Visitors to the port included the  beam trawlers BRIDGET CARMEL and MARY KATE .

Traffic sightings in the bay included the RMS JURMALA , ARKLOW ROVER and the Auto carrier ORIENTAL HIGHWAY.

6 Mile Point

JOPI was working just below the Point during the week , bringing rock from Arklow Rock Jetty

Greystones

The work vessel STAR FIGHTER and a small tug were noted in the harbour working on the new harbour project.

Coaster callers included the ANKE ANGELA

The beam trawlers BRIDGET CARMEL and MARY KATE left the harbour on Wednesday night.

Traffic in the bay included JOPI , the coasters FULMAR ,VERITY , AASLI , COASTAL WAVE , the containership K OCEAN , tanker CLYDE FISHER , and ARKLOW WAVE southbound for the Shannon after a spell in drydock at Dublin.

6 Mile Point / Newcastle

Silipaa's rock carrier JOPI started on Saturday bringing rock from Arklow to a location between Killouughter and 6 Mile Point for the coastal protection scheme being undertaken by Irish Rail , the project has been ongoing over the last few years , large amounts of rock are being used to protect the Dubiln - Rosslare rail line from sea erosion.

Aviation traffic included a Air Corp PC-9 lightstrike aircraft , a Jet Ranger a BELL 222 and the Irish Coast Guard helicopter EI-GCE

Coaster callers included SCOT MARINER and UNION MARS

A mussel trawler tied up overnight during the week.

The beamers BRIDGET CARMEL and MARRY KATE tied up in the port over the weekend.

The beam trawlers MARY KATE and BRIDGET CARMEL tied up during the week due to bad weather.

The work barge SABRINA tied up over the weekend at the Packet pier , she sailed on Saturday afternoon for KYLE in Scotland.

Helicopter traffic included the Irish Coast Guard s61 helicopter. 

The tanker MERSEY FISHER anchored in the bay for a short time on Monday.

Traffic in the bay included the coaster KREMPETOR northbound for Belfast

Coaster callers included the FEHN CASTOR

Visitors to the port included the beam trawlers BRIDGET CARMEL and MARY KATE .

The RNLB ANNIE BLAKER returned from a overhaul and went on station,the relief Tyne RNLB GOOD SHEPHERD departed on Friday.

The Coast Guard SAR helicopter was in the area early in the week.

Traffic in the bay included the containerships K OCEAN and ENDEVOUR.

Coaster callers included the UNION SATURN

Visitors to the port included a Fisheries Board patrol vessel and the beam trawler BRIDGET CARMEL.

The Irish Navel Ship LE EMER (P22) anchored in the bay during the week

Aviation traffic included the Coast Guard s61n helicopter and 2 Robinson R44 helicopters

Traffic in the bay included the tanker SICHEM ANNE , coasters WANI POINT and ARCTICA HAV and the containership GRACECHURCH CROWN   

Coaster callers included the UNION MARS and the new SCOT PIONEER making her first call.

Visitors to the port included the mussel trawlers EMERALD GRATIA and RONA , Beam trawlers MARY KATE and SALTEES TERN and the Scottish Ocean Youth vessel ALBA EXPLORER making her maiden visit.

Aviation traffic included a formation of 5 Air Corp PC-9 Light strike Aircraft over the bay.

Traffic in the bay included VERITY ex UNION MERCURY , RMS WEDAU , RMS RAHM , AUTOPROGRESS and RED DUCHESS.

Greystones

The work vessel STAR FIGHTER was noted working on the new harbour project .

Arklow

Vessels noted in the port during the week included RNLB ANNIE BLAKER the Wicklow lifeboat , the mussel trawler EX MARE GRATIA and the work vessel WINDCAT II

Coaster callers included the SCOT MARINER and UNION MARS.

Visitors to the port this week included the Dundalk based dredger HEBBLE SAND , she carried out some work at the North Quay before departing for Cork. The RNLI relief Fleet Trent Class Lifeboat RNLB DORA FOSTER MCDOUGAL tied up on Sunday for a overnight stop , she departed early the next day.

Wicklow RNLI Lifeboat RNLB GOOD SHEPHERD ( Relief Fleet ) launched on Sunday shortly after midday after Surfers got into difficulties off Magheramore Beach , the crew rescued 4 surfers in the water about a mile offshore. Well done to the volunteer crew.

The coaster VICTRESS sheltered in the bay on Saturday , she sailed the next day.

Traffic in the bay included the mussel trawler EMERALD GRATIA , the coaster VELOX northbound for Drogheda , the research vessel CORYTES and the French Navel ships THETIS and   out of Dublin.

Coaster callers included the SHETLAND TRADER and SCOT VENTURE.

Visitors to the port included the Beam trawler BRIDGET CARMEL

The relief Tyne Class Lifeboat THE GOOD SHEPHARD arrived to cover while RNLB ANNIE BLAKER went off Station for overhaul.

Mussel trawlers EMERALD GRATIA and WINGS OF THE MORNING were working in the area during the week.

Coaster callers included the SCOT MARINER.

Traffic in the bay included the coasters ARKLOW RIVER , ARKLOW RESOLVE , ARKLOW FAITH ,ARKLOW WIND , ARKLOW FORTUNE , RED DUCHESS , MSC MEE MAY , DAMSTERDIK , mussel trawlers WINGS OF THE MORNING , RONA and The Chilean Navel vessel ALMIRANTE CONDELL .

Visitors to the port included the mussel trawlers DRIEGEBROEDERS , JANNA , EMERALD GRATIA and MARIA LENA tied up at the new pier on Saturday evening.

Aviation traffic included a Air Corp AW139 helicopter.

A wedding party left the harbour in a interceptor 42 vessel during the week .

Visitors to the port include the mussel trawlers MYTILLUS , MARIA LENA and EMERALD GRATIA , the Beam trawlers MARY KATH and SALTESS TERN.

Traffic in the bay included the COASTAL WAVE , she anchored off the 6 mile Point for a short time before resuming passage south.

A man died while returning to POOLBEG on a yacht off Bray Head on Sunday, after a visit to Wicklow. Sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Arklow

The 1981 Arklow built Sailing Ship ASGARD II sank in the early hours of Thursday 12th September  , off the French Coast . 5 crew and 20 trainees had to abandon the ship after she began to take in water , French lifeboats picked up the 25 people and took them to safety , From all acounts the Skipper got everybody off in a calm manner and nobody was injured. Its a shock that such afine vessel has sank , but luckily there was no loss of life.

Coaster callers included SCOT RANGER and UNION RUBY making her first call at the port.

Traffic in the included the Paddle Steamer WAVERLEY heading South for Southampton. The liner OCEAN MAJESTY out of Dublin , VEDETTE northbound for Belfast , the Manx coaster BEN MAYE possibly out of Arklow with stone ,the JONSEN  , GAS LEGACY , C2C SPICA and the Containership VEGA STOCKHOLM.

Helicopter traffic included the Coast Guard s61n and a Air Corp EC135.

Wicklow Sailing Club Yachts were taken in off the moorings beside the New Pier because of the Storm conditions over the weekend. Some ferry services out of Dublin were also disrupted.

Wicklow Lifeboat Launched on excercise on Friday night.The inshore lifeboat took a swimmer out of the water on Sunday .

Mussel trawlers RONA , MARIA LENA and CORNELIS GERRIT were in the area during the week.

Coaster callers included SINA B and SCOT RANGER

Visitors to the port included the mussel trawlers EMERALD GRATIA , JANNA , CELTIC HARVESTER , MARIA LENA , CORNELLIS GERRIT , DEIRDRE K , and DRIEGEBROEDERS. While the WINGS OF THE MORNING anchored in the bay. A large grouup of trawlers were working offshore all week.

Traffic in the bay included the LINER BALMORAL and the Sailing ship JEANIE JOHNSON.

A Air Corp CASA maritime patrol aircarft was in the area , she made a few passes over the mussel boats working South of Wicklow head.

Coaster callers included the JOKER , she anchored in the bay for a few days after completing discharge.

Traffic in the bay included  the ARKLOW VIKING , MEDAL , RED DUCHESS and the mussel trawler WINGS of the MORNING.

Mussel trawlers were in the area during the week , one anchored in the bay while the other moored at the North Pier.

Wicklow all weather lifeboat launched on a crew excercise during the week.

Traffic in the bay included the coaster GRETA northbound.

Aviation traffic included the Coastguard SAR helicopter , and a Air Corp EC135 helicopter.

Wicklow Sailing Clubs Annual Junior Training took part in the harbour and bay.

RNLB ANNIE BLAKER launched on Sunday night to search the bay , after a small motor cruiser broke her moorings at the East Pier. Nothing was found and the lifeboat was stood down.

Heavy rain casued flooding along the Coast over the weekend.

Wicklow Rowing Club held its Annual Regatta on the Bank Holiday Monday , races continued all afternoon , Wicklow lifeboats launched for a display with the Coastguard helicopter , there was a boat blessing Ceremony , and the new Manntan skiff was blessed as this was her maiden Regatta , overall it was a great maritime afternoon with lots of activity and a big crowd .

Visitors to the port included the catamaran TARDIS from Port Madoc and the Wexford Beam trawler BRIDGET CARMEL. The Porthdinllaens RNLI Tyne Class lifeboat tied up for a overnight stop during the week. 

Island Shipping's locally operated tug HUSKY sailed from the port midweek to work on the Limerick tunnel project on the Shannon.

Helicopter traffic included the Coastguard s61 SAR helicopter , a Robinson R44 , a Eurocopter 130 and a MD 500

Traffic in the bay included various yachts , the sailing ship JEANIE JOHNSON and the Auto carrier AUTOPROGRESS.

The BIM operated fishing vessel T BURKE was out conducting a mussel seed survey along the Coast this week.

Traffic in the bay included a sailing vessel possibly the Jeanie Johnson sailing for Dublin and a P21 class Navel vessel possibly LE EMER out of Dublin.

There was no sign of the rock carriers working out of Arklow Rock to Ballygannon.

The BIM research trawler T BURKE left the harbour after a survey of mussel seed along the coast.

The Regatta Festival is in full swing , notable events included a Maritime Talk on the Castle given by 2 local historians Jimmy Cleary and Andrew O Brien , the talk had to be cut short due to the rain , thanks to both for a very interesting talk on the history of the harbour and details of ships wrecked on rocks only a short distance from where we were standing .Over the Bank Holiday yachts from various ports called to Wicklow. Greystones Rowing Club held it s Annual Regatta at Wicklow on Saturday afternoon asa their harbour is being redeveloped.        

Wicklow ALB Lifeboat launched for a courtesy visit to Greystones on Sunday afternoon . The RNLI Sea Safety Roadshow was in Wicklow for the Bank Holiday weekend , the Fundraising Branch held its annual flag collection over the weekend.On Sunday night the lifeboat was on display on the slip with lights , she looked great during the Regatta firework display.

Coaster callers included the SCOT CARRIER , UNION MARS and PROVIDER .

The BIM operated fishing vessel T BURKE was out conducting a mussel seed survey along the Coast this week.

Work vessel FIREHAWK was in the area mid week.

Aviation traffic over the bay included a German Army 'Jolly Green Giant ' helicopter  out of the Air Corp base at Baldonnel , she was smoking heavily as she transitted south.

On Saturday afternoon many people saw a plane falling out of the sky over the bay , it was one of the display planes practicing for the Bray Airshow , it was great seeing a aerobatic display over the bay. A US C-17 Transport plane transitted over the bay after the Bray Airshow.

Bray

The Bray Airshow took place on Sunday afternooon in glorious sunshine , the LE EMER was anchored offshore , safety cover along the beach and display line was provided by units of Coastguard and Civil Defence. Dun Laoghaire Lifeboat arrived for a display with the Coastguard helicopter , the Air Corp sent a EC135 helicopter , a CASA , 3 x 172's and a PC-9 formation , the Black Knights Parachute team made a great entrance and the Blades were fantastic as were Eddie Goggins and the rest of the aerobatic flyers , the huge US transport plane was a nice surprise , overall the Airshow was brilliant and well done to the organisers , looking forward to next years show all ready, and hopefully a trip to Salthill !

unday 13th July 2008

Wicklow Port

Coaster callers included the ANKE ANGELA and FEHN CORAL.

Visitors to the port included the Gaff Ketch LEADER and STV JOHN LAIRD , both were on passage to Liverpool for a Tall ships festival on the Mersey. The BIM operated vessel T BURKE arrived , she will conduct a mussel seed survey along the Coast next week.

Traffic in the bay included the attractive liner MARO POLO and the 2 rock carriers plying between Arklow and Ballygannon.

A LAD type coaster was at anchor off Wicklow Head for a few days.

The RNLI Open day was held on Sunday , large crowds visited the busy Station during the day , the Coastguard SAR helicopter did a flypast ,and various other Emergancy Servies put on display's . Overall it was a great day !

Wicklow Port

Coaster callers included the MEKHANIK YARTSEV and ANKE ANGELA.

Traffic in the bay included GRANUAILE , TOPI , JOPI

CIL tender GRANUAILE anchored in the bay

Wicklow lifeboat RNLB ANNIE BLAKER launched on a crew excercise during the week.

Aviation traffic included a Garda EC135 helicopter.

Wicklow Port

Coaster callers included the SCOT RANGER and UNION MERCURY

Visitor's to the port included the Viking longship SEA STALLION of GLENDALOUGH with her guardship CABLE ONE

Traffic in the bay included the containership COASTAL WAVE and the car carrier AUTOSTAR , and JOPI and TOPI working off Greystones

Wicklow Port

Coaster callers included the ANKE ANGELA

The maxi yacht ICAR LEPORD crossed the finishing line at Wicklow before 6am on Wednesday morning , breaking the record for fastest circumnavigation of Ireland by 10 hours, the yacht only sent a couple of hours in the bay before a crew took her to the South Coast of England. well done to the crew and all the crews , it was said it was one of the toughest and best so far. All week yachts crossed the finish

Traffic in the bay included JOPI and TOPI bringing rock north to Ballygannon from Arklow Rock , the project ongoing for the last few years is protect the Dublin -Rosslare Railway line. Its the first time l have seen TOPI working on the project , JOPIis usaully joined by VILLE.

CIL tender GRANUAILE anchored in the bay Sunday evening , she had been working earlier off Arklow.

Aviation traffic included a Air Corp CASA patrol aircraft over the bay.

Wicklow Port

Coaster callers included the UNION MARS

The 2008 BMW Round Ireland Yacht Race was to take place on Saturday 21st June But due to a bad weather front forecast in the area , it was decided to postponed the start until Sunday 22^nd June at 1000hrs, this was later amended to a Noon start. So on Sunday 22 June at Noon, over 40 yachts crossed the starting line as the gun was fired by the Race Committee aboard LE EITHNE. The big lady ICAR LEOPARD was soon out in front , quickly breaking away from the rest of the fleet ,  with a World Record under her belt , the skipper was hoping to break the record for fastest circumnavigation of Ireland,a record that has not been broken in the last ten years.The yacht FIRST OF SEPTEMBER was of particular note to us as local sailor Brian Synott was a crew member .The course is 704 miles long but many yachts will travel more to catch the wind , the rules are simple Ireland and its Islands are kept to starboard ! Some yachts did not get over the start line or had to retire soon after with technical problems , hopes were high that the race record would be broken .

Traffic in the bay included the coaster RED DUCHESS ,STV ROYALIST , GRANUAILE and the Central Fisheries Board Patrol vessel COSANTOIR BRADAN working in the bay..

Helicopter traffic included a Augusta 109 and a Jet Ranger for the filming of the Round Ireland Yacht Race , the Coastguard s61n also transited north over the bay.

Avoca a local band offically launched its song 'Saving Lives' , the song is about Wicklow RNLI lifeboat crew at Tinakilly house on Thursday night.click here if you want to dowbload a copy  http://www.downloadmusic.ie/ 

Arklow

Visitor's to the port included the English STV ROYALIST , it was reported that the skipper wanted to show the crew where the ASGARD II was built.

Wicklow Port

Coaster callers included the ANKE ANGELA

Traffic in the bay included the Sailing ship''s JEANIE JOHNSON , RUTH , the Dundalk based dredger HEBBLE SAND southbound for Kinsale  , mussel trawler EDENVALE northbound.The containership MSC MEE MAY out of Dulin , the liners BOUDICCA and MARO POLO and the coaster AIVITA northbound for Dublin.

Helicopter traffic included a Hughes 500 , R44 , Air Corp EC135 and A Bell Jet Ranger , Newcastle Airfield has been busy over the last few weeks with helicopter and light aircraft traffic. The Garda EC135 helicopter and a light spotter aircraft in US military markings was also in the area.

Visitors to the port included ASGARD II , the mussel trawler JANNA and the FIREHAWK to take Irish Lights technicans out to maintain lightbouys.

A P21 type Navel vessel anchored twice overnight in the bay during the week.

Wicklow RNLI lifeboats launched on excercise in the bay.

Wicklow Sailing Club yachts were racing in the bay.

Arklow

Arklow's lifeboat RNLB GER TIGCHELAAR is back on Station,  relief fleet Trent HENRY HEYS DUCKWORTH was tied up at the slip.

The locally operated MARY KATE was also tied up , visitors to the port included the Howth registered trawler DAYSPRING II.

Wexford

Vessels noted in the port included the mussel trawlers HIBERNIA , EDENVALE , MYTILLUS , BRANDING etc and the sailing ship RUTH , she had passed Wicklow earlier in the week out of the Maritime Festival at Dublin port over the Whit Bank holiday. The new RNLI Station built beside the bridge was to be offically opened on Sunday 8th June.

Rosslare

Irish Ferries OSCAR WILDE was noted in the ferry port on Saturday afternoon , having arrived from France. Due to bad weather a few weeks ago she had to divert to Dublin to allow passengers disembark from France

Wicklow Port

Coaster callers included the SCOT MARINER , UNION MERCURY , SCOT TRADER and UNION MARS.

Helicopter traffic included a Air Corp AW139 , Air Corp EC-135 , Coastguard SAR S61 and a Jet Ranger

Traffic in the bay included the Irish Ferries OSCAR WILDE and ISLE OF INISHMORE northbound , they were unable to get into Rosslare due to the bad weather and had to divert to Dublin.

The Coastguard had a 2 day boat handling course in the harbour over the weekend.

Visitors to the port included ASGARD II , she headed north for the Maritime Festival in Dublin port over the June Bank Holiday.

Wicklow Sailing Club Yachts were taken off the moorings over the weekend and put alongside the North Quay due to the bad weather.

Wicklow RNLI Inshore lifeboat launched on a crew excercise over the week end.

Wicklow Port

Coaster callers included the ANKE ANGELA

Traffic in the bay included RED DUCHESS , GRANUAILE and the liner MARCO POLO southbound out of Dublin.

Preparation for the Port Acess Road bridge is on going beyond the railway bridge.

Helicopter traffic included a Air Corp AW139 , Jet Ranger , R44 and the CIL chartered Belkov .

Wicklow RNLI Lifeboats launched on a shout during the week.

Arklow

Vessels noted in the harbour included the locally owned beam trawler MARY KAT and EDENVALE on the slip.

The RNLI Relief Trent Class lifeboat RNLB HENRY HEYS DUCKWORTH14-15 went on Station on Sunday.

Wicklow Port

Coaster callers included the SUSANNA and SCOT CARRIER.

Helicopter traffic included a AB355 Squirrel and a  Jet Ranger.

Traffic in the bay included the Irish Navel vessel LE ORLA (P41) boarding fishing vessels for inspection in the bay , the Northern lights tender POLE STAR and the coaster RED DUCHESS heading north.

Arklow

Congradulations to the Men and Women crews of Arklow Rowing Club in the Celtic Challenge Race to Aberystwyth on the Welsh coast, a distance of about 90 nautical miles. The Ladies crew was the first boat home and the mens crew won their race.. well done

Wicklow Port

Coaster callers included the SCOT ISLES , LEONA , UNION MARS and SUSANNA.

The CIL tender GRANUAILE anchored in the bay , she sailed the next day to work on buoy's off Arklow.

Helicopter traffic included the Irish Coastguard s61n EI-MES on training flights over the bay.

Traffic sightings included GRANUAILE and various container ships and tankers. The bad weather did not help.

Wicklow Sailing Club had its lift in day on Saturday 3rd May , yachts were moored near the North pier , the club is hoping to get the Danish replica longship SPIRIT of GLENDALOUGH to visit Wicklow in the summer , before returning home.Next month will see the 2008 Round Ireland Yacht Race start in Wicklow Bay.

Work continues on the port access road bridge upriver at ' Terrapin ' , another project is expected to start on the South Quay in the near future.

Wicklow Rowing Club are to take delivery of a new skiff in the coming weeks , the skiff built in Cornwall and is one of four coming to the East Coast. The Club holds its Annual Rowing Regatta on the Bank holiday Monday.

Island Shipping a Wicklow Based tug Company will take delivery of a new tug in the coming weeks , she is currently being completed in a Far East yard. To visit the website click here

Wicklow RNLI Lifeboat Station are currently looking for new members , if interested click here

Saturday 26^th April was the 22^nd Anniversary of the Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster . A reactor exploded at the Nuclear Power Plant and radio active debris contaminated a huge area , l remember listening to the news on the radio as reports filtered out and surrounding Countries monitoring Stations were picking up high radio active readings , some estimates reckon over 7 million people , half of them children in the Ukraine , Balarus and Russia were affected and the effects are still evident today. Many Russian servicemen flew helicopters in over the damaged reactor dropping materials to cover the damaged reactor , being exposed to deadly levels of radio active debris many died later.

Arklow

The 2008 Celtic Challenge was to take place on the Bank Holiday Saturday but was postponded for 24 hours taking place on the Sunday ,at 2pm the ladies crews set off , followed at 4pm by the mens crews . Every 2 years the race takes place from Arklow to Aberswyth in Wales , crews from Arklow were to be escorted by the local workboat FIREHAWK. Various support craft were in Arklow to escort the Rowers as they raced across the Irish Sea.

CIL tender GRANUAILE was working on bouy's off the Windfarm , the Coastguard s61n helicopter was also in the area and conducted a winch excercise with the vessel.

The mussel trawler BRANDING was on the slip for attention during the week.

Bray

Helicopter traffic over Bray head included a Air Corp EC-135

Greystones

Work contnues on the new harbour developement.

Wicklow Port

Coaster callers included the SCOT EXPLORER and UNION MARS

Wicklow Lifeboat launnched to assist a fishing vessel north of the harbour , the lifeboat towed the vessel safely into the harbour

Aviation traffic included a R44 helicopter.

Arklow

Mussel trawlers noted on the slip included LAURA ANN , NOORTSTER ,the Drogheda Pilot vessel WARDEN and the FIREHAWK were on the quay for repairs.

Wicklow Port

Coaster callers included the UNION MARS

Traffic included ASGARD II , GRANUAILE , COASTAL DENIZ , ANMI , AASLI , ROEL , RMS LAAR , SCOT RANGER , RHEIN CARRIER and tug BREEDBANK with barge SKERCHI  southbound out of Dublin for Cork .

CIL tender GRANUAILE anchored in the bay during the week.

Preparation for the new bridge over the river for the port access road is underway , plant machinery is also in place and work on the road has begun. Pipe laying and work is also underway on the Murrough , the whole area is fenced off and certain routes closed much to the annoyance of local walkers.

Helicopter traffic included a Air Corp AW139 , BELL 407 and A R44.

Arklow

The mussel trawler NOORDSTER  was on the slip , across the river the Drogheda Pilot vessel WARDEN ( Pilot no 7 ) and the FIREHAWK were on the quay for repair. The Severn lifeboat 17-38 left the port during the week for Holyhead .

The tanker LIBELLE anchore off the port during the week , possibly waiting orders.

Wicklow Port

Coaster callers included UNION NEPTUNE , LEONA , SCOT CARRIER and SCOT MARINER.

The coaster NOORTLAND sheltered in the bay on the 11/12th due to bad weather , LE AISLING anchored on the 19th.

Traffic included ASGARD 11 southbound out of Howth after her anual refit , the containership KROONBORG , the research vessel CORYTES , BLEXEN , RHEINTAL , STELLA VIRGO and LE NIAMH bound for Dublin.

Visitors to the port included the tug HUSKY.

Aviation traffic included an Air Corp Pilatus PC-9 light strike aircraft northbound over the bay.

Wicklow Port

Coaster callers included UNION MERCURY ,SCOT CARRIER and ANKE ANGELA.

CIL tender GRANUAILE anchored in the bay

Traffic in the bay included EWL ATLANTIC , BLUE BAY , HORNISSE , BITLAND , ADMIRAL , BG DUBLIN , FINGAL , BLEXEN , SUPREMITY, RED DUCHESS and GRANUAILE.

Air traffic included a Air Corp 'CASA' aircraft and a Robinson R44 helicopter.

A Severn class lifeboat possibly Rosslare's , went south .

Monday 18th - Sunday 24th Feburary 2008

Wicklow Port

Coaster callers this week included NOORTLAND and SCOT RANGER.

Traffic in the bay included RED DUCHESS , BEN ELLAN and the Trinity House tender PATRICIA northbound for Dun Laoghaire.

GRANUAILE anchored in the bay on Monday and Saturday night.

Helicopter traffic included a Robinson R44 and a US reg Jet Ranger..

The movie 'Reign of Fire' was televised over the weekend , some scenes were shoot on the Black Castle.

Arklow

The manx coaster BEN ELLAN loaded stone at the Arklow Rock jetty during the week , 

Dun Laoghaire

The new Commissoner of Irish Lights building was offically opened by the President on Friday , ships present were the CIL tender GRANUAILE , Northern lights tender PHAROS and the Trinity House tender PATRICIA.

Monday 11th - Sunday 17th Feburary 2008

Wicklow Port

Coaster callers this week included SCOT  ISLES.

Traffic in the bay included RED DUCHESS, DERK and GRANUAILE.

Helicopter traffic included a A350 and a Robinson 44, an Air Corp ‘CASA’ aircraft also flew over the bay.

GRANUAILE was working in the bay during the week , she came into the bay to land technicians back in the harbour by tender.

Wicklow lifeboats launched on exercise in the bay  Sunday morning.

Wicklow harbour was featured on RTE television during the week , the programme ECO EYE did a report on timber imports and what procedures are in place to stop bugs coming into the country that could infect our native timbers.

Greystones Harbour

Work is now underway on the new harbour development, fencing has been erected around the seafront and harbour , and the heavy plant machinery has arrived.

Monday 4th - Sunday 10th Feburary 2008

Wicklow Port

Coaster callers this week included UNION MERCURY and ANKE ANGELA .

Wicklow RNLI lifeboat launched on Monday night to investigage 2 flare sightings south of the harbour , nothing was found after a search of the area.

CIL tender GRANUAILE was working at the outfall bouy off the harbour during the week.

Traffic in the bay included DIPLOMAT , RUDDERMAN , FINGAL , BALTIC SEA and STELLA LYRA.

Aviation traffic included a Air Corp 'CASA' aircraft returning after a fishery patrol around the coast and a R44 helicopter.

The beam trawler MARY KATE was in the port during the week.

Arklow

Vessels noted in the port during the week included the Belgian beam trawler VAN EYCK , Rosslare lifeboat , HUSKY and WINDCAT 2

Greystones

The Coastguard helicopter conducted a search off the harbour during the week after flare sightings were reported around teatime on Wednesday evening.

Monday 28th  January - Sunday 3rd Feburary 2008

Wicklow Port  

Coaster callers this week included the SCOT RANGER and RHOON (ex RANA), her last call to Wicklow was in December 2000 with coal.

Traffic in the bay included CIL tender GRANUAILE northbound , the coaster RED DUCHESS southbound , and the Research vessel CELTIC VOYAGER.

CELTIC VOYAGER anchored in the bay on Saturday night , sailing early next morning.

The beam trawler MARY KATE was in the port during the week.

Aviation traffic included a Robinson R44 helicopter.

l read in the local press that work on the South Quay will be postponed , as pipe laying will be underway along the quay in the coming months.

Fishing vessels operating out of the port have been busy during the week landing whelk.

Arklow

Work on rebuilding quays around the harbour continues , vessels noted during the week included the tug HUSKY and Rosslares Severn class lifeboat.

The film ' Taffin ' was on TV over the weekend ,  starring a young Pierce Brosnan , it was filmed in 1987 around Wicklow and the harbour , there was plenty of shots of the anchors and the men who stood at the Castle wall at the time , there was also a shot of the coater EUROTAINER ex RAGNA loading wood chippings.

Monday 21st - Sunday 27th January 2008

Wicklow Port  

Coaster callers this week included the SHEKSNA ,SCOT MARINER and UNION MARS

The trawler MARY KATE was back in port this week.

Traffic included the tanker BITLAND , coaster BEN VARREY ,  the CIL tender GRANUAILE and the RNLI Relief fleet Trent class lifeboat RNLB DORA FOSTER McDOUGALL.

Wicklow lifeboat launched on Monday morning after a small fishing vessel developed mechanical problems near the 6 mile Point , the lifeboat towed the trawler into Wicklow harbour.

Aviation traffic included the Coastguard helicopter EI-CZN winch training with the Wicklow lifeboat on Sunday morning.

Monday 14th - Sunday 20th January 2008

Wicklow Port  

Coaster callers this week included the LEONA

The Beam trawler MARY KATE  left the port during the week.

RTE aired a very good programme during the week , it was about the families of the crews of the PERE CHARLES and HONEYDEW , 2 trawlers that sank off the South East Coast last year with heavy loss of life . 

Traffic in the bay included a southbound ISLE OF INISHMORE and the coaster RED DUCHESS.

Monday 7th - Sunday 13th January 2008

Wicklow Port

The first caller of the year was the Russian coaster SHEKSNA  , followed by the SCOT VENTURE and SINA B.

Traffic in the bay included the coasters ARKLOW SAND  , RED DUCHESS , containerships COASTAL ISLE , EUCON PROGRESS , ferry STENA NORDICA ex EUROPEAN AMBASSADOR northbound to take over duties at Dublin while another ferry goes for overhaul. The navel vessel LÉ NIAMH southbound at speed. The car carrier AUTOSTAR bound for Dublin with new 08 reg cars and the CIL tender GRANUAILE.

The beam trawler MARY KATE is still in the port.

A ship anchored in the bay to shelter early in the week , she arrived from the north and went to anchor overnight , departing early next morning. Everard tanker SENIORITY anchored in the bay on Saturday , she departed for Cork a day later.

Wicklow lifeboat launched on a crew excercise in the bay with the Coastguard helicopter on Sunday morning.

The best of Top Gear 2007 repeated on BBC 2 had the 3 presenters attempt to cross from Dover to France in Amphibious automobiles, it was very funny to watch and only these 3 could get away with it !

Tuesday 1st - Sunday 6th January 2008

Wicklow Port

On New Years day Wicklow lifeboat launched for the Annual wreath laying in the bay at 2pm , earlier the Blue Dolphin's braved the elements at the New pier for the Annual charity swim .

The beam trawler MARY KATE tied up at the North Quay in the early hours of Wednesday morning.On New Years Eve she developed electrical problems in the Irish sea and was towed into Dun Laoghaire by the lifeboat .

BBC 2 repeated the fantastic series Coast during the week, in one episode they visited Dublin and followed the Coast north to the Giants Causeway, before crossing to the Isle of Man and Scotland, it’s brilliant to watch again. Three Men in a boat was also excellent, l wonder will the BBC send the 3 comedians for an Irish visit !

Aviation traffic included a R44 and the Irish Coastguard helicopter 'Mike Echo Sierra'