The Area

With a rich historical and maritime legacy, East Cork is a haven for family holidays with a huge range of activities and attractions to keep everyone entertained.

Visit Ireland’s original farmer’s market, the Midleton Farmers Market, on a Saturday and fill up your basket with breakfast, lunch, brunch and fresh produce for your table.

East Cork has the reputation of being something of a gourmand’s delight with many first class restaurants and cafes offering fine dining experiences. The world famous cookery school at Ballymaloe House is 4km distant. Courses run throughout the year.

Cobh ascends from the sea and splendidly dominates Cork Harbour, the second largest natural harbour in the world. This colourful town has experienced invasion, emigration, transportation and a wealth of maritime adventures.

St Colman’s Cathedral overlooks the town and the inner islands of the harbour, Haulbowline and Spike a stunning sight to behold. Cobh is also host to many cruise ships and has welcomed many world famous ships such as the QE2. It was also the last port of call of the ill-fated Titanic and in 2012 Cobh commemorated the centenary of its visit.

Midleton is the vibrant centre of East Cork and is located in the heart of a rich agricultural hinterland. Legend has it that it was here in Ireland that whiskey was invented. Today it is home to the largest potstill in the world and is where Jameson whiskey is distilled - find out all about the process with The Jameson Experience.

Youghal, a scenic port town, has an abundance of things to do. Golfing, family entertainment, riverboat trips, fishing and walking are all on offer. The town has also become a focal point for water sport enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

Activities such as whale watching and wreck-diving are all on the menu. Visit the Youghal Heritage Centre and Tourist Office for information on local activities and events.

Owenabue Valley is a very picturesque rural area comprising of Ballinhassig, Ballygarvan, Carrigaline, Crosshaven, Monkstown, Passage West and Ringaskiddy. Royal Cork Yacht Club in Crosshaven is the oldest yacht club in the world and the Crosshaven Carrigaline area has walks to suit all levels and ages.

Local attractions

Wildlife is plentiful in the area, with seals and dolphins being regularly spotted in the harbour. Various types of whales can also be spotted from the cliffs in December and January. The nearby beach at Ballynamona is a wildlife sanctuary and herons, oystercatchers and sand hoppers are regularly seen.

The Ballycotton Road Race attracts runners from around Ireland and abroad to its 10 mile circuit of country backroads, each year the race is oversubscribed many times over.

The local area is home to many artists and craftspeople including woodworkers, painters, potters, writers and musicians who regularly exhibit at the Stephen Pearce Gallery in Shanagarry.

Ballycotton is also well known as the home of many fine public houses including the Blackbird of Ballycotton, Lynch’s or the Inn by the Harbour, The Schooner and McGraths.

Ballycotton Cliff Walk

Ballycotton has a scenic cliff walk extending westward to Ballytrasna. The full walk is about 9km along a goat track, with safety fencing where it is needed. Cycling and horse riding are prohibited. There is plenty of seating along the way placed at fantastic viewing points. It provides an excellent opportunity to take photographs of the cliffs and seascapes and is rich in wildlife at any time of the year.

Lighthouse

Situated on the steeply sloped Ballycotton Island approximately 2km from the village, the lighthouse was commissioned in 1851 when the keeper and his family lived on the island and their children rowed to school weather permitting. By 1899 the four keepers were housed in the town with keepers rotating duty at the lighthouse. In 1975 the lighthouse was converted to electric and was automated on March 28th 1992, when the Lighthouse keepers were withdrawn.

Ballycotton Island Lighthouse Tours

Experience the fresh Ballycotton sea air, be mesmerised by the natural beauty and stunning views that Ballycotton has to offer. Ballycotton Lighthouse Tours is a truly magical memory-making excursion. Travel in an open topped boat, hike to the lighthouse summit and explore.

Beaches

Ballycotton is surrounded by wonderful beaches. In the village there is a small beach called the Conger by Ballycotton Pier. For the more adventurous swimmers you can swim from ‘The Men’s Bathing Area’ which is accessed by step down to a rocky platform on your left going towards the Cliff Walk. In the middle of the village there is a slip way known locally as ‘The Cow’ and here you will find a rocky beach which is great for rock pools. They Ballycotton Bay area has one long sandy beach that stretches for miles from Silverstrand near Ballycotton to Ballycrenane near Knockadoon Head.

Deep Sea Angling

For an amazing Deep Sea Angling experience come to Ballycotton. The Ballycotton harbour is non-tidal and boats can go out to sea at any time. Favourite angling-marks can be reached within 20-40 minutes. From Ballycotton Pier you can charter a boat and trips can be tailored to suit the needs of passengers.

Blarney Castle & Gardens

Blarney Castle was built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland's greatest chieftans, Cormac MacCarthy and is home of the Blarney Stone. Today, the Castle is the third to have been erected on the site. The first building in the tenth century was a wooden structure. Around 1210 A.D. this was replaced by a stone structure which had the entrance some twenty feet above the ground on the north face. This building was demolished for foundations. In 1446 the third castle was built by Dermot McCarthy, King of Munster.

Doonenmacotter Luxury Holiday Cottage Ballycotton, County Cork, Ireland

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