Cork Harbour is a large natural saltwater bay on the south coast of Ireland, noted as one of the largest natural harbours in the world. The harbour's eastern end contains East Ferry, which is one of the most sheltered and secure locations on the South Coast, offering safe, sheltered waters ideal for beginners. This area serves as a primary launch point for paddlers, with a slipway for easy water access and facilities including changing rooms. From East Ferry, paddlers can access a network of wooded inlets and destinations including Marlogue Wood, Belgrove Wood, and across the Owenacurra River to East Ferry Midleton. Other reachable points include Ballinacurra near Midleton, Aghada, Saleen, Rostellan, Rathcoursey, and Ballintubrid near Carrigtwohill. The harbour is also the finish point for the Ocean to City long-distance rowing and paddling race, which starts at Lapp's Quay in Cork City and travels down the River Lee into the harbour. This indicates that the River Lee, which flows through Cork City, is a navigable paddling route into the harbour. The harbour is a busy working waterway, with high-speed RIB boat tours operating, indicating significant motorized boat traffic that paddlers must be aware of. The scale of the harbour and its open exposure to the Atlantic means wind and wave conditions can be a major factor. The event and commercial tour presence suggest the harbour sees a high volume of paddling activity, particularly during the summer season and for special events.