I hope to be passing through Limerick in a couple of weeks on a delivery passage from Kilrush to Derg. We will have the mast down (usefully) and the draft on our boat is 1.5m or 5ft'.

We will depart Kilrush at LW and steam up the estuary to arrive around HW at Limerick. However, due to transport links in getting to Kilrush we can't leave any earlier than 13.00 and so at a speed of 5kts under engine alone, I can't see us getting to Limerick before 20.00. I understand that Sarsfield Lock closes at 20.30 which leaves us a bit tight should there be any unforeseen delays.

So my first question is; can the lay-by/holding pontoon be used as a secure berth overnight with sufficient depth in case we arrive outside of working hours? We don't mind the lack of shore access, sleep will probably be more welcome at that stage.

Secondly, if we do get through to Custom House Marina, what is the shore access set up there? i.e. is there a code pad, proximity card, biometric (like Dun Laoghaire have!)? Also, are there toilets, pot water etc? And are these card access?

Finally, a recommendation for a decent pub nearby for a quick pint or two before turning in?

Many thanks for all assistance.

Hi Paul

1. No the little jetty in the basin below Sarsfield lock may ground you at LW. On spring LW it almost dries out and I have seen the jetty resting on mud. It is best to avoid Limerick +/-2hr LW especially on spring tides.
2. If you contact the lock keeper Dick Sparling I am sure he would facilitate a late passage through and you can then moor at the Custom House, Hunt Jetties. Sarsfield lock has proven to operate flexible hours once you prearrange it well in advance.
3. He can rent you a proximity card to access the Custom House jetties.

At 5kt plus 1-2kt behind you should average 6-7kt SOG. An option if you are tight on time is to overnight at Foynes YC on the outside of their pontoon and get the following days tide up to Limerick.

Enjoy. Hope this helps.

OceanFroggie

Hi. You should be able to motor up to Limerick from Kilrush on a rising tide with 5 kts of boat speed.

Limerick Docks opens I think at HW Limerick for an hour and you can stay there free for 3 days if memory serves.
One advantage is that Dolan's pub is across the road. Good food, beer & music.

I motor sailed up from Kilrush and dropped the mast in Limerick Docks with a home made A frame.
€30 of steel tubing and a few blocks saved me a fortune.

In any case I preferred not to drop the mast until I had to!

PM me if I can help or email John.Kinsella AG ul.ie (Edited following advice - spambots don't speak Irish apparently)

John



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/06/2012 18:12 by John.Kinsella1.

Thanks very much guys, really appreciate the responses, as always.