Youghal, Portmagee, Valentia Island... are these Ireland's forgotten towns?

Yvonne Reddin travels around the country's small towns and finds local business owners working hard to attract visitors, where the true charm of Ireland can be found. But they need help.

The Lighthouse Keeps Her, Youghal, Co Cork

Irish tourism has been alive and well but with the summer months over for 2024, the hospitality and local industry has felt a downward turn in business this year. 

Inflation increases on a range of accommodations, poor weather, and also the lack of investment in the smaller towns, have been some of the factors in the sliding influx of tourists to Ireland this year.