Added benefits are that you can swim here as parts of it have Blue Flag status. The seabird life is excellent, there’s a playground for kids.

The Garryvoe Hotel, which has recently been refurbished, is very close by so you can treat yourself to the lap of luxury any time you like. All round this beach is a winner and well worth a visit.

There are many beaches to visit along the coast between Youghal and Roches Point at Cork harbour, some are quite hidden but well worth seeking out.

List of some local beaches

* Redbarn strand, Youghal, Co. Cork
* Pilmore, Youghal, Co. Cork
* Garryvoe Strand, Co. Cork
* BallyCrenane, Shanagarry, Co. Cork
* Ardnahinch, Shanagarry, Co. Cork
* Ballynamona, Shanagarry, Co. Cork

The road magically pulls your parked car up the hill!  Visit the Mahon Falls spectacular waterfall, and return home via the scenic drive of the Vee and call at the heritage town of Lismore for tea.

Visit the home of Sir Walter Raleigh, famous for introducing the potato and tobacco into this country. Walking tours are available around the towns walls, but for the less energetic, take a leisure cruise up the river Blackwater, a very important merchant waterway in days gone by.

Whale watching trips are also an option at this sunny town. With 2 Blue flag beaches, you don’t have to go beyond the shore for a great day out. For the cooler days, visit the Aura Leisure centre with it’s family friendly pools and fountains.

At Perks funfair, enjoy 10 Pin Bowling, Quazar and much more. Just a stone throws further to Ardmore, visit another picturesque beach, more chances for cliff walking, and the second of our Round towers are to be seen.

Find a bargin at the Woolen Mills in this scenic village. Back to the city centre, browse through the English Market, view the exhibitions at the Crawford Art Gallery.

Next stop is Fota Wildlife Park where you can visit a range of exotic animals that you’ve never seen or heard of before! Fota House and gardens have a wonderful arbouretum. Check for details of Classical music Concerts that are regularly held at the House.

Continuing to Cobh town itself, the first stop has to be the Queenstown Experience where you can go back in time and join the thousands who left for a better life in America.

Further up the hill, take a tour of St Coleman’s Cathedral which houses the only Carillion in the republic of Ireland. Free recitals take place every Sunday afternoon during the Summer months. Dine at the many seafood resturaunts in this town and just ramble along the narrow streets.

Continue to Shanagarry and call to the world famous Stephen Pearce pottery, and Shanagarry Pottery, both located close by. This area has undiscovered sandy beaches for the perfect swim. Visit the Ballymaloe Cookery School and further down the road have afternoon tea at Ballymaloe House and absorb the aromas of the herb gardens.

Pick up some freshly caught fish at the pier in Ballycotton, where you will see Ireland’s only black Lighthouse. Take the very popular “Cliff walk” and breath the best of Atlantic air! Finally, take the coast road to Garryvoe where you will find a Blue flag beach with adjacent playground. On your way back through Castlemartyr, discover the untouched woods just outside the village.

Take a tour of the Jameson Experience and taste Midleton’s native whiskey still distilled there today.

Have a round of golf, or two at our local East Cork Golf club, Water Rock Golf club, or Fota Golf Club.