Youghal is truly about quality experiences and variety, which makes it ideal for a day trip jam packed with activities and attractions of every kind. Come mid-term, join us for a wonderful day out – with top-notch kids’ adventures, historical fascination, beach fun, great food, and lots of play.
Here’s what your day might look like:
10:00 am
Start your day with a wake-up walk, jog or ‘scoot’ along Youghal’s pretty and colourful Eco Boardwalk – 1.9km of breathtaking views out to sea, fresh salt sea air and seaside atmosphere at its best. It’s Ireland’s longest seafront boardwalk and provides the best way to greet the day.
Your walk will take you to Front Strand – a lovely sandy beach which is always a hit with families, while Redbarn Beach has a wonderful bird trail – giving you the opportunity to spot several seabirds such as Oystercatchers and Cormorants – and you may well be lucky enough to see some dolphins as you go.
Stop for some excellent coffee and pastries at Boardwalk Café
11.30 am
Time to take a fascinating tour into Youghal’s history, with a visit to St Mary’s Collegiate Church where you can experience the ‘Voices of St Mary’s’. This is a celebration of the many different people who have worshipped, sung, mourned and celebrated happy times in this beautiful church that is Ireland’s oldest – brought to life for you through a family-friendly audio tour, interactive displays and kids treasure trail. Hear about the Church’s famous congregation members through the years, including Sir Walter Raleigh, Sir Richard Boyle and Oliver Cromwell. Afterwards, take a leisurely stroll in the College Gardens – much loved for their outstanding beauty.
12.30 pm
By now you’ll have worked up a healthy appetite, so head into Youghal town centre for lunch at any one of our wonderful local eateries (LINK TO EAT & DRINK. Youghal is all about great food cooked perfectly and using the absolute best quality fresh ingredients. The smiles are big, the food bountiful and the welcome is 100% Youghal warmth. From hearty soups, succulent fish and flavourful pastas to homemade cakes and pies – you can’t go wrong!
3.00 pm
As the town clock strikes three, time for something very special – a guided tour of Youghal Clock Gate Tower, with one of our costumed guides. Built in 1771 as a gaol, the Clock Gate Tower has a fascinating story to tell – evolving over 4 floors of interactive displays and culminating with stunning 360-degree views of Youghal town and Bay.
4.00 pm
Time to close off a wonderful day. Stroll across to the Quay side – the waterfront area that was once a busy trading area visited by merchants from far and wide. Take a breather on a bench alongside the statue of Captain Ahab – a fictional character from Herman Melville’s book Moby Dick. The statue marks the spot where the Moby Dick movie was filmed back in 1954 by legendary film director John Huston, featuring Gregory Peck and a host of other Hollywood stars.
