Tourism in East Cork received a boost yesterday when Michael Ring, the junior tourism minister, advocated Youghal as a likely “capital of the Ancient East”.

Restoration work has commenced on a robust 400m eco-boardwalk in Youghal, Co Cork, to replace the structure demolished in ferocious winter storms early last year.

The contrast couldnot have been more pronounced: The azure seas glistening off West Waterford and the brown gunge lapping the East Cork coast.

THERE was a time when old rambling properties could be scooped up at a snip - not anymore.