Cork is a tourist haven, but is also a bustling community living in one of natures most beautiful places. Cork and the surrounding areas of towns like Youghal are a year round holiday destination for families, friends, the energetic and those seeking relaxation.  Cork is a major centre for travellers with many flights from Cork Airport.

Cork is a major seaport and Cork harbour is one of the world's largest natural harbours.

Youghal is a typical little town to the east of Cork, whose quays are busy throughout the year with the local fishermen plying their trade. In the summer the influx of pleasure crafts of all sort add to the colour and and activity. The town quays offer easy access for day boats, and the are plenty of safe anchorage's for visiting yachts. In the spring and summer a variety of crafts are available for daily hire for pleasure and fishing. Canadian canoes for hire, allowing easy access for all to the harbour areas, the estuary and river basin.

Youghal is a perfect base for the keen golfer, as this quarter of Ireland hosts a magnificent selection of 40 parkland and coastal golf courses. You could start at Youghal's own championship course, with its spectacular setting on the cliffs overlooking the town and bay. Within an hour's drive there are a string of other golf delights including Fota Island and the Old Head of Kinsale, arguably Irelands most exciting new course. 

There is excellent fishing in Cork.  The great river Blackwater sweeps into the sea here, and is a famous salmon fishing river. The Blackwater is Ireland's second largest river and as a large mature river, it is not subject to the whims of the weather, and consequently can provide excellent fishing even in low water. It has extensive tidal reaches, stretching for approximately 20 miles from the estuary mouth at Youghal to Lismore. This provides a unique haven for salmon and seatrout. 

Cyclists of all ages and abilities will love Co. Cork as there's something for everyone. The flat beach area is a great place to start, as the land around the whole bay to the south of Youghal is a flat river bed, of farm lands, villages, reed beds, streams and beaches, laced with lanes and tracks for safe easy cycling. To the north and west of Youghal, the terrain is very different. The Blackwater and other rivers slice through ancient wooded hills, creating deep gorges and uncrowded, steep winding lanes that rise up and descend through farm land and thick woods. Challenging and energetic routes will be found to Lismore and Tallow.

Blarney Castle is one of Ireland's oldest and most historic castles and is situated 8 kilometres from Cork city.  

No trip to Blarney is complete with a visit to Blarney Woollen Mills.

Cork is the home of Irish horseracing.  The racecourse has some of the best facilities in Ireland and is located at Mallow.

St Ann Sandon Church is probably Cork's best known landmark.  There is an amazing view over the city from the top.