We Are Passionate About Protecting the Place We Love – For Everyone
There are so many reasons to fall in love with Youghal. Whether it’s the warmth of local people, accessible nature, our stunning beaches, landscapes or heritage – our visitors make very special connections here. That’s why we don’t just look after the Youghal of today – we want to ensure that for decades to come visitors will enjoy our unspoiled coastal haven.
7 Ways to be Eco-Friendly in Youghal
1. Pack Light and Take Reusable Items
Less is always best when it comes to greener packing. Pack light and purposefully, remembering reusables such as water bottles, coffee cups, bamboo straws, cutlery and food containers. This means you won’t need disposables when you buy food, while taking a reusable shopping bag will help you shop plastic-free.
If you’re travelling to us by air, think about your carry-on luggage. Bring reusable 100ml toiletry containers filled with your products from home or pack zero-waste toiletries like shampoo bars, deodorant paste and tooth tablets.
2. Explore on Foot or by Bike
Walking and cycling are healthy and fun ways to explore – and they’re also sustainable ways to discover our countryside and coastline. Don’t worry if you’re not bringing your bike – there is a fabulous cycle hire shop in Youghal, where you can rent a bike for a day or longer. And, to make your life a little easier, there are several bicycle racks throughout the town.
3. Leave No Trace in Nature or in Our Town
Make sure nature can be enjoyed by all – take pictures and make wonderful memories but leave nothing behind. When you’re spending time on our Blue Flag Beaches, in our gorgeous countryside and forests or enjoying our colourful festivals, please take your rubbish with you.
There are plenty of litter and recycling bins – but if you can’t find one or they are full, it’s a good idea to keep a spare bag with you for your rubbish, which you can then dispose of once you’re back at your accommodation.
4. Eat Delicious Local and Seasonal Food
Enjoying food with local provenance and which is in season is better for the environment and healthier for you! It’s also really easy to do this in Youghal.
Our restaurants and cafés offer a wide variety of fresh seasonal catch from the Cork coast and locally reared lamb, pork and beef. You’ll love the wide variety of fine organic and locally grown vegetables, pulses and berries too. This wealth of goodness makes for food that is great-tasting AND has low food miles.
5. Drink Tap Water
We’re so fortunate to have wonderful tap water in Youghal. It’s clean, refreshing and cost-effective – and available everywhere! So, forget about single-use plastic bottles and go ahead and fill your bottle straight from the tap.
6. Reduce and Recycle
Like many people you’re no doubt reducing and recycling your waste at home. So please bring your excellent eco-habits with you when you visit us in Youghal.
Try to choose food, drink and gifts with less packaging and recycle wherever you can. Remember that sorting waste correctly – separating out paper, cardboard, glass, plastic and mixed waste means the material can be used to make new products. It’s never waste – only raw material for something new!
7. Buy Local
Whether you’re shopping at a supermarket, dining in a restaurant or filling up at a service station – try and buy local to help boost the local economy and employment within the community. And if you’re buying souvenirs and gifts – remember, a local handcrafted item made with love always makes the best keepsake.
