Trip planning information

Level
This is an exposed trip and you’re likely to experience significant sea conditions with wind against tide in Tory Sound. Once leaving the shelter of the islands close to the mainland, there are few easy landings and escape routes.

Launching
Normal launch spot is from Magheraroarty Pier (B 889 333).

Tides
While the trip out is almost 13km, the Inishbofin group (Inishbofin, Inishdooey and Inishbeg) protects the first half of the trip. In the middle of Tory Sound, the ENE flood runs from 3 hours 50 minutes before HW Galway until 2 hours 35 minutes after HW Galway. Maximum rate of springs is 2 knots.

Wind over tide conditions can kick up a big sea. On either side of the sound, i.e. near Tory Island and around the Inishbofin group, the flood runs from 4 hours 50 minutes before HW Galway until 1 hour 35 minutes after HW Galway. If the conditions are marginal, you’d be best to plan for favourable conditions in the middle of the sound.

Maps & charts
Ordnance Survey of Ireland 1:50,000 series, sheet 1.
Admiralty chart 2752 at a scale of 1:30,000.

Staying on Tory
There is limited camping at the village at West Town and it’s very public. There’s more space at Port Doon at the eastern end of the island. For other accommodation, have a look at www.oileanthorai.com

Getting there
If bringing your own boats from the UK, there are ferries to Ireland from Stranraer in southern Scotland, Liverpool, Holyhead and Fishguard. If you want to fly, there are flights to Carrickfinn airport from Dublin and Prestwick. Deep Blue Sea Kayaking should be able to help with boat hire for qualified and competent paddlers in 2010. Email Des@DeepBlueSeaKayaking.com for details.

References
Tory Island website: www.oileanthorai.com
Oileáin – a Guide to the Irish Islands: www.oileain.org
Carrickfinn Airport: www.DonegalAirport.ie
Irish Tourist Board: www.DiscoverIreland.com
Deep Blue Sea Kayaking: www.DeepBlueSeaKayaking.com

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