam to port. This is the junction of Hoskyn Channel and Carlingford Cut.


The channel into Carlingford Lough within Haulbowline Lighthouse
Image: Auris Photography


Haulbowline Rock, on which the lighthouse stands, covers on the first quarter of the flood and dries to 1.2 metres. The lighthouse marks the west side of the entrance channel and lies about a ½ mile west by southwest of Cranfield Point. It is surrounded by rocky prongs. One of these is situated about 200 metres northeast by north of the lighthouse and it dries at low water. Another rock with 1.1 metres of cover lies 200 metres east-northeast of Haulbowline lighthouse.

When the lighthouse is abreast to port, and No. 5 starboard hand buoy is off Cranfield Bay on the opposite side, the course alters slightly to port taking a path towards Greenore Point. This is situated on the Lough’s southern shore and made conspicuous by a pine plantation with some buildings including an old lighthouse. This leg takes a vessel to the north of the extensive rocky flat Block House Island, part of which is always exposed, and to the south of New England Rock and Vidal Rock.


Haulbowline Light and Block House Island
Image: NOAA's National Ocean Service via CC BY 2.0


This broad rocky flat of Block House Island guards the entrance to Carlingford Lough. It is nearly covered at high water but its northern shore is steep-to. A military building was erected here in 1602, now entirely ruined, and was known as Carlingford Fort. Within this, on the inner edge of the Limestone Rocks, is the Sheep Rock that uncovers on last quarter ebb about a ¼ of a mile west of this is a yellow special marker buoy.

From just within to the westward from this buoy, up to Greenore Point, the western shore of the lough is covered by extensive flats where there is extensive marine aquaculture. These uncover at low water and are steep-to, as do Greenore Point.

Off the northeastern shore marking the northern side of the Hoskyn Channel, between the No. 5 and No. 7 starboard marks, the latter marking the New England Rock with 1.5 metres over it, the path passes Soldiers Point on the northern shore. This is located about ¾ of a mile to the northwest of the northeastern entrance point Cranfield Point. A gravel spit, which dries, extends about 0.3 of a mile southeast from the point and is called The Scar. This lies in front of Cranfield Bay and is dry at low water and steep-to.
Please note

Spring currents can attain speeds of 5kn mainly in the direction of the navigation channel between Nos. 5 and 7 buoys, and at Haulbowline Lighthouse, the buoys take on the appearance of boats with heavy bow waves. The flood does set obliquely across Hoskyn Channel, the western entrance, at from 1½ to 2½ knots. As the lighthouse is approached, it increases in force and strikes across the channel over The Scars into Cranfield Bay. Vessels entering the lough in light winds under sail must be careful to avoid being carried inside The Scar. The flood tide, which runs into and around Cranfield Bay, eventually causes a strong South going eddy just to the West of No. 7 buoy so the helm should watch for the danger of the eddy causing a drift onto Blockhouse Island shoreline. The opposite is the case on the ebb between Nos. 8 and 6 buoys. In addition, on the flood tide, it should also be noted that vessels can take unpredictable sheers in this area due to the eddies set up around New England Rock.




The Carlingford Lough Ferry passing through this open body of water
Image: Michael Harpur


From Soldiers Point to Greencastle Point, located about 1.1 miles to the northwest, the shore between is fronted by a flat which dries out to a distance of about ⅓ of a mile and is steep-to. The towers that host the entrance's leading lights are positioned on the outer extremity of this drying area. A prominent ruined castle, Green Castle stands at Greencastle Point.


Greencastle with its ferry pier and wooden piers
Image: Michael Harpur


The No. 7 starboard hand marks Vidal Rock with 1.1 metres of cover, and the No. 11 nearly a mile away westward, recommences to the southwest of Green Island. This is a small 2.7-metre high islet ½ a mile from the Greencastle shore. It is surrounded by an extensive rocky foreshore with outlying rocks to the east. Between Green Island and the shore, there is a narrow but deep channel where the very good haven of Greencastle Click to view haven can be found.
Please note

Between Nos. 7 and 13 buoys run mainly in the direction of the navigation channel. They reach a maximum rate of 4 knots between Nos. 7 and 9 buoys decreasing to a maximum of 2.5 knots in the open part of the Lough between Nos. 9 and 11 buoys and increasing again to a maximum of 3.5 knots in the dredged channel between Nos. 11 and 13 buoys.




Greencastle Pier with the range marks and Haulbowline Lighthouse in the backdrop
Image: Jay Ken Crozier via CC BY 2.0


From just within to the westward from this buoy, up to Greenore Point, the western shore of the lough is covered by extensive flats where there is extensive marine aquaculture. These uncover at low water and are steep-to, as does Greenore Point.


Carlingford Lough Ferry, Greenore and Green Island
Image: Tourism Ireland


The car ferry service sails on the hour crossing Carlingford Lough from Greencastle to Greenore. From Greencastle, it departs on the hour (Mon-Sat 7 am–8 pm, Sun 9 am–8 pm). From Greenore, ferries depart on the half-hour (Mon-Sat 7.30 am–8.30 pm, Sun 9.30 am–8.30 pm) and the crossing takes 15 minutes. It is important not to obstruct the channel or its approaches when it is manoeuvring.


Entering yacht passing behind Green Island as seen from Greencastle
Image: Jay Ken Crozier via CC BY 2.0


There is a clear open space just within the entrance, between Green Island, Greenore Point, The Yellow Buoy, Sheep Rock, and Block House Island.


Greenore
Image: Michael Harpur


Greenore Point is located about 2½ miles northwest of Ballagan Point. A disused light tower, 12 metres high, is prominent. The privately owned Greenore Harbour lies close west of Greenore Point, and a regular container ferry service uses the port.
Please note

Between the southern edge of the dredged channel and Greenore Point, the tidal streams over this short stretch run mainly in the direction of the coastline, reaching a maximum rate of 5 knots.



The channel westward of Green Island
Image: Michael Harpur


The Greenore Channel to the upper part of the Lough passes close northeast of the point and recommences after this space to the westward of Green Island. Off the eastern shore to the northward of Green Island and opposite Grenore Point, there is a series of dangers extending for nearly a mile towards the Stalka Rock. These all lie to the east of starboard hand marks No.11 through to No.19. The first and southernmost of these is Frazer Rock, with 0.7 metres of cover close to the No.13 Buoy.


No. 12 Buoy and Earl Rock opposite Greenore Point
Image: Michael Harpur


Earl Rock dries at low water and is 600 metres east by north from Greenore Point. It is marked by a 6-metre-high beacon on its southern end. Midway between it and Frazer Rock are unnamed rocks with 0.2 and 0.3 metres of water.

Stalka Rock is a ½ mile north by west of Earl Rock. It uncovers an hour before low water and is marked by a perch. A ridge of sand, uncovered at low water, connects these rocks and continues to the north of the Stalka. Within, or between this ridge and the great eastern banks, there is a clear channel about 200 to 400 metres wide with from 6 to 7 metres of water. It extends down to the anchorage inside Green Island and is often used by local vessels passing between Green Island and Warrenpoint.


The Lough above Grenore Point
Image: Michael Harpur


Above Greenore Point, the channel runs between two extensive rocky shoals, Watson and Stalka Rocks, for about ½ miles. Above these, it continues through the middle of the lough in a north-northwest direction for about 3 miles, maintaining an average width of about 600 metres and bounded by extensive sandbanks that line both shores.


Carlingford Pier with Greenore in the backdrop
Image: Tourism Ireland


Off the western shore to the north of Greenore are the Watson Rocks. Port hand markers No. 14 through No.16 carry a vessel past these dangers. Watson Rocks have 0.7 metres of water and form the southern portion of an extensive bank. This bank runs in a northwest-by-north direction for more than a ½ mile and carries from 1.8 to 2.7 over its northern end. Black Rock, on the outer edge of the stony foreshore and a ½ mile from the western side, is covered at half-tide and dries to 2.7 metres. From Black Rock, the edge of the bank runs in a northwest direction for 1¾ miles terminating before the No. 18 port hand buoy on the north spit of Carlingford Bank.
Please note

Between Nos. 13 and 21 buoys, the tidal streams run mainly in the direction of the channel, reaching a maximum rate of 4.5 knots between Nos. 13 and 15 buoys, decreasing to a maximum of 2.5 knots between Nos. 15 and 21 buoys.




Carlingford Harbour
Image: Michael Harpur


The Carlingford Bank is the portion of the western bank in front of the town of Carlingford, its outer edge dries and is steep-to and there is 0.6 or 1.6 metres of water between it and the shore. To the north of the Carlingford Bank the western shore is skirted by a flat with 2.2 or 2.7 metres of water, extending to a distance of about 600 metres off, that affords a good anchorage for leisure vessels.


Carlingford Marina
Image: Michael Harpur


Immediately inshore there is the Carlingford Marina Click to view haven or the potential to dry out alongside Carlingford Harbour’sClick to view haven pier.
Please note

Vessels intended upon Carlingford Marina or town should not cut in but round the No.18 port hand marker. Do not be tempted to cut across directly before the mark as this will bring a vessel upon the Carlingford Bank.




The view south-eastward from Killowen Point towards Greenore
Image: Michael Harpur


Opposite the Carlingford Bank is Killowen Bank, which borders the eastern side of the channel. The No. 23 starboard hand buoy marks its outer edge. The Killowen Bank uncovers from the shore out to the buoy and has extensive fish farming activity within the area.


Killowen Point and its drying shoal
Image: Michael Harpur


The Starboard No. 23 buoy marks the Killowen Bank, with the yellow Killowen Bank Special Mark Buoy Fl.Y.5s marking its western extension. Killowen Point has a terrace of shelly gravel that extends from it and dries to more than 4 metres.


The well appointed Carlingford Lough Yacht Club clubhouse
Image: Michael Harpur


About 1 mile to the northwest of Killowen Point, at the foot of the forested Slieve Martin where the Mountains of Mourne terminate, there is the well-established Killowen Click to view haven anchorage where moorings and the facilities of the Carlingford Lough Yacht Club may be availed of.


The Ross Monument obelisk overlooking Rosstrevor Bay
Image: Michael Harpur


The narrowest part of the channel is between the Killowen and Carlingford banks where it is about 600 metres wide. A little above Killowen Point the deep channel terminates and is succeeded by a broad expanse of shallow water that occupies the whole head of the lough to Warrenpoint, with scarcely a third of a metre of depth difference across from shore to shore.
Please note

In the open area of the Lough between Nos. 21 and 25 buoys, the tidal streams run mainly in the direction of the navigation channel, reaching a maximum rate of 1.5 knots.




Yacht anchored offshore of the historic Wood House
Image: Michael Harpur


In Rostrevor Bay Click to view haven there is from 2.2 to 2.8 metres, shoaling to 1.5 to 0.9 metres off Warrenpoint, the whole of which provides an excellent anchorage with perfect shelter from all winds and sea. However, the 'Carlingford Lough Marine Conservation Zone' (Carlingford Lough MCZ) External link has been established over the bulk of the area between Rostrevor the ship channel all the way into Warrenpoint. Anchoring should be avoided in this area, but it is just possible to anchor immediately outside, and a ½ mile northwestward of Killowen Point and offshore of the historic Wood House set on the foot of the mountain here.


Greer’s Quay
Image: Michael Harpur


Or alternatively, anchor off the southern shore at Greer’s Quay Click to view haven or Omeath Click to view haven.
Please note

Maintain a watchful eye within the upper Lough area during strong west-north-westerly winds. Relatively short-lived whirlwinds, like mini-tornadoes, locally known as 'Kettles' can form as the squalls funnel down from the hills.




Omeath
Image: Michael Harpur


The No. 25 starboard buoy, situated in the southwest corner of Rostrevor Bay, marks the entrance to the buoyed Warrenpoint approach channel.

Leisure craft anchored off Warrenpoint's Breakwater at the head of the Lough
Image: Michael Harpur


This leads to Warrenpoint, locally known as The Point, which is a small commercial town and port that forms the east side of the entrance to Newry River at the head of Carlingford Lough.


The pontoon attached to the inner side of the breakwater
Image: JMC Aerial Media


The narrow strait separates Northern Ireland from the Republic of Ireland and as such, the sizable town of about 9,000 people is located in Northern Ireland. At its western end, it presents a sizeable industrial harbour to the river whilst presenting a Victorian resort town to the head of Carlingford Lough.

Warrenpoint's Town Dock (left)
Image: Michael Harpur



Warrenpoint's Town Dock Click to view haven, at the northwest end of the basin, is available during the summer months when it is vacated by a fleet of shellfish boats that only harvest during the winter months. The outer fingers of the pontoon have 2 metres LAT, but the largest part of the inner pontoon dries. It has four to five visitor berths that support 2 metres LWT.

Pontoon in the Town Dock
Image: Michael Harpur




No. 25 Green Light buoy – Fl. G 3s position: 54° 04.200’N, 006° 12.100’W

The channel is 120 metres wide and dredged to a depth of 5.4 metres to the harbour basin. The cranes at the commercial berths will have been visible for some time beforehand during the run-up to the Lough.
Please note

Tidal streams run mainly in the direction of the channel reaching a maximum rate of 1.5 knots. Outside the approach channel, the tidal streams in this area are weak.




The Newry River Leading Lights set above the port (left)
Image: Michael Harpur


From the light buoy, it is a distance of 2½ miles to the town via the 60-metre wide channel that is well marked with lighted buoys. It is also covered by the Newry River Leading Lights set above the port in two round towers, that lead through the centre of the channel lights in line at 310° T.
Please note

Contact Warrenpoint Harbour Radio using VHF Channel 12 for permission to proceed and
maintain a listening watch. The Warrenpoint channel in the harbour area is 60 metres wide. As it is a highly restricted waterway for commercial traffic leisure craft cannot transit under sail and should take care not to impede commercial traffic.



The Newry River Leading Lights round towers
Image: Tourism Ireland


The dredged channel has 5.4 metres to the container berths but it shallows rapidly on either side. Moderate-draft vessels will find good depth with a half tide up as far as the Gunnaway Rock which is marked by a starboard pole beacon. It covers on the first quarter flood, dries to 3 metres, and is close to the northeast of the channel about 600 metres south by southeast from Warrenpoint. Between it and the point are some rocks that uncover at low water.

Those venturing outside the channel to anchor off Omeath should note Black Rock located on the stony foreshore's outer edge that borders the Lough's southwestern side. It is covered by a 3-hour rise of tide and is marked by a perch.
Please note

The immediate Warrenpoint area is subject to silting and is full of mud and sandbanks. Hence, great care should be taken when moving outside the marked channel.




CONTINUING TO VICTORIA LOCK

Warrenpoint and the Newery River leading to the Victoria Lock Chamber
Image: Tourism Ireland


All vessels intending on passing through Warrenpoint Harbour should notify Warrenpoint Harbour on VHF Ch. 12 (24 hrs) and 16 [Warrenpoint Harbour Radio] at the following points:

  • • Inward bound – No. 25 buoy

  • • Outward bound – Upon Departing Victoria Lock Chamber and entering the Newry River and Clanrye River.

Vessels should not proceed past these points until given clearance by the harbour office and must comply with any further instructions that they give. All vessels should keep a listening watch on VHF Ch. 12 when in the vicinity of Warrenpoint Harbour.


Proceed upriver past the RoRo Terminal and container berths once Warrenpoint Harbour Radio has provided permission
Image: Michael Harpur


Please inform the council immediately should any delay cause the tide for the prearranged journey to be missed. In this event, taking a berth at Warrenpoint and rearranging the transit is the best option.


Yachts proceeding past Warrenpoint towards Narrow Water
Image: Brian Lennon


If all is in hand, proceed up the pretty waterway, which is very well marked, by initially following Warrenpoint's stone tower leading marks and then the river buoys.

Astern view of Narrow Water Castle a mile above Warrenpoint
Image: Tourism NI


Unfortunately, this area of the river, from Warrenpoint to the Victoria Lock, is not charted on the key local British Admiralty 2800 chart, but being so well marked, this absence presents no material issue. Nevertheless, this waterway is full of mud and sandbanks and subject to silting, so take specific care when moving outside the marked channel.


Yachts approaching Victoria Lock
Image: Brian Lennon


Victoria Lock is located on the river's southern shore, approximately two miles beyond the port of Warrenpoint. Vessels approaching the lock at high water should expect to encounter a fast-flowing current that streams broadly in line with the river's direction. The rate will be easily seen on the navigation buoys.

Victoria Lock – position: 54° 07.583’N, 006° 18.330’W


Victoria Lock as seen at low water
Image: Loughs Agency TV


A point to note is a sandbar that dries to 1.4 metres that has emerged close south of the lock’s entrance, where the river and the lock’s channel converge. A depth of at least 2.5 metres over this hump will be found for about one hour on either side of high water Neaps, or two hours during Springs.


Proceeding to the Albert Dock above the Victoria Lock
Image: Brian Lennon


Expect a lift in the lock chamber to be somewhere between 2 and 3 metres depending on the river’s high water mark level.


The Newry Ship Canal and Albert Basin in the city
Image: Martin Hess via CC BY 2.0


Beyond the lock, the canal provides a least depth of 3.3 metres for the 3.2 miles up to Newry’s Albert Basin. Once through Victoria Lough, it is simply a matter of enjoying the canal passage up the valley between the mountains. A maximum boat speed of 4 knots should not be exceeded at any time in the canal.


Approaching Albert Dock
Image: Brian Lennon


The Albert Basin Click to view haven provides a deep water quay in the heart of Newry’s vibrant retail centre, which overlooks Buttercrane and Quays shopping centres.

Yachts alongside Albert Dock
Image: Michael Harpur

What is the best sailing time?
May to September is the traditional UK & Ireland sailing season, with June and July offering the best weather. The British Isles weather is highly variable, and the amount of bad weather fluctuates significantly from year to year. This is because they are islands situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the vast landmass of continental Europe.

As a result, the entire region lies within an area where five main air masses converge and interact:
  • • Tropical Maritime Air Mass - from the Atlantic

  • • Polar Maritime Air Mass - from Greenland

  • • Arctic Maritime Air Mass

  • • Polar Continental Air Mass - from central Europe

  • • Tropical Continental Air Mass - from North Africa

Depending on the movements of the jet stream, any or all of these air masses can influence the weather over the isles, creating weather fronts where they meet and bringing with them diverse weather conditions.

The prevailing winds for the British Isles as a whole are from the western sector, blowing predominantly from the southwest for two-thirds of the year. Gales from the west are experienced in all seasons, but they are most frequent and typically last three to four days from November to March. Among these, gales from the southwest gales are considered the most powerful. The winter period is characterized primarily by wind and rain.

The fine summer weather of the sailing season is often interrupted by the passage of Atlantic depressions, bringing periods of strong winds, rain, and sometimes poor visibility. These gales are rarely unexpected as they are usually well-forecasted. Good weather windows of 48 hours are relatively easy to predict, but beyond that, the likelihood of change increases.

Fogs are common in all parts of the English Channel, forming both on the English and French coasts. In summer, they usually obscure the land only in the morning and are readily dispersed by heat or a light breeze. However, the moist haze, driven in by westerly winds from the sea, tends to linger and requires stronger winds for dissipation. In the eastern part of the Channel, it is unusual for the land to be entirely free from mist. The only exception occurs when the wind is from the northeast, creating a mist-free coastline that is highly distinctive from a great distance.

Are there any security concerns?
Never an issue known to have occurred at Warrenpoint, Carlingford Marina or any anchorages. The Albert Basin is an open quay with unrestricted public access at all times. Newry & Mourne District Council accepts no liability for vessels berthing there. Boat owners are responsible for their own security measures. However the basin is opposite the Quays Shopping Centre, that operates CCTV with security staff.

With thanks to:
eOceanic Research



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