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| The Fellowship of the Foam |
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| Off the kayak and on the rocks! |
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| Rocky Bay |
Introduction to "The Fellowship of the Foam"
In 2010 I finally managed to get over my terror of the sea and now I just have a healthy fear of it (justifiably so). As a result I began kayaking on the brine, exploring the coastline within easy reach of Cork City (so far!).
My partner is a lover of the sea and joined me in this passion in 2015 (which is how the title "Fellowship of the Foam" was born). This year we decided to publish a list of our adventures for anyone who may wish to do likewise.
The coastline is an adventure resource we have barely tapped into and from what I have seen so far it is wondrous in ways that words or photos barely convey. Being there does!
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| Secluded beach southwest of Helvick Head |
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| South of Ringabella Point, looking east towards Ballycotton |
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| A Private beach South of Ringabella Point |
Denis Lynch
e-mail: amergin77@gmail.com
Important Information.
Before I provide a list of our "Sea-Treks" I will need to explain my terminology in the trek descriptions.
There are seven pieces of information for each trek:
1.) The Name: e.g. "Fountainstown Beach, South".
2.) Launch Point: This refers to the O.S. Map used and the Grid Reference point needed, e.g. O.S. Map 87, G.R. # 785 547
3.) Launch Access: This describes how difficult it is to get the kayaks from the car to the water. I have broken it into three categories:
A.) Easy: Convenient parking, a short distance to the water on even ground and maybe a slipway..
B.) Moderately Difficult: Convenient parking, a longer distance to the water on even ground. Maybe a slipway.
C.) Difficult: Problematic parking, sloped, uneven, broken ground, a long distance to the water. No slipway.
4.) Direction: The general directions given without a compass bearing, e.g. "initially south to get out of the bay and northwest along the coastline ..."
5.) Duration: This is somewhat subjective as it depends on the individual, the weather, intent and how much time is spent exploring the various aspects to the coastline (which is what
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| Between Keameen point and Bull's Cove |
6.) Rest/Rescue: This is broken into three categories:
A.) Two or more convenient beaches or coves to put-in for rest, meal break, or rescue.
B.) Between one and two places.
C.) Between zero and one place. It should be noted that at low tide it is possible to get the kayak up on to rocks if there is nowhere else available.
7.) Star Rating: This takes in the following aspects:
a.) Interesting topography
b.) Parking and launch point
c.) Rest and rescue places
d.) Aspect (sheltered from the prevailing winds)
e.) Sense of adventure, wilderness and isolation
f.) Wildlife (seals, dolphins, otters, whales)
Even taking all these aspects of an outing into consideration, the Star Rating is subjective to the individual, but this is how I determine the rating:
One Star: Good overall, could be repeated (but not a priority) and recommended. It takes in many of the above aspects.
Two Star: Very good overall, would be repeated and recommended and takes in most of the above aspects.
Three Star: Excellent, to be repeated and recommended and takes in most or all of the above aspects.
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| Choppy and sloppy at "The Gainers", Helvick Head, Co. Waterford |
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| Keameeen Point, West Cork |
1.) Kayak, Paddle (and small spare paddle)
2.) Helmet
3.) Rope (for tying off)
4.) Wet suit
5.) Hat
6.) Sunglasses
7.) Cagoule
8.) Dry bag
9.) Life jacket/Buoyancy Aid
10.) Neoprene gloves
11.) Flares
12.) Mobile phone (in a watertight container)
13.) Shoes
14.) Comfortable Kayak seat
15.) Torch
16.) penknife and lighter
17.) Plastic survival bag
18.) Food and drink
19.) 20 meters of 6mm walking rope (for security purposes if there is a need to scramble on steep ground to get to safety).
Essential things to do before going out on a Sea-Trek.
1.) Make sure all equipment is functional
2.) Give your outing details to someone before setting off and check back in with him/her on your safe return.
3.) Thoroughly research the proposed outing.
4.) Check the weather forecast and never go out in bad conditions (as a rule I never go on in winds above 20 km).
5.) Check the prevailing winds and tides.
6.) Make sure your phone is fully charged.
7.) Be reasonably fit and do not take on anything beyond your current level of fitness.
8.) Best practice is to go out in a group of at least two. Going out alone increases the risks.
Note
Ideally one should be aiming to begin a sea-trek on the last hour of an outgoing tide and against the prevailing wind. This gives you an advantage on the return journey, having the following wind and following sea to assist. I find the "Littoral Zone" ( the area between low and high tide) to be the most interesting portion of the coastline topography. In addition, at low tide there is less volume of water present and so therefore less sea-energy to contend with. It is an environment that is constantly changing, even on a flat-calm day (a rarity) so vigilance is essential.
Appeal!!!! Operation Clean-Coast.
The information is given out freely and the only request I will make is to assist in the clean up of our coastline. It is depressing to see such a unique environment littered with the detritus of humanity. We have been cleaning up isolated beaches and coves as we go and the only effective way of dealing with the enormity of rubbish there is to build a small structure with stones, well away from the high-tide mark and entomb it. Alternatively just take some of it away and dispose it responsibly. Please help! For more information go to https://cleancoast.blogspot.com
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| Rubbish, rubbish everywhere! |
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| Entombing the rubbish well back from the high-tide mark. |
List of Sea-Treks
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| Ballycotton to The Old Head of Kinsale |
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| Treks 12 - 29, The Old Head of Kinsale to Lough Hyne |
Trek no. 1
Ballyandreen to Ballycotton
Launch Point: O.S. Map 81. G.R. # 968 627
Launch Access: Difficult
Direction: Southeast initially out of the bay and follow the coastline northeast towards
Ballycotton. Return the same way.
Duration: 3 - 4 Hours
Rest/Rescue: A
Star rating: Two Stars **
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| Ballyandreen to Ballycotton |
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| The Ballycotton coastline |
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| Ballycotton Lighthouse in the Background |
Trek no. 2
Fountainstown Beach/Ringabella Southwards
Launch Point: O.S. Map 87. G.R. # 785 584
Launch Access: Easy
Direction: Southeast initially to Ringabella Point and then south to an obvious beach at "Northing" line 558. Return the same way.
Duration: 3 - 3.5 Hours
Rest/Rescue: A
Star Rating: One Star *
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| Fountainstown Southwards |
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| East facing coastline south of Ringabella Point |
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| South of Ringabella Point |
Trek no. 3
Robert's Cove Northwards
Launch Point: O.S. Map 87. G.R. # 785 547
Launch Access: Moderately Difficult
Direction: South-southeast initially to get out of Robert's Cove, northeast to get around the headland (no name given on the map), then north along the coastline to the same destination point as Trek no. 1 (Northing line 558). Return the same way.
Duration: 3 - 3.5 Hours
Rest/Rescue: B (Note: there is a thrid small cove one can use between low and mid tide).
Star Rating: One Star *
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| Robert's Cove Northwards |
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| Choppy Waters, rugged coastline. |
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| "Slide Rock", north of Robert's Cove |
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| Taking a break. |
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| Coastline north of Robert's Cove. |
Trek no. 4
Rocky Bay (Carrigadda) to Reanie's Point.
Launch Point: O.S. Map 87. G.R. # 772 535
Launch Access: Easy
Direction: Southwest towards Reanie's Point. Return the same way.
Duration: 3 - 4 Hours
Rest/Rescue: B
Star Rating: Two Stars **
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| Rocky Bay to Reanie's Point |
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| The cliffs approaching "Man of War Cove". |
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| Rocky Bay Scrambling! |
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| Rocky Bay exploring |
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| Rocky Bay |
Trek no. 5
Nohoval Cove to Reanie's Bay/Flat Head
Launch Point: O.S. Map 87. G.R. # 735 516
Launch Access: Difficult (beware of the sloped parking area when taking the kayaks off the car).
Direction: East towards Flat Head. Return the same way.
Duration: 3 - 4 Hours
Rest/Rescue: B
Star Rating: Two Stars **
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| Nohoval Cove to Flat Head |
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| Reanie's Bay |
Trek no. 6
Nohoval Cove into Newfoundland Bay
Launch Point: O.S. Map 87. G.R. # 735 516
Launch Access: Difficult
Direction: Southwest initially, around Barry's Head and then northwest into Hodder's Cove.
Return the same way.
Duration: 3.5 - 4 Hrs.
Rest/Rescue: B
Star Rating: Two Stars **
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| Nohoval Cove to Hodder's Cove (Newfoundland Bay) |
Trek no. 7
Oysterhaven to Newfoundland Bay
Launch Point: O.S. Map 87. G.R. # 695 492
Launch Access: Easy
Direction: Southwest initially, turning southeast at Kinure Point and following the coastline northeast past Little Doon and on reaching Big Doon change direction northeast
into Newfoundland Bay. Return the same way.
Duration: 3 - 4 Hours
Rest/Rescue: C
Star Rating: Two Stars **
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| Oystehaven to Newfoundland Bay |
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| Newfoundland Bay |
Trek no. 8
Oysterhaven to the Sovereign Islands
Launch Point: O.S. Map 87. G.R. # 695 492
Launch Access: Easy
Direction: South-southwest initially to Kinure Point and then south(for 1.5 km) to the two western Sovereign Islands. Northeast (for 1 km) to the third (eastern) Sovereign Island. It is possible to land on this island in favourable conditions on the east side at one location only. Return northwest to Kinure point and back into Oysterhaven.
Duration: 3 - 3.5 Hours
Rest/Rescue: C
Star Rating: Two Stars **
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| Oysterhaven to the Sovereign Islands |
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| The Sovereign Islands |
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| The Sovereign Islands |
Trek no. 9
Oysterhaven to Frower Point
Launch Point: O.S. Map 87. G.R. # 695 492
Launch Access: Easy
Direction: South-southwest initially to Ballymaccus Point and following the coastline Southwest to Frower Point. Return the same way.
Duration: 3 - 3.5 Hours
Rest/Rescue: C
Star Rating: One Star *
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| Oysterhaven to Frower Point |
Kinsale Harbour (Jarley's Cove) to Shroneean Point
Launch Point: O.S. Map 87. G.R. # 646 493
Launch Access: Moderately Difficult
Direction: Southeast to Money Point, changing direction southwest to Shroneean Point.
Return by crossing the mouth of the harbour (eastwards) to the west-facing coastline, following this to Charles Fort. Cross back to the start point.
Duration: 3 - 3.5 Hours
Rest/Rescue: A
Star Rating: One Star *
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| Kinsale Harbour |
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| Charles Fort, Kinsale Harbour |
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| Sunset on Kinsale Harbour, looking across at Jarley's Cove and James Fort |
Trek no. 11
Sandy Cove to Bullen's Bay
Launch Point: O.S. Map 87. G.R. # 638 472
Launch Access: Easy
Direction: Follow the coastline southwest, around Hake Head and into Bullen's Bay. Return the same way.
Duration: 3 - 3.5 Hours
Rest/Rescue: A
Star Rating: One Star *
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| Sandy Cove to Bullen's Bay |
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| Between Sandy Cove and Bullen's Bay |
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| Waterfall not far from Sandy Cove |
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| In and out of the nooks and crannies |
Trek no. 12
Bullen's Bay and the East side of The Old Head of Kinsale
Launch Point: O.S. Map 87. G.R. # 620 433
Launch Access: Moderately Difficult
Direction: Follow the coastline southeast as far as Blackhead and Southwest into Holeopen
Bay (east). Return the same way.
Duration: 3 - 4 Hours
Rest/Rescue: A
Star Rating: Two Stars **
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| The Old Head Of Kinsale/East Side |
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| Archway on the east side of The Old Head. |
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| "Shark Rock"- East side of The Old Head |
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| "Smiley Rock" |
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| Cold November Kayaking, east side of The Old Head |
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| The hidden places on the east side of The Old Head |
Trek no. 13
Launch Access: Moderately Difficult
Direction: Follow the coastline initially south and around Ringalurisky Point. Southeas into Holeopen Bay (west) as far as the Sea-Stack. Return the same way.
Duration: 3 - 4 Hours
Rest/Rescue: A
Star Rating: Two Stars **
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| The west side of The Old Head |
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| All the way through to the east side (if you're brave enough!) |
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| "Bird-City Stack" on the West Side - Holeopen Bay. |
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| The caves linking the West side to the East side |
Trek no. 14
Garretstown beach westwards
Launch Point: O.S. Map 87. G.R. # 596 435
Launch Access: Easy
Direction: Follow the coastline west-southwest to a point at Northing line 565.
Return the same way.
Duration: 3 - 4 Hours
Rest/Rescue: A
Star Rating: Three Stars ***
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| Garretstown beach westwards |
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| Wave Rock, low tide |
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| The "Steps" west of Garretstown beach |
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| The "Corridors" west of Garretstown Beach |
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| Another landscape revealed at low tide, west of Garretstown Beach |
Trek no. 15
Coolmain to Howe's Strand
Launch Point: O.S. Map 87. G.R. # 539 439
Launch Access: Easy
Direction: South-Southeast initially to Coolmain Point, then East and North to Howe's
Strand. Return the same way.
Duration: 3 - 3.5 Hours
Rest/Rescue: A
Star Rating: Two Stars **
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| Coolmain to Howe's Strand |
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| A hidden cove between Coolmain and Howe's Strand |
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| Howe's Strand |
Trek no. 16
Broadstrand to Wood Point
Launch Point: O.S. Map 87. G.R. # 515 412
Launch Access: Easy
Direction: Follow the coastline Northeast to Wood Point. Return the same way.
Duration: 3 - 3.5 Hours
Rest/Rescue: A
Star Rating: One Star *
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| Broadstrand to Wood Point |
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| A lagoon between Broadstrand and Wood Point |
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| A good lunch spot |
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| Choppy sea, near Wood Point |
Trek no. 17
Blind Strand to Seven Heads Bay
Launch Point: O.S. Map 87. G.R. # 521 400
Launch Access: Easy
Direction: East initially out of Blind Strand, around Barry's Point and southwest to the Coolim Cliffs. South to go around Carrigrour and southwest into Seven Heads
Bay. Return the same way.
Duration: 3 - 4 Hours
Rest/Rescue: A
Star Rating: Three Stars ***
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| Blind Strand to Seven Heads Bay |
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| Around Barry's Point to The Coolmin Cliffs |
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| The Coolmin Cliffs (90 meters high) |
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| Caves near the Coolmin Cliffs |
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| Follow the leader! |
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| The straights leading into Seven Head's Hay |
Trek no. 18
Dunworly Bay and Bird Island
Launch Point: O.S. Map 89. G.R. # 473 375
Launch Access: Easy
Direction: Cross eastwards and follow the coastline which curves South, southeast and southwest to the headland. South and east to Bird Island and East into the cove (no name on the map). Return the same way.
Duration: 3 - 3.5 Hours
Rest/Rescue: B
Star Rating: Two Stars **
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| Dunworly Bay and Bird Island. |
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| On the east side of Dunworly Bay looking Northwest |
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| Dunworly Bay (west side) looking Southeast to Bird Island. |
Dunwroly Bay to Ballinglanna
Launch Point: O.S. Map 89. G.R. # 473 357
Launch Access: Easy
Direction: Southwest initially, turning North-northwest to get into Lion's Cove and from there Northwest to Barry's Cove and Ballinglanna. Return the same way.
Duration: 3.5 - 4 Hours
Rest/Rescue: A
Star Rating: Two Stars **
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| Dunworly Bay to Ballinglanna |
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| Between Dunworly and Ballinglanna |
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| News flash - the Country is getting smaller! |
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| Lion's Cove - a good place to stop. |
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| Calm and secluded |
Trek no.20
Dunnycove to Duneen Point
Launch Point: O.S. Map 89. G.R. # 380 353
Launch Access: Easy
Direction: Southeast intially out of the cove and then Northerast towards Duneen Point.
Turn North and Northwest to go around the point. Return the same way.
Duration: 3 - 3.5 Hours
Rest/Rescue: A
Star Rating: Three Stars ***
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| From a cove at point G.R. #380 353 (west of Ardfield) to Duneen Point (south of Clonakilty Bay). |
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| Dunycove to Duneen Point |
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| Lots of hidden coves on this stretch of coastline |
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| Spy-hole! |
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| "The Three Sisters" on one of the secluded beaches. |
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| Not just Kayaking! |
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| Rugged cliffs and caves. |
Trek no.21
Launch Point: O.S. Map 89. G.R. # 378 336
Launch Access: Easy
Direction: Southeast initially to get around Ringlea Point and then Northwards to
Dunnycove Point and into Dunnycove Bay. Return the same way.
Duration: 3 - 3.5 Hours
Rest/Rescue: A
Star Rating: Three Stars ***
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| Sand's Cove to Dunnycove Bay |
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| Meandering amongst the rocks, Sand's Cove |
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| Lunch time - very important! |
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| Lots of places to put-in |
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| Between Sand's Cove and Dunnycove Bay |
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| Sand's Cove in the sea mist |
Sand's Cove to Goat Island
Launch Point: O.S. Map 89. G.R. # 378 336
Launch Point: Easy
Direction: South initially out of Sand's Cove and around Keameen Point. North and
Northeast into Bull's Cove. Follow the coastline Southwest to Goat's Island. Return the same way. Note: This Sea-Trek and Trek no. 21 overlap.
Duration: 3 - 3.5 Hours
Rest/Rescue: B
Star Rating: Two Stars **
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| Sand's Cove to Goat Island |
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| Between Sand's Cove and Bull's Cove |
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| Kaemeen Point |
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| Approaching Bull's Cove |
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| Cleaning up Bull's Cove |
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| Kaemeen Point |
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| Keameen point |
Trek no. 23
Red Strand (Dirk Bay) to Bull's Cove.
Launch Point: O.S. Map 89. G.R. # 359 330
Launch Access: Moderately Difficult
Direction: South initially out of Dirk Bay, around Dunowen Head and Northeast along the
coast to Bull's Cove. Return the same way. Note: this Sea-Trek and Trek no. 20 overlap.
Duration: 3 - 3.5 Hours
Rest/Rescue: B
Star Rating: Two Stars **
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| Red Strand to Bull's Cove |
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| Bull's Cove |
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| "The eye of the dragon" near Goat Island |
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| Exploring a cove and waterfall near Goat Island |
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| Goat Island with Galley Head in the distance, looking Southwest. |
Dirk Cove to Dundeady Island / East side of Galley Head Peninsula
Launch Point: O.S. Map 89. G.R. # 346 323
Launch Access: Easy
Direction: Southeast out of Dirk Cove and then Southwest towards Castle Cove and Dundeady Island. Explore the many inlets beyond Dundeady Island. Return the same way.
Duration: 3.5 -4 Hours
Rest/Rescue: A
Star Rating: Three Stars ***
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| Galley Head Peninsula / East Side |
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| "The Spires", East side of Galley Head Peninsula. |
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| Kayaking into Castle Cove, East side of Gallley Head Peninsula. |
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| Under the Lighthouse. |
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| Rest and Lunch, east side of Galley Head. |
Trek no. 25
Long Strand along the Western side of Galley Head Peninsula
Launch Point: O.S. Map 89. G.R. # 336 334
Launch Acdess: Easy
Direction: Southwards along the west side of Galley Head peninsula. Southwest and Southeast around the head as far as the Lighthouse. Return the same way.
Duration: 3.5 - 4 Hours
Rest/Rescue: A
Star Rating: Three Stars ***
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| Galley Head Peninsula / West Side. |
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| West side of Galley Head Peninsula - Plenty to places to explore! |
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| West side of Galley Head peninsula. |
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| Little Fjord for Lunch! |
Trek no. 26
Downeen Point to Mill Cove
Launch Point: O.S. Map 89. G.R. # 295 350
Launch Access: Easy
Direction: Southwest initially to get around Downeen Point and Northwest into Castle Bay.
Follow the coastline West and Southwest and around Pouladav East and
Northwest into Mill Cove. Return the same way.
Duration: 3 - 3.5 Hours
Rest/Rescue: A
Star Rating: Three Stars ***
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| Downeen Point to Mill Cove |
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| To go in or not to go in? (Castle Bay) |
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| Castle Bay |
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| Castle Bay |
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| "The Sword of Damocles", Castle Bay |
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| Downeen Castle (what's left of it) at low tide, Castle Bay |
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| Downeen Castle |
Trek no. 27
Mill Cove to Rabbit Cove
Launch Point: O.S. Map 89. G.R. # 278 343
Launch Access: Easy
Direction: South-southwest initially to The Black Rocks and then northwest to the mouth of
Tralong Bay. Cross the bay and follow the coastline southwest to Rabbit Cove.
Return the same way.
Duration: 3.5 - 4 Hrs.
Rest/Rescue: A
Star Rating: Three Stars ***
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| Mill Cove to Rabbit Cove |
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| The Black Rocks, Mill Cove |
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| Tralong Rock |
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| Tralong Bay, Looking Northeast |
Trek no. 28
Carrigillhy to Rabbit Island
Launch Point: O.S. Map 89. G.R. # 221 324
Launch Access: Easy
Direction: Southeast initially out of the bay towards "Stack of Beans". Explore the islands
clockwise or anti-clockwise. Return the same way.
Duration: 3 - 3.5 Hours
Rest/Rescue: A
Star Rating: Three Stars ***
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| Carrigillhy to Rabbit Island |
Trek no. 29
Castletownshend to Horse Island
Launch Point: O.S. Map 89. G.R. #
Launch Access: Easy
Direction: Southeast initially to reach the Northwest facing coastline and follow this southwest and then southeast again to Skiddy Island. Southwest to Horse Island and around the Island. Northeast through Flea Sound and generally Northeast along the Southeast facing coastline.
Duration: 3 - 3.5 Hours
Rest/Rescue: A
Star Rating: 2 Stars **
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| Castletownshend to Horse Island |
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| Looking at Horse Island and Black Rock (to the left) from Skydye's Island |
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| Approacing Horse Island |
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| Through the cave and out the other side, Horse Island. |
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| Horse Island monolith |
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| Rest Spot on Horse Island, looking out at Flea Sound. |
Trek no.30
Lough Hyne
Launch Point: O.S. Map 89. G.R. # 092 287
Launch Access Easy
Direction: Southeast down the rapids (which go in the opposite direction with the incomingtide), into Barloge Creek, around Bullock Island and into Tranabo. Return the same way (possible to do so with the incoming tide but otherwise it's case of
dragging the kayak up the rapids!!!).
Duration: 3 - 3.5 Hours
Rest/Rescue: A
Star Rating: Two Stars **
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| Lough Hyne/Barloge Creek Bullock Island. |
Trek no. 31
Galley Cove / Brow Head / Barleycove
Launch Point: O.S. Map 88. G.R. Start #790 246.
G.R. Finish # 774 247
Launch Access: Easy.
Direction: Southeast out of Galley Cove, Southwest and North around Reen Point. Follow the coast Southwest to Brow Head. Around Browhead and follow the coast Northeast into the eastern beach of Barleycove. Note: the Start point is not the same as the finish point. There is a 1.4 km walk back to the start in Galley Cove.
Duration: 3 - 3.5 Hrs.
Rest/Rescue: B
Star Rating: Three Stars ***
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| Galley Cove / Brow Head / Barley Cove |
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| Betwen Reen Point and Brow Head |
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| Brow Head |
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| Brow Head |
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| Around Brow Head and Before Barley Cove |
