More History than you can shake a stick at.

After Cork the next stop was Kinsale, further West.  A picturesque town, guarded by two forts, one on each side of the entrance. 

After a great meal in one of the many Gastro pubs there, we left to catch the wind to head back East. Everyone was telling us to go further West, and it was very tempting, but if we ever going to make it to Scotland this season we have to get a wriggle on. 

The 76 miles to Waterford was the best sail that we have had on Vagrant so far. The wind was from behind, never dropping below 20 knots and we had the pole out for the first time, goose winging up the coast of Ireland. Our average speed was 8.5 knots, but at times we were surfing down the waves at over 10 knots. It was a sunny day, which always helps, and we had several visits from dolphins along the way, but failed to get any pictures this time.

Waterford is not commonly on the cruisers' itinerary, but I don't know why not, it's well worth a visit. It's Ireland's oldest town, going back to the Vikings, and they have done a great job with the museums there. We bought the Freedom of Waterford ticket which gave us access to four different museums, plus a walking tour of the Viking triangle. It's also the home of Waterford Crystal, which has its own museum and shop. We managed two museums before we needed a rest! 

Having completed all our shore based jobs, winch servicing, toilet pump servicing, shopping, laundry, and running, we are now sitttng at anchor further back down the river, waiting for the forecast gale force winds to pass before we hop around to Dublin.