Once again strong northerlies were forecast and LB left Tory Island on the 7th July for the shelter of Fanny’s in Mulroy Bay, a trip of 20 nm. The resident Corncrake was in full voice as we slipped our lines. We had a nice sail across the north Donegal coast in sunshine with the Mountains & Horn Head dominant. LB passed south of the Limeburner Rock before turning into Mulroy Bay. Soon we were navigating through the well marked First Narrows. The Bay has lots of golden sandy beaches and a green landscape with no villages on its shores. Fanny’s was very sheltered with good holding and nice walking ashore.
3 days of north easterly winds were now forecast so next day 8th July LB headed 20 nm to Buncrana in Lough Swilly.
Fanad Head was lovely to starboard as LB rounded into the Lough. It was disappointing to pass Portsalon but the visitors moorings there would be too exposed in N easterlies. Rathmullen pontoon was lifted for Quay repairs so Buncrana with it’s trickier access but good shelter alongside the Quay wall was the best option.
Once the sun appeared we made the most of the scenic coastal walks. We had our first few hours of rain in the 4 weeks since leaving Dungarvan. In pevious years we would have been around Ireland by now! 3 days later on the 12th July, LB was able to leave Buncrana for Greencastle. We faced a moderate head wind for 20nm until reaching Malin Head.
Inishtrahull, Ireland’s most northerly island, is north of Malin, and we enjoyed a stop there previously in more favourable wind conditions. Carpe Diem.
Wind and tide made for a fast last 25 nm to Lough Foyle. Soon LB was rounding the Inishowen Head to the pontoon at Greencastle. An extension to the breakwater in very recent years gives plenty shelter now.
LB was off again the next morning for Ballycastle with Bushmills and the Giant’s Causeway along the 30 nm route. Ballycastle is a busy seaside and market town, the largest in this corner of Ulster. Rathlin Island dominates to the north. Once tied alongside the marina, I was off to the beach for a swim.
Red bull were busy erecting a diving platform and seating for an upcoming event.
LB would make one more stop before heading away from the north Irish coast and onto Portpatrick. Next morning a calm sunny day and after waiting for the east going tide, we motored briskly through Rathlin Sound and on to Cairnlough.
Fair Head stood out to starboard as a light breeze pick up.
The cliffs and views were now becoming less dramatic than the west and north west coast . Instead it was gentle green hills reaching down to the sea. Everything looks good in sunshine.
Very calm conditions were forecast overnight and LB opted to anchor just outside the small harbour entrance at Cairnlough.
Landing in the tender was by the famous Game of Thrones steps.
