Cruise liner’s visit to East Cork welcomed as boost for region

The ports of Youghal and Ballycotton welcomed cruise tourism for the first time as the Le Bellot ship called to East Cork in recent days.

Calling to Youghal on Wednesday, August 20, and Ballycotton on Thursday, August 21, passengers were introduced to East Cork hospitality and heritage as part of the visit.

Cork County Council staff were present at each port to welcome and assist passengers and crew, handing out maps and brochures to encourage the cruise visitors to return and discover all the region has to offer.

The inaugural calls at Youghal and Ballycotton are among 25 cruise ship visits this year, with repeat visits to Schull, Kinsale, and Bantry Bay highlighting the growing reputation of Cork as a cruise line destination.

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Awaiting passengers at the pier in Youghal were the Town Crier, the Cobh Heritage Vintage Era group, and local musicians from Brú na Sí, as well as hundreds of local people who welcomed the cruise visitors as they disembarked.

During the afternoon, many of the cruise passengers enjoyed a heritage tour of the town, visiting St Mary’s Collegiate Church, Youghal Clock Tower, and Youghal’s new Lace Museum, where passengers learned about the impressive maritime and cultural past of the town, on walking tours led by French- and English-speaking guides.

Some of the visitors decided to go e-biking along the Youghal to Midleton Greenway, while others chose a more relaxed afternoon with a visit to the Midleton Distillery.

The following morning, cruise visitors headed to Ballycotton. A trip out to the Ballycotton Lighthouse gave the mainly French tourists an opportunity to experience the East Cork coastline.

Also proving popular was the Ballycotton Cliff Walk, with visitors chatting with locals along the route and sharing stories about the cruise ship.

During the Youghal part of this cruise itinerary, the Mayor of County Cork Mary Linehan Foley joined officials from Cork County Council on board Le Bellot, for a formal gift exchange with the ship’s captain.