Inchadoney

Inchadoney launches from a modest 47 m above the beach near Clonakilty in Ireland's West Cork, working southeast and south wind for straightforward ridge soaring. Access to fly here has been informally agreed with the local farmer who owns the land, so no separate permission is needed to fly — though a few practical courtesies matter on the ground. A house near the top-of-hill parking area is sometimes occupied by residents who consider the grassy track toward the gate private property; to avoid any friction, park on the side of the tarmac road about 10 m away instead of pulling in near the house. From there, it's a short, level walk to the takeoff field: watch for a 'Cul-de-Sac' sign just before the hotel, turn left and follow that road about 200 m to a gate, then continue on foot through three fields until you reach the open one with no bushes around it — that's the launch. The field itself sits on a gentle slope, and young cattle sometimes graze there, but they're curious rather than bothered by gliders and simply move off. Before heading out, it's worth checking a local webcam overlooking the beach to get a read on conditions.

Launch & conditions

The takeoff field sits on a gentle slope; young cattle sometimes graze there but move off when gliders fly.

Getting there & local rules

Watch for a 'Cul-de-Sac' sign just before the hotel, turn left and follow that road about 200 m to a gate. Park on the tarmac road about 10 m away rather than near the house at the top — the grassy track by the gate is treated as private property. On foot, continue through three fields to the open one with no bushes around it, which is the launch.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Inchadoney, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Inchadoney with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.