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Beautiful countryside
This page is still under construction. There is so much
to tell its hard to know where to start.
Blackwater River and wildlife
Egrets, salmon, other amazing wildlife in this spectacular and unspoilt tidal river.
Bird spotting
Ireland's first Bird
sanctuary at Knockadoon Head at the southern end of Youghal Bay, other bird watching sites for wating birds and reed dwellers.
Fishing
There has been fishing in
Youghal 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 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 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.
Walking by the sea, river and mountains
After fun on the beach, the most favourite recreation in Youghal 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 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.
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