The City cruise

Dublin - Carlingford Lough: 62 nm
Carlingford Lough - Douglas: 70 nm
Douglas - Glasson Dock/Lancaster: 62 nm
Glasson Dock - Liverpool: 48 nm
Liverpool - Conwy: 44 nm
Conwy - Dublin: 114 nm

This cruise takes in the charm of the Irish capital of Dublin, the museum-packed city of Liverpool, the sweeping promenade at Douglas, Isle of Man, the university city of Lancaster and its canal, the mountains of Mourne and the impressive castle town of Conwy. No matter which direction you decide to go, you are guaranteed a great diversity of places to see and with so many activities you will be spoilt for choice.

Dublin
In Dublin's 'fair city' is the welcoming expanse of Dublin Bay and the backdrop of the Dublin and Wicklow mountains.The horse-shoe shaped bay is bordered by the Baily lighthouse on the Howth Peninsula to the north, the Kish lighthouse out to sea in the east and Dalkey Island and the Muglins beacon to the south.The port operates a Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) and its entrance is marked by the red and green lighthouses, leading directly up to Poolbeg marina beyond the tall chimney stacks on the south shore. The marina pontoons are located just off the fairway and offer modern facilities for visitors. Upriver a tollbridge crosses the River Liffey to the Point Theatre on the north quays. They lead into the heart of the capital as does the Liffey's new 'Strumpet' sightseeing boat.

Carlingford Lough
Carlingford Lough is where the 'mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea'. At eight-miles long the lough is bounded by the Cooley Mountains and the Mournes.The Vikings called it 'Fjord of Carlinn', followed by the Norsemen who settled here and where the old medieval town of Carlingford is watched over by St. John's Castle.The town has many craft shops and is well known for its oysters and outdoor pursuits. The marina is only 1 km north of the town and has a restaurant with striking views.At the lough mouth is Haulbowline Lighthouse, where caution is required during strong onshore winds and ebbs tides.The approach to the marina should be taken at 90 degrees, entering from the north to avoid the Carlingford Bank.

Douglas
Within an easy cruising distance is the Isle Of Man, an ideal base in the centre of the Irish Sea.The island's capitol at Douglas with its long majestic promenade and beachfront offers a myriad of leisure pursuits and activities.

Glasson Dock
If it's Lancaster City you're heading for, you'll need to set your bearings for Glasson Dock.The marina is in the small village at Glasson, located in a peaceful rural setting, rich in wildlife along the Lune estuary, where views of Morecambe Bay can be seen.The marina at Glasson is accessed through an outer lock leading into the non-tidal inner basin. Rent a car or take the bus into Lancaster and visit the historic Lancaster Castle or for more spectacular views take an excursion on the water bus of the Lancaster canal aqueduct.The aqueduct designed by John Rennie, is considered to be one of the 'wonders of the waterways' and in engineering terms a masterpiece.

Liverpool
Last but not least is Liverpool, a city buzzing with a wealth of cultural, historical and shopping opportunities. The city has more museums than any other city in the U.K. and so there is plenty to choose from. There is the excellent maritime museum in the Albert Dock, the Museum of Liverpool Life, and for Beatle fans the Cavern Club. Let the 'ferry across the Mersey' take you on a small cruise. For entertainment there are theatres and restaurants.The marina in Coburg Dock, enters the Mersey at Brunswick Dock. Facilities include a restaurant and conference room.