Description

Section 6 commences in the seaside town of Youghal, a medieval walled town developed on the estuary of the river Blackwater. Continuing along rural roads, you will travel through the village of Ladysbridge between hedgegrows and farmyards until you come to Ballinacurra where we skirt along the inner harbour to the outskirts of Midleton.

Midleton, home to Jameson Irish Whiskey and traditionally the market town of the area, is synonymous with Food and Drink. The town has rich agriculture on its hinterland and a bustling centre with award winning restaurants and quaint bars. Visitors to Midleton will be surprised to find a beautiful sculpture commissioned in remembrance of the generosity of the Choctaw people, who themselves in difficult times, sent food aid to Ireland on hearing of their plight in the famine. The sculpture named “Kindred Spirits”, was designed by Cork-based sculptor Alex Pentek, a beautiful piece especially with the sunlight shining on it.

The route emerges at Fota Island, one of six within Cork Harbours vast expanse of sheltered water. The island is home to the luxury Fota Island Resort, historic Fota House and the firm family favourite of Fota Wildlife Park. Continuing on our route to Cobh we access Great Island, the largest of the Harbour Islands by a narrow bridge at Belvelly before climbing to the top of the island. The reward will be the final reveal of Cork Harbour on our decent into Cobh.

Cobh is ranked among the most beautiful towns in Europe by Conde Nast. Colourful buildings surround St Colman’s Cathedral, one of Ireland’s tallest buildings, watching over Cork Harbour. The town is synonymous with the ill-fated Titanic and well known for being a departure point for thousands of Irish who emigrated during the great famine.

This section ends in Cobh town where there is a wealth of visitor attractions to be explored.