We decided to leave Waterford early to catch the very strong ebb tide down the river and then head SW towards Youghal – pronounced ‘Yawl’!
As we headed out past Hook Light and into the Irish Sea it was clear there was a moderate breeze and swell running from the south – west – just where we wanted to go. We could have headed out across the swell and off the breeze and then tacked back in but we didn’t need to – we have time to spare so we decided to divert into Dunmore East, a small fishing port and seaside village just inside the river.
We found a berth on a pontoon and headed off along a recommended cliff walk. The coastline is imposing with small coves lying between dark and brooding cliffs which looked even more imposing in the increasingly heavy rain! Light rain in the local forecast but it seemed pretty heavy to us! After our 10 mile (!!) walk along the cliffs we decided to head straight to the pub to warm up and maybe find something to eat.
Even in the rain it was clear that Dunmore East is a picturesque seaside village with thatched cottages that would not have looked out of place in Devon or Dorset. It also felt as though it is a popular weekend and holiday destination for those who could afford second homes and 4 x 4s!
Back onboard with Ivan the heater working flat out we dried out our gear but the night e=was disturbed by a very strong scend along the pontoon causing Little Scarlet to jerk against her mooring lines all night which was both uncomfortable and noisy.
