Gneeves NE

Gneeves NE is a wind-farm-adjacent Irish site — takeoff sits 100 m in front of some wind turbines, near Millstreet in County Cork. It flies in N to ENE winds. The wind at the true reference will be a few km/h weaker than at launch, so don't fly if it's over 25 km/h; speed bar may be necessary in stronger conditions. Do not get blown over the back. Rotor when the wind comes from the left of the mountain in front; otherwise good.

Launch & conditions

Takeoff 100 m in front of the wind turbines. Park beside the wind turbine directly behind the launch area.

Getting there & local rules

From Millstreet drive 4 km south towards Macroom. 2nd right, keep right at the next junction. Follow this road up 3 km to the top of the hill (heading straight towards a wind farm). Road is narrow and often used by farmers with slow vehicles and animals. At the wind farm, first right; continue 300 m and take the next right up to a wind turbine. Park and walk 100 m NE to the launch. Landings: top-landing is a good option, but IN FRONT of the wind turbines. Ground at the bottom is quite rough; do NOT top-land in the rough area of the fallen trees. Bottom landing beside the access road — care of wire fences across the fields.

Local rules & hazards

Keep below 5,500 ft. The wind at reference is a few km/h weaker than at launch — do NOT fly if over 25 km/h. Speed bar may be necessary. Rotor if the wind turns NNW — flight becomes very bumpy. In strong wind, keep well out in front of the hill and away from the wind turbines. Beware of sudden increases in wind speed.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Gneeves NE, 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 Gneeves NE with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.