THOUSANDS of hotel beds have already been snapped up across east Cork and west Waterford for next June’s Ironman in Youghal.

Such is the demand for accommodation, organisers of the event have met with representatives of the Irish Hotel Federation in Cork city to discuss rolling out bed spaces for participants and their families into the city area.

Accommodation in hotels, bed and breakfasts and guesthouses in Youghal and surrounding areas is almost sold out and organiser John Innes said the local accommodation is being offered primarily to the athletes themselves.

Up to 2,500 athletes from across Europe, the US, Australia and Africa will take part.

It is the first time Ireland will host a full Ironman event and Youghal will host it for the next three years.

The event will include a 3.8km swim at Claycastle, a 180km cycle and a 42.2km run. The route will take athletes through Cloyne, Shanagarry and Midleton, as well as Youghal.

Local homeowners have signed up to a database in Youghal to offer Airbnb-style accommodation for the event, which takes place on June 23.

Householders and landlords across East Cork were invited in July to register their properties if they wish to rent accommodation for the event, which is set to become one of the biggest sporting occasions in Youghal in decades.

Mr Innes is in Tenby in Wales this weekend, working with Ironman on the Welsh event.

Staff from Cork County Council have also travelled to Wales for the event, to prepare for next year’s major event in Youghal.

The council were instrumental in helping secure the Ironman event for the east Cork town.

Junior Justice Minister David Stanton praised the Youghal community for taking on the event and said it will be a major economic boost for the town and the east Cork area as a whole.

Anyone who wishes to become involved in offering Airbnb accommodation for the event, or clubs who wish to take part in the organisation of the event, can log onto www.youghal.ie for more details.