Youghal's reputation as " Ireland's Finest Coastal Resort" will be significantly enhanced with the completion of the first phase (395 metres) of the long-anticipated 2000mm-wide mobility-disabled access boardwalk running from Youghal Front Strand to Claycastle.  The route is set to be completed by the end of January 2012.  (The second phase of the development will see the completion of the link between Claycastle and Redbarn). The boardwalk consists of hardwood timber deck supported on piled foundations, not requiring a railing, and once complete will span 1926 metres, eventually forming part of the National Coastal Walking Route. 

Financed by Failte Ireland (under the Tourism Capital Investment Programme 2007-2013) in partnership with Youghal Town Council, the boardwalk will promote and enhance Youghal's considerable ecological resources in a sustainable manner.  The completion of the walkway will benefit both domestic and international visitors to Youghal, but also local Youghal residents, providing a safe and well marked walk-way for recreational use.  The amenity will further enhance the resort's three blue flag beaches. It is expected that families of all ages (the key target market for the area) staying in the Quality Hotel & Self Catering Resort in Redbarn will be provided with direct pedestrian access to the town.

In 2008, The Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group (YSEDG) commissioned consultants to prepare a report on the feasibility of an eco-friendly walkway from Youghal Town Centre to Ballyvergan Marsh and onto Redbarn. A boardwalk was considered the most appropriate method of providing controlled access to the route, having a low impact on the environment which would be accessible, for the most of its length, to wheelchairs and push chairs.   In 2010 Failte Ireland indicated that the proposed project would comply with the terms of their capital funding and in turn the YSEDG undertook the successful fund development of the first phase of the project which is in the jurisdiction of Youghal Town Council.   Failte Ireland allocated 75% of the costs of the project, totalling €137,434 with Youghal Town Council financing the remainder. Commenting on the project, Fiona Buckley, Head of Operations South West stated: "Investing in our tourism offering is critical to ensuring we are able to compete with other holiday destinations across the globe - offering visitors to Ireland a memorable holiday experience, which includes high quality activities and attractions. As a national tourism development authority we are continually working to ensure we do just that and this development here is Youghal is a great example of what can be done and further adds to the great visitor experience that is already available in the South West."

 Following a public tender process, Byrne Plant Hire & Civil Engineering Contractors were awarded the contract for the project which got underway in October 2011. It is expected that following on from the completion of Phase I of the project (Youghal Town Centre to Claycastle) in January 2012 Phase II of the development of this walking route linking Claycastle with Redbarn would get underway. Failte Ireland has indicated their support in financing capital works for Phase II following the completion of Phase I subject to availability of funding.   Phase II of the project is under the remit of Cork County Council and is the most ecologically sensitive and challenging in terms of access. An ecological impact assessment and the appropriate assessment screening on this section of the proposed walkway are currently underway. 

Speaking ahead of the opening of the boardwalk, Town Clerk Liam Ryan said: "The delivery of this Boardwalk shows the commitment of Youghal Town Council to improving the tourism infrastructure of the Town, and is a further step forward in maximising the potential of our natural tourism assets for the economic benefit of business in Youghal. We will be actively encouraging Cork County Council to complete Phase 2 of the Boardwalk Project linking Redbarn and the Quality Hotel to the town. These linkages will benefit substantially the Strand area of the Town and help to develop further sustainable tourism jobs for the Town."

Crucially, the environmental impact of the walkway will be minimal with the boardwalk providing a 'buffer zone' to help combat soil erosion.  Always central to the development of the boardwalk were that Youghal's considerable ecological resources would be promoted and enhanced in a sustainable manner having a particular regard for Ballyvergan Marsh. The route traverses a number of natural habitats, thereby offering opportunities for the identification of various species of birds and plants as well as highlighting the value of biodiversity and the ecological value of the marshlands. The completed walkway will aim to build on this natural resource and promote a greater awareness of the natural and cultural heritage of the area in particular among international visitors to the town. 

The potential for the development of educational tourism is significant, as the route will offer the possibility of developing a number of themes including urban development, ecology, geology and coastal processes.

The completion of the first phase of the project comes in the wake of the announcement that Youghal has secured a number of escorted tour series for 2012 and 2013 from CIE Tours International. Investment in heritage and tourism infrastructure is finally beginning to reap rewards for Youghal as the town delivers on the needs of its two key tourism markets - the cultural/heritage tourism visitor and the domestic family market.  These visitors will in turn contribute to the boosting of Youghal's economic fortunes in the years ahead.

Iarnrod Eireann is delighted to announce, for the 3^rd year in a row,  that it is offering East Cork Commuters - Complimentary Car Parking at Midleton Line and Cobh Line Commuter Railway Stations during the month of December 2011.

As and from Wednesday, 1^st December 2011 and right up to Monday, 2^nd January 2012 inclusive – commuters will be able to park at Midleton, Carrigtwohill, Glounthaune and Little Island Stations - "Free of Charge".

Midleton Station has 280 car spaces, Carrigtwohill Station has 200 car spaces, Glounthaune Station has 40 car spaces and Little Island Station has 70 car spaces. 

"For the month of December 2011 - we invite new customers, not alone from the Midleton area, but from all over East Cork - including Whitegate, Killeagh, Ballycotton etc - even as far as Youghal, to use our excellent and well laid out Park & Ride facilities at Midleton, Carrigtwohill, Glounthaune and Little Island Stations. Hopefully they will like what they see and travel on our purpose built Commuter Railcars to Cork and as a result will also continue to use our services" – said Christy Maher, Iarnrod Eireann's new District Manager in Cork.

21 trains a day operate in each direction from Midleton to Cork (weekdays) and the journey time is only 23 minutes. In addition, 23 trains a day operate in each direction from Cobh to Cork (weekdays) and the journey time is just 24 minutes. There are also commuter stations on the Cobh line at Rushbrooke, Carrigaloe and Fota which do not have "Park & Ride" facilities.

12 trains operate in each direction from Cobh to Cork and 8 trains in each direction from Midleton to Cork on Sundays.

The adult Day Return fare from Midleton is just €6.70 (half fare for children under 16 years age), and €6.55 per adult day return from Cobh to Cork.

To make it even easier for East Cork Commuters - Iarnrod Eireann also has also introduced a New One Day Rail Service Ticket which includes Rail Travel from Midleton or Cobh and Cork City Bus Services for just €10.00 (for one day).

Customers using our Commuter Rail Services over the Festive Season - should note there is a regular frequent bus service which operates to and from Kent Station, Cork (No. 5 city bus service)  to Cork City Centre. This bus also serves Washington Street, UCC, College Road (Bon Secours Hospital), Dennehy's Cross, Model Farm Road, FAS & CIT.

There is also a new frequent bus service from Kent Station to Cork Airport. Commuters can now commute by train to Cork and travel by bus (Route # 226) from Kent Station, Cork to Cork Airport - making it easier to get to Cork Airport and also avoiding the parking charges at the Airport.

Iarnrod Eireann would like to wish all its customers a very happy and peaceful Christmas.

For further information please log onto www.irishrail.ie or contact Iarnród Eireann for Information on (021) 450-6766. 

US visitors to Youghal are set to dramatically increase in 2012 and 2013 following negotiations undertaken by Youghal Chamber of Tourism & Development, The Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group (YSEDG) with CIE Tours International. A guided tour of Youghal's Heritage Trail is set to form part of the company's group tour itineraries in 2012 and a selection of tour series in 2013, using the Kerry to Waterford routes and vice versa. CIE Tours International is the largest tour operator in the US driving vacation business to Ireland.  Last year they handled 35,000 visitors to the island of Ireland. 

In mid October, Senior Vice President of CIE Tours International, Dennis Savage, who is based in Morristown New Jersey paid a visit to Youghal on a US staff education trip and expressed a major interest in including Youghal's Heritage Trail on a number of routes to the region.   This was the culmination of a number of years of work undertaken by Youghal Chamber at various coach and tourism workshops selling Youghal's tourism product offering.  Speaking about his visit and the prospect of including Youghal on their itineraries, Mr. Savage commented: "Youghal is a very photogenic town and adding a walking tour would ensure our coach tours routing from Kerry to Waterford would be compelled to slow-down, with a diversion from the local motorway and learn firsthand the local history.  I believe that walking tours enhance the coach tour experience and are an important ingredient in our continued market share growth.  I have noticed that too often historic towns are being bypassed by coach crews and in doing so an integral part of the real Ireland experience is being lost. For the Killarney/Cork/Waterford route, Youghal is the perfect mid morning or afternoon comfort or photo-stop."  said Mr. Savage.

Following on from Mr. Savage's familiarisation trip,  a delegation from Youghal Chamber of Tourism & Development (Eileen Quill) and The Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group (Aileen Murray) met with senior representatives from CIE Tours in Dublin to discuss the details of various package options. 

Aileen Murray (YSEDG) pointed to the fact that Youghal was finally starting to be recognised for its efforts and investment in Heritage by some of the main tour operators. "The fact that the major decision makers of CIE Tours are now including Youghal on their routes is testament to the years of investment through Youghal's Heritage-Led Regeneration Strategy by Youghal Town Council - in the Town Walls, St.Mary's Collegiate Church and heritage signage for example; together with the marketing efforts of The Youghal Chamber of Tourism & Development in attracting coach tour business over the years.  Once CIE Tours as the market leaders come on board, it is only a matter of time before other operators begin to take notice of Youghal too." said Aileen.

Commenting on the opportunity, President of Youghal Chamber of Tourism and Development, Mary O'Donnell said: "This is a great opportunity for Youghal and I am delighted with the positive outcome to last Thursday's meeting with Conor Wall and Senior representatives of CIE bus tours in Dublin.  We will work hard on completing the requirements requested to become a CIE Tour destination."

Mary went on to thank Sal Tivy, Vice President for researching contacts for the meeting with CIE Tours and also Eileen Quill, Chamber Director and Aileen Murray, YSEDG for attending the Dublin meeting and presenting our wonderful town and all it has to offer as a very attractive stop over and tourist destination. 

"I welcome all prospects for potential tourism generation for our town and locality", said Mary. "We are delighted to secure CIE tour excursions to Youghal for 2012 and being placed on a full programme for CIE tours for the 2013 season.  This will increase business and employment and bring a very welcome boost to our local economy."

CIE Escorted Tours operate from March each year on a weekly basis through to November.  The Company is also considering various packages which the Chamber of Tourism & Development has compiled, including a number of tour and lunch options.    

Offering customers the best in class local produce and artisan foods. The market provides

customers with a diverse range of naturally produced food, an ideal spot for browsing, food shopping and lunch. Stalls include ;

Ballycurraginny Farm - new potatoes, fruit/veg , juice and eggs,Ballycotton fish - fresh fish, Cupcakes by Katie, Volcano - woodfired pizzas,Collins Bakery, ,Lens Cereals - muesli mixes, dried nuts and fruit, Poynton Foods - tea/coffee, jam and pickles, Woodside Farm - free range, rare breed pork products, Joys - o'flynns gourmet artisan sausage in a handmade roll and locally sourced steak quarter pounder in a handmade roll with a homemade relish, Green Barn - lasagne's/ quiche/ seafood pies/ jam and chutneys/ brown bread and scones,

Claires - flowers/ pate/ strawberries/ ardsallagh goats cheese and hard cheese/ rebel chili sauces/ smoked salmon, Cuthberts Bakery - traditional bread products / health loaves/ soda bread/ french sticks/ bread stuffing/ multi seed loaves and burger buns with more stalls coming soon.