Of the 160 homes, about 40 are occupied full-time with the remainder split between vacation rentals (about 50) and second homes (about 70). There are approximately 300 building lots without homes. Many of these lots are for sale, some by the original developer, others by real estate agencies in the area.

The average sized lot is approximately 1/3 of an acre. Lots on the side of hills or on the ocean bluffs are larger, however usable area is limited by the steepness of terrain. Building on a slope offers the opportunity of multi-level homes with maximized views.

Electricity, phone and water are available at each lot. Individual septic systems are required. There are CC&R's and an Architectural Committee.

Membership in the community organization provides access to the beach via a gate controlled road and use of the fishing pond. Dues are $150 annually with a one time $150 initiation fee. In addition to the beach (it's possible to walk for six uninterrupted miles during the summer) and the pond, there are miles of quiet roads and paths for walking. The town of Mendocino is 45 minutes north and the town of Gualala is 35 minutes south.There is convenience shopping less than 10 minutes away (Manchester) and there are restaurants, a bank, and a gas station in Point Arena 15 minutes to the south.

Irish Beach property owners enjoy one of the finest, longest and most uncrowded beaches in Northern California. At the north end of six miles of sand and surf, Irish Beach is as close to a private beach as is possible in California.

Description

Encompassing Manchester State Beach, the strand begins at the Garcia River (just north of the Point Arena Lighthouse) and ends at the rocky promontory below the Irish Beach community. A privately controlled driveway for use by residents puts the beach a few minutes away by car or a healthy walk by foot.

Depending on the tides, the beach varies in width from 50 to 100 feet. From the private parking lot the beach is a few steps away through driftwood (left from logging activities many years ago). The sights and sounds of the surf are often enjoyed by only an occasional deer on the bluff or a curious seal beyond the breakers.

The tides, surf, and seasons make the beach a different and enchanting place with each visit.

Activities

The beach provides opportunities for variations of Walking, Wading and Watching - which satisfy all ages and metabolisms.

For the sportsman, surf casting for sea perch is a satisfying and productive activity. For the early riser with an accurate tide table guide, the rocks north of Irish Beach harbor abalone. It is not unknown for a tardy abalone seeker to become a cliff climber to avoid the perils of the incoming tide. For the "Board Set" the winter winds and waves offer beginning "Boogie Boarders" an opportunity to improve their skills (the best surfing north of Santa Cruz is available a few minutes away at the Point Arena Cove).

The beach is a great place to jog, with low tides offering a harder, smoother footing that makes the twelve mile round trip to the Garcia River a challenge. In the winter, streams cut through the sand as the rains seek to return to the ocean. Fording these tumbling rivers can be an adventure; bridges built of driftwood can be an exciting alternative.

While always watching the ocean (yes, we have "Sneaker" waves), wading for all ages is both wet and invigorating. For total immersion, wet suits are recommended.

On the sand there are protected spots where "sun blocks'" are recommended for tan-seekers. Walking along the water line is always enjoyable, bird watchers will see many varieties of common and not-so-common shore birds. At various times of the year jellyfish and other sea life are washed ashore.

For the Kids and Kids at Heart

Sand castles, kite flying, and tide pooling (at the north end of the beach), and space for group games such as volley ball and touch football give children opportunities to build appetites. Occasionally Irish Creek forms a lagoon offering a sheltered warm pool for toddlers.

Special Moments

Some say that while watching the sun set on a clear winter afternoon they've seen the "Green Flash".

While sitting safely in your car you can watch storm waves toss massive logs around in the surf like corks.

There are times when you drive to the parking lot and see no other cars - once again, it's like being at your own private beach!