Contacts: 
Harbour Master VHF 14  tel no +353 (0)51 383166 or mob +353 (0)877931705
Waterford SC    tel no +353 (0)51 383389 or mob +353 (0)876743572 for a mooring

Situated on the western shore of the River Suir estuary this is a favoured port of entry for many skippers from the South West of UK.  It is easy to see why as it offers complete shelter from the prevailing south Westerlies, has a completely uncomplicated entrance and offers all the facilities of a working harbour.  The problem is that you are likely to find it packed from wall to wall with fishing vessels, rafting four, five and even six deep on all the walls. Our photo by Shaun McGuire illustrates this dramatically.  Before considering entry into the harbour you should examine the alternatives; if you do not require a major re-supply or bunkering you would be far better served by picking up one of the Sailing Club’s moorings or even anchoring in Dunmore Bay to the North of those moorings. 

Equally, if the weather is from the SE, there are many anchorages available on the East side of the estuary but until you get well up the river these are without facilities.  The harbour belongs to and is operated by the Irish Government’s Agriculture and Fisheries Department; it’s primary purpose is to service the Fishing industry and whilst it acknowledges “a significant number of visiting leisure craft in the summer months” you should be in no doubt where you stand in the pecking order here and they would prefer you to anchor or moor outside the harbour clear of the entrance.

When choosing a spot to anchor be aware that in some South Westerly conditions the swell tends to hook round the East breakwater so that, at anchor, you can end up beam on to the swell. Those of you who have experienced this in an anchorage will know what I mean, and if you haven’t, believe me, you don’t want to.  The best place for a bit of peace is off Lawlors Strand about a quarter of a mile north of the harbour. ... read more

The approach is simple and without dangers apart from the overfalls at Hook Head.  As has been said, in adverse conditions, it is as well to maintain a westerly course well to the south of Hook Head until due south of Dunmore East before taking up a Northerly course towards the harbour.

At night be aware that the red/white sector light on the East Pier marks the old  end of that pier and  one should maintain a northerly course past it until the green sector light on the end of the West pier becomes open from the flashing PHM on the new end of the East Breakwater. ... read more