Youghal - Tourism

Tourism

Youghal adjoins a number of fine beaches including the famous 5 km beach to the west of the town. In 2011 Youghal's three beaches (Front Strand, Claycastle and Redbarn) were awarded blue flags for water cleanliness and availability of other amenities. Ballyvergan Marsh, the largest freshwater coastal marsh in County Cork which accommodates important plant and bird species, stretches along Claycastle Beach and on towards Redbarn Beach.

In the 1950s and 1960s Youghal was a popular seaside resort, with thousands taking the train to the beach. Many tourists to the town are attracted by its historic buildings and natural surroundings. The town is steeped in history and was once one of the busiest ports in the country, even more important than Cork and Dublin at one time. With the closing of the railway line in the 1970s (see Irish railway history), the town went into a period of decline, reinforced by the difficulties encountered by the town's textile industry. Since the 1990s, aided by favourable property tax concessions, there has been considerable reinvestment and construction to restore Youghal's facilities and popularity.

Some of the amenities available in Youghal include: 18 hole golf course, floodlit tennis courts, GAA pitches, soccer pitches, 18 hole pitch and putt course, rugby pitches, dog (greyhound) racing, indoor family entertainment centre (including bowling, laser and soft play area for children), squash & badminton courts, leisure Centre (including swimming pool), gyms, art galleries, snooker club, bird watching hide (Ballyvergan Marsh) and museum.

According to "An A to Z of Youghal: The history and people of Eochaill," Sir Arthur Conan Doyle vacationed in Youghal with his wife and created the character of Inspector Youghal of the C.I.D. for The Adventure of the Mazarin Stone.