Reviews: Kilkenny Marina

Reviewed by: Tim Vandersall , Wilma May, on Jun 12, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Not sure why some folks give really bad ratings. We knew coming in that it was rustic and basic. Yes the docks bounce a bit when you walk on them. Yes they tie you up to 2x6's versus cleats. Yes the showers are not very nice. But all of them are functional, as well as the electric and water. The site history is cool and there's a cannonball in the old house. Robert isn't super talkative but is very nice. Loved this "character" Marina. Only wish that we were here when the restaurant was open. Good stop en route to Savannah. Good folks gathering in the evening for a cold beer, breeze, and to shoot the crap. We need more of these.

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Reviewed by: Amy St. Germain on May 18, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 49'
Draft: 0.0'

Rating: 2

Two stars for having fuel. No stars for the attendant's " sunny" disposition. Spent a lot on fuel and all we got was a grumpy, condescending attitude. Doesn't answer radio or phone calls. Others left as well. Floating docks, not beautiful but in good repair. Not much round. Patrons were nice.

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Reviewed by: Richard Lewis , Sea-Quel, on May 2, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 56'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

Rustic out of the way place that is perfect for a stop in the middle of nowhere to break up your trip. The owner met us as we came in and helped us with lines when we left. Power and water worked. Beautiful views of the marsh. Watch out for the outgoing tide when you come in as it will push you into the docks. Nothing glamorous but serves its function well.

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Reviewed by: Steve Benson , Glory, on Jan 3, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

This is a rustic gem. The two brothers that own it are great. Tubby's is a fantastic restaurant. Good stop.

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Reviewed by: Ray Sirois , Shellerina, on Jul 1, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

We found just what we expected having read the reviews. Rough docks, plenty of depth. Rustic & Friendly.
Not far off the ICW. Good anchoring in this river too. Fuel price was reasonable.
See pics here:

https://shellerina.com/2023/06/30/kilkenny-marina-mm-615-ga/

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Reviewed by: Janet Gannon on May 11, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 37'
Draft: 5.5'

Rating: 3

Rustic is a good word for this stop. They don't even have cleats, just 2x8's you tie to. I wouldn't choose this in any serious storm. Easy on and off ftom the ICW. The restaurant is right next door on days it's open.

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Reviewed by: Jim Young on Apr 23, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

This was just what was needed as a one night stop between Sea Island/Brunswick/Jekyll and Savannah. Yes it's "rustic" but home made docks float, power worked, good dock hands and good communication! Restaurant nearby was a home run. It's very close to the ICW and the creek in was plenty deep. Everyone was friendly. If you don't want to anchor this is a good spot.

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Reviewed by: Jane Fidler on Mar 19, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 34'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 2

Terrible docks! No showers! Very rustic. The area is beautiful though. The restaurant a little ways up was excellent. Currently open Wednesday-Sunday.

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Reviewed by: Jelles Fonda , Talulah, on Feb 11, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 3

Basic marina improved by rustic ambiance, a good location, and, great views(better than anchoring? - No, but we have a dog and prolonged rain was forecast). Currents can be significant. Docks as noted are seemingly homemade but adequate. The electrical system has been upgraded since we first came here a few years ago with new outlets. The local restaurant Marker 107 is average in quality and overpriced but the principal of location/location/location was clearly in effect.

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Reviewed by: Bret Butler , Lucy 2, on Jan 29, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

We had problems with our helm controls so stopped in for the night here. Unfortunately the restauraant was closed, but seems to be a 5 star place. There is a very small store, that surprisingly had a battery for me. Overall it is a great place to duck in to get out of weather or otherwise.

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Reviewed by: Mike on Nov 24, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Rustic dock like a lot of the reviews say but also very nice people friendly staff - a little hard to reach by phone but keep trying ,one of the prettiest and most relaxing stops along the ICW. Not mentioned in too many of the reviews but there's a gourmet/romantic restaurant about a five minute very pleasant walk up the road from the marina. Hidden Gem for sure.

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Reviewed by: Karen Munson , Oasis, on Oct 31, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 46'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

I was looking for a place to dock for the night about halfway between Beaufort and Jekyll that still had inlet access in case the weather allowed an outside run going South. This marina fit the bill. Staff is very friendly and helpful, power was steady, but the floating docks were very rustic. The roadway into the marina property is filled with historic live oaks full of Spanish moss and the many historical homes on the property were fun to look at and imagine. Restaurant is only open Wednesday-Saturday but the facilities looked beautiful. Restrooms were inside the store and were basic but clean. Current runs hard through the creek but alongside docking was easy. Plenty of water in the creek. Not sure I would stay again, but worked well for staging the outside run option of our journey

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Reviewed by: Kirk Conners , Fancy Nancy, on May 30, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

This is a "rustic" marina with floating wooden docks that are a little unstable, but they work, and that's the important part. Run by couple of brothers the old fashion way. Cash is preferred.
Getting in/tied up was dicey with wind and current, but managed with dock help. Hit a little harder than planned, but no damage to dock or boat.
Store looked like it was geared toward the locals (cold beer and ice and few other items).
Power was fine. Water was available, but lacked the volume (pressure was OK) to use for boat. Filled our tank and that worked out.
As noted, pretty area, in the "middle of nowhere" which made for a nice 2 day stay.
Toilets were available, but not up to the Admiral's standards. Didn't see the showers so no comment.
Fuel was a good price, even though we didn't take on any.
Restaurant is next door (Marker 107). Food was good but very pricey.
Short trip up the creek from ICW.
I'd stay again since it's a stopping point between Brunswick and Savannah.

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Reviewed by: George Hefner , TwoFish, on May 12, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 44'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

Very pretty Georgia scenery with Spanish Moss covered Live Oaks and Palm trees….photograph worthy! Came in at dusk and fairly easy if you have hands on dock to assist. The small shop had the essential bug repellent and ice cream. Not too crazy about the 40 cent bump in diesel overnight, but still a competitive price. Dog friendly as well.

Would return for peaceful nights sleep.

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Reviewed by: Tony-donna Lagera on Mar 22, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 3.8'

Rating: 4

We stayed here for one night on our way to Charleston. We were thrilled it was there and was just what we needed. It has water, 50 Amp power and a great place to walk the dog. As others have stated, don't expect a four star marina as it isn't that. However, it is a great, quiet place to tie up for the night. The management was very friendly and helpful. We'll stop here again.

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Reviewed by: Robert Sherer on Jan 16, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 3

This is not your typical marina. The showers and bathrooms are not up to typical marina quality. However, the location is just right, between Savannah and Jekyll Island. The place used to be a plantation and the live oaks are stunning to see. There's a restaurant on site but not open every day, call ahead. They sell fuel and have WiFi but only if you dock at the end of the facedock closest to the travellift. The WiFi fades farther away. The docks are homemade but sturdy enough. They will rock as you walk along, take care. They just installed new electrical boxes for boat power and water is also available. If you enjoy rustic surroundings with beautiful, huge live oaks, it's for you.

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Reviewed by: Capt. Sterling on Jul 1, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

Dockmaster only uses phone, vhf turned off. There is only one guy working so you may have to call several times to get an answer.

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Reviewed by: Kay Andrews on Jun 23, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

Lovely quiet Marina, small basic store with essentials of beer and ice. Had a very calm night after a stormy day which was great. As previous reviewers said lovely views and wildlife. Easy in and out docking and despite the description there is water!!

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Reviewed by: Michelle Dixon , Sunset , on Jun 10, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Great stop between Savannah and Jekyll Island. Only a short trip up the river which is plenty deep even at low tide. We saw 20ft. Get off the boat and walk the grounds, it's beautiful. Restaurant is not open Monday or Tuesday but we didn't care. Owner was there to welcome us. Power is new and no problems. Definitely stop again.

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Reviewed by: Earlene Schanze on May 16, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 3

The dockmaster is great. Very friendly and helpful. Beautiful scenery. Rustic facility. The dock could use some repair. WiFi is virtually non-existent and Verizon cell coverage minimal. I would stay here again but only because there really aren’t many other options within several miles.

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Reviewed by: IslandFinz on May 13, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 36'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

This place is wonderful, and a perfect place to just chill for a day and ride out a storm at night. We loved the peaceful rustic charm of this place and the people are the best. We will not miss this stop in our future travels.

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Reviewed by: Ross Wiltse on Apr 23, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 4

If you need to get out of the wind and waves from the sounds, Kilkenny is a great stop. We were welcomed upon arrival. One of the owners gave us a history of the area. This is a working marina, fishing and crabbing boats mostly. It is protected from west and southwest winds. Easy in and out up the creek to where the marina is located. Depth was not an issue.

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Reviewed by: J. Bowley , Bare Necessity , on Dec 20, 2020
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 31'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 4

Marina was small and the dock seemed to be extremely old but the staff were extremely helpful and friendly. If going for a quick stop for gas or other supplies I would highly recommend. I wouldn't recommend staying the night. Even in mid December the flies were terrible.

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Reviewed by: Alan V. on Jun 25, 2020
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

A very subjective "5 star rating! Both of the other reviews are "spot on!" If you're looking for a "Pier 66 Ft. Lauderdale place"... you're daft..in this hidden hamlet in the lowlands of the Georgia AICW.
We discovered Kilkenny Marina on our way to Florida in January of 2020 using Waterway Guide. Last fueling place before Brunswick, GA.

Brothers Robert and Danny run this simple marina, bait shop and limited general store.

A historic plantation home is next door and an upscale restaurant.
We are here again by design on June 25, 2020. This place is the heartland of traditional American values and country ingenuity; IE: the home built "cleatless" piers!

Please,please get off your vessel and stroll down the lzne behind the store to see the grandest display of ancient live oaks draped with mystical Spanish moss leading to the colonial Plantation house.

The infamous "Sherman's March to the Sea" ended nearby.

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Reviewed by: Nicole Charlot on Mar 5, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Lovely stop that we almost didn’t make on our way south on the ICW. We were planning on anchoring in our 38’ trawler but we lost the impeller on our gen set so decided to stay the night and fix it on the dock - so glad we did. What an absolutely gorgeous location. The restaurant was not open on Monday but we didn’t care, we are very self contained and we grilled on the top deck and thoroughly enjoyed the views of the marshes. The dockmaster (owner, maybe?) was right there to greet us and we were one of only a couple boats on the long face dock. Easy on/off, current was mild. Plenty of water in Kilkenny creek and dockside. Facilities are basic but the cost was very fair. About $60 for the night including 50amp hookup. The docks were in fine condition when we were here. And a nice addition was the fact that about 50 big white egrets roost in the tree directly next to the dock. If you are a bird lover it was quite a neat site to watch them all fly in right over us at dusk. We will most likely stop here again on the way back to thunderbolt.

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Reviewed by: Robert Sherer on Jul 1, 2018
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 3

The marina is pretty basic. They have one, long facedock for transients. It's a convenient staging area for Hell Gate when going north. If you don't hit the tides right, you can stop over here and get in sync. The area is actually quite scenic. It used to be a plantation and there are the biggest live oak trees I've ever seen, dozens.

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