Miles of glorious beaches

Youghal, Cork Ireland is blessed with not one, but two blue flag beaches, that offer miles and miles of seaside fun. Not only that, but there are literally dozens of other beaches within minutes of the town. If you want a secluded cove, a safe sandy beach, a hidden sun trap or a wide open strand - you don't have far to go on your Irish holidays.

The Blue Flag award is an internationally recognised symbol of beach and water cleanliness, and has been presented to the two largest beaches - Youghal, Ireland Strand and Clay Castle that are the most popular beaches in the area. These beaches employ fully qualified Lifeguards during the summer months.

Youghal strand
Awarded a blue flag for cleanliness and water quality. Fine sand and sunbathing. Huge open strand, with plenty of space for all beach games. Good swimming and bodysurfing conditions prevail frequently. Generally safe bathing, with very gently sloping sands, smooth underfoot, and few currents. Lifeguards on duty during peak season. Ample car parking along the length of the beach . The beach is tidal, with few areas above the high water mark. At low tide the sea recedes 100 yards or more. Located 3/4 mile from the centre of Youghal, Ireland town.

Clay Castle strand
Awarded a blue flag for cleanliness and water quality. Fine sand and sunbathing. Huge open strand, with plenty of space for all beach games. Good swimming and bodysurfing conditions prevail frequently. Generally safe bathing, with very gently sloping sands, some rocks underfoot. Ample car parking along the length of the beach . The beach is mostly tidal, but with a large area of soft sand, shells and pebbles above the high water mark. At low tide the sea recedes 100 yards or more.
Located next to Youghal, Ireland strand, 1.5 miles from the centre of Youghal, Ireland town.

Green Park beach
Green Hole beach, as it is often called, is just 400 yards from the centre of Youghal, Ireland and right next to some the largest holiday accommodation. Fine sand and sunbathing. Can be more sheltered than the main beaches if the wind is from the East. At low tide its a huge open beach, with plenty of space for all beach games. Generally safe for paddling, with very gently sloping sands, smooth underfoot, but care should be taken when swimming because of the currents. Ample car parking along the road. The beach is tidal, with no areas above the high water mark. At low tide the sea recedes 80 yards or more. The side of the beach has many low level rock pools, with a profusion of wildlife including shrimps, fish and shellfish - they are a favourite haunt of children with their nets! At certain times of year, dependent upon the tides and recent weather, this beach can have a lot of seaweed upon it. If it has go elsewhere - no other beach in Youghal, Ireland has this problem.
Located 1/4 mile from the centre of Youghal town.

Town or Mall beach
This beach is just 50 yards from the centre of Youghal, Ireland and between the town quay and the Mall House Arts Centre. A very fine sandy beach, its ideal for sunbathing and for small kids. It's much smaller than the other beaches, and has walls at either side - making it easy to keep an eye out on your toddlers, as they cannot wander too far. Its is usually more sheltered than the main beaches. This beach is not tidal, and is always perfect for sandcastles, or relaxing. Generally safe for paddling, with very gently sloping sands, some pebbles underfoot, but care should be taken when swimming because of the currents. Ample Car Parking in the main car park adjacent.
Located right in the centre of Youghal town.

The 49 Steps
Not really a beach, certainly not at high tide, but a favoured bathing and sunbathing spot none the less. Two steep sets of steps bring you down to an area of rocks and sandy coves right beside the Lighthouse. It catches the sun for most of day and is so sheltered it is always the hottest sunbathing spot. The rocks also have a diving board, that can be used at high tide only. This is great fun for young and old alike. Some of the more hardy locals swim here every day of the year. The rocks are not suitable for toddlers, but older children will have hours of fun playing among the plentiful rock pools - they are full of life. If you are into shellfish, you can pick your own mussels, cockles, winkles and whelks - they grow in profusion. Park carefully on the other side of the road from the Lighthouse.
Located 1/2 mile from the centre of Youghal town.

Lots of activities for everyone

There is lots to do for all ages in Youghal, Cork Ireland. Here we have tried to give a balanced view of some of the more popular outdoor activities that are usually available throughout the year for guests taking their Irish holidays.

Walking
After fun on the beach, the most favourite recreation in Youghal, Ireland is walking. The most popular route is the stroll along the promenade from the Green park, past the lighthouse and on to the Strand. With an uninterrupted sea view all the way, its a must for all visitors. There are 3 viewing points with seats - and you never know, you might just catch a glimpse of the dolphins that regularly fish in the river mouth, or a seal. Diversions off the promenade take you steeply up to the Golf Club road, and the top of the hill that overlooks the whole area. The views are breathtaking - but the climb will take your breath too.

The history walk through Youghal leaves the Tourist Office at 10.30 daily. Its a historic stroll through time, well worth your time.

For longer routes many take the air along the whole strand beach from Youghal, Ireland strand to Red Barn and back. Its flat and sandy all the way, a distance of 4-5 miles. Or walk the other way, along the river, along the dyke that protects the lower town. The estuary is over mile across at this point, at high tide its the domain of pleasure boats, at low tide wading birds of all types, including egrets, that roost in large numbers near the waters edge just past the bridge.

Just outside of Youghal, at the village of Killeagh, the Ladybower woods are laid as a lovely countryside walk for all ages.

Fishing
There has been fishing in Youghal, Ireland for since it was first settled over two thousand years ago. The great river Blackwater sweeps into the sea here, and is a famous salmon fishing river. The Blackwater is Ireland's second largest river and as a large mature river, it is not subject to the whims of the weather, and consequently can provide excellent fishing even in low water. It has extensive tidal reaches, stretching for approximately 20 miles from the estuary mouth at Youghal to Lismore. This provides a unique haven for salmon and seatrout. It was declared Ireland's most prolific salmon river in 1998. Statistics issued by the Central & Southern Regional Fisheries Board confirm that the Blackwater had the highest rod catch of salmon of all Irish rivers that year. The total was a staggering 8,063 - over 35% higher than the River Moy.

Youghal, Ireland bay is a sea fishing paradise. Unspoilt, uncrowded and offering great sport, with specially fine bass fishing. At the eastern end of Youghal bay,  Knockadoon Head has great spinning or float fishing for Pollack and Mackerel, Wrasse, Conger and Dogfish. Along the miles of Youghal Strand the main problem is usually deciding where to pitch your shelter and start fishing - and the answer is just about anywhere as the fish tend to sweep along its entire length. Surf and bottom fishing for Flounder, Plaice, Dabs and Sole.

The Green Park is Youghal, Ireland is a popular spot for fishing, as its right next in the town. The main species are Codling and Coalfish in winter, and Flatfish and Pollack in the summer. For 2 weeks in the summer (in August usually) the area is alive with Mackerel and sprat. At the town quay you'll even see boys jump in and throw them out, they are so numerous!

The Old Dyke Wall starting from the quay in Youghal town and runs up towards tip head. This is a match fishing venue, where Flounders are the main quarry. Travelling over the river Blackwater to Whiting Bay  and there's excellent sport spinning and float fishing from the rocks for Bass, Wrasse, Pollack and Mackerel in season. Surf fishing will generate lots of Flatfish and the odd Bass, even Sea-Trout, with bottom fishing taking Dabs, Plaice, Cod, Dogfish and Ray, but no Whiting!

Further along the cost at Ballyquinn Strand  (a fabulous little used beach) is one of the premier shore fishing venues in Ireland.  Surf fishing will produce Bass, Dabs, Flounder, Painted Ray in summer and quite close in, the odd Sea-Trout and Dogfish.  More specimen fish have been recorded here than on any other beach or mark in Ireland.

Fishing trips, by boat, out in the bay are available throughout the summer months.

Golf
Youghal, Ireland is a perfect base for the keen golfer, as this quarter of Ireland hosts a magnificent selection of 40 parkland and coastal golf courses. You could start at Youghal's own championship course, with its spectacular setting on the cliffs overlooking the town and bay. Within a hour drive there are a string of other golf delights including Fota Island and the Old Head of Kinsale, arguably Ireland's most exciting new course. Other courses include Lee Valley, Midleton, Charleville and West Waterford just to name a few.

For aspiring golfers, there is a lovely pitch and putt course set just behind the main Strand beach.

Cycling
Cyclists of all ages and abilities will love Youghal, Ireland, as there's something for everyone. The flat beach area is a great place to start, as the the land around the whole bay to the south of Youghal, Ireland is a flat river bed, of farm lands, villages, reed beds, streams and beaches, laced with lanes and tracks for safe easy cycling.

To the north and west of Youghal, the terrain is very different. The Blackwater and other rivers slice through ancient wooded hills, creating deep gorges and uncrowded, steep winding lanes that rise up and descend through farm land and thick woods. Challenging and energetic routes will be found to Lismore and Tallow. Although the route home is largely downhill (from Tallow at least).

To the East of Youghal, Ireland, is the open countryside if Waterford, and again this provides rich variety. Its an easy amble to the ancient seaside town of Ardmore. More adventurous cyclists, and off-roaders, will love the Commeragh mountain trails, just beyond Dungarvan 20 minutes away.

Boating
Youghal's little town quays are busy throughout the year with the local fishermen plying their trade. In the summer the influx of pleasure all sort add to the colour and and activity. The town quays offer easy access for day boats and, and the are plenty of safe anchorage's for visiting craft. In the spring and summer a variety of crafts are available for daily hire for pleasure and fishing.

Kids fun

If the kids are happy it makes everyone's holiday more enjoyable. When the sun is shining it is easy, the beach, the sea and the outdoor activities are all around. But even when the weather breaks there's still plenty to do in and around Youghal, Ireland.

Beaches
Youghal, Cork Ireland is famed for its blue flag beaches awarded for their cleanliness and water quality. They offer fine sand and sunbathing and make a huge open air playground for all ages. Huge open strands and secluded coves, with plenty of space for all beach games and plenty of rock pools to explore. Good swimming and bodysurfing conditions prevail frequently. Lifeguards are on duty on the main strand during peak season.

Perks Family Entertainment Centre
On the edge of Youghal, near to the main beach is Perks Family Entertainment Centre, with more than 40,000 square feet of indoor fun, catering for all ages in all types of weather. This is a huge indoor fun palace including bowling, kids play area, fairground rides, arcade machines, pool tables, Megazone laser shots and gaming machines (adults only). MacPerkies Fast Food Restaurant and Alice's Ice Cream parlour provide a mouth-watering selection to compliment your visit including burgers, ribs, chicken and fish and seating for 80 persons. You can spend the whole day at Perks and still not get around everything.

Bowling
The state of the art bowling lanes have no complicated rules or fussy formalities. A computerised bowling system keeps the score for you. All you have to do is enter your name. Its easy for kids with bumper lanes and light balls. Free shoe hire.
 

Megazone Lazer Shots
Megazone Lazer Shots is a high-tech live action lazer game and played in a themed arena with special effects, fog, lazer beams, pulse-pumping music and other players to create an exciting, entertaining adventure. Players score points by deactivating opponents and their Base Stations with their lazer while defending themselves and their team's Base Station from opponents. Before each game, players are led to the Briefing Room where a Games Marshal gives a customised explanation of the rules, the game, equipment functions and safety guidelines. Once briefed, players head for the Vesting Room where they strap on their lazer vests and prepare for action. Heart pumping, senses alert, the door swings open and the action begins!!

Blackbeard's play zone
Blackbeard's play zone offers three decks of fun, excitement and hands on play for young children. Designed on a pirate theme it has plenty for the kids to enjoy with Ball Pools, Slides, Rope Climbing and lots, lots more. All areas are padded for protection. There is a separate area cordoned off for toddlers and parental supervision is welcomed. Height Restrictions Apply: To enter the main play area you must be taller than 3ft 3" and smaller than 4ft 10". The separate toddler area is available for children below 3ft 3". Socks Must Be Worn.

Video & Games Arcade
Video & Games Arcade has state of the art video games including the new EZ2 Dancer, Route 66 and Maze of the Kings. Also available is a selection of Redemption Games.
Tickets won on these games can be exchanged for prizes at the prize shop. Why not try our Pirates Cove Shooting Gallery or challenge your friend with a game of Air Hockey?

Snooker & Pool
Relax and enjoy the quiet atmosphere in the Snooker & Pool Hall with 2 full size Snooker Tables and 4 full size Pool Tables.
 

Kiddie Area
To the rear of the Play Centre there are a variety of entertainment's for younger children including the Disney Land Ride, Tea Cup Ride, Ghost Train, Aqua Blasta and FREE Crazy Mirror Show.
 

Cinema
The cinema in Youghal may be small, but it shows all of the latest films, on its multi screens, with daily matinee's and early evening shows for the kids.

Pitch and Putt
Just behind the main strand beach is a wonderful Pitch and Putt course that would be a challenge to all budding golfers. Set on the back of a huge sand dune (Claycastle) the course is swoops up and down, over brooks and ponds. Great fun.

Millennium Park
The children's playground at Youghal Millennium Park (next to Lidl and Tesco's) is great energetic fun for preteens with swings, slides and multiple climbing frames and other installations. Great for burning off some energy whilst the shopping is being done.

Fota Wildlife Park
Heading West out of Youghal for 20 minutes and you'll come to Fota Wildlife Park, a treat for the whole family, and entertainment for a full day. Fota is wildlife park unlike others, as you can walk around with the animals - many of which roam freely about the beautiful grounds. Don't miss it!