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Mairead Robinson delights in all the amenities the town of Youghal has to offer to visitors and locals alike.
General view of the town dominated by the celebrated Clock Gate Tower
With all the ‘staycationing’ going on for the past two summers, you would be forgiven for thinking that the west of Ireland was the only place to head to for a good holiday break. While South Kerry and West Cork do justly enjoy popularity with many people, it would seem that East Cork is actually the hidden gem when it comes to the destination that actually has it all. You might think I am being biased as I have just made my home in the lovely town of Youghal, but in all honesty this town has so much to offer that I don’t think I could have found a better destination in the whole of the country. Starting with location, Youghal is right beside the Waterford boarder and so it enjoys the warmer climate of the ‘sunny south-east’. If
you are a fan of sea swimming, the seven kilometres of blue flag sandy beach feels almost like the Mediterranean and the newly extended Eco Boardwalk is the most perfect place for a walk and kept many of us sane during the various restrictions. Whatever time of the day or year, you will meet dog walkers and joggers, and families enjoying the beach or just taking in the fresh sea air. There is a friendly atmosphere while it is never crowded, and you even get to spot hang-gliders, water skies, occasional football families and indeed yoga classes on the beach sometimes too. So how to get to Youghal? If you are not driving yourself, you can come on the Cork
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/ Waterford bus, which runs every hour. The town itself is very compact and virtually everything is within walking distance. At the western end of the strand is the indoor/ outdoor restaurant bar Clancys, and then the lovely Walter Raleigh Hotel facing the green on the seafront. As you come further into the town itself you pass under the famous Clock Gate Tower, which has over seven hundred years of incredible history. A visit to his iconic building is a ‘must do’ when coming to Youghal as the tour will bring you on a fascinating journey through the decades including its time as a very grim prison. www.youghalclockgate.ie A walking tour of the heritage town is another great visitor experience, and you can also enjoy self-guided hikes and trails such as the
