Visitor attractions join tourism brand initiative

Some of the country’s top visitor attractions have joined a tourism boosting brand initiative for the south and east of Cork.

The new Ring of Cork will promote about 100 festivals, food and craft fairs, visitor attractions, and marine activities in a region stretching from Youghal in the east to Carrigaline in the south.

It is focused mainly on towns such as Cobh, Midleton, Youghal, Carrigaline, and Ballincollig.

Fota Wildlife Park, the Titanic Experience, Ballymaloe, and Trabolgan Holiday Village are among the high-profile attractions to have joined the brand already.

It has been developed by the South and East Cork Area Development group (SECAD), and is supported by the town councils in Cobh, Midleton, and Youghal.

SECAD boss Ryan Howard said the brand & will link the entire area.

Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney described it as a positive development, particularly from a marine activities perspective.

SECAD is due to release funding soon under the Ring of Cork brand to fund a “100 Festivals” initiative, promoting the region’s vast selection of weekend festivals and a website — www.ringofcork.ie — has also been developed.

Meanwhile, a new film club will be launched in Youghal tonight with a screening of Oscar-winning film The Artist in The Mall Arts Centre.

The town’s Regal Cinema closed two years ago but Youghal Cine Club hopes to provide an outlet for lovers of cinematic art.

Yew Wood Venues spokeswoman Clodagh Mahon, who manages the Mall and St Mary’s Collegiate Church venues which will host the screenings, said she is delighted to bring cinema back to the people of Youghal.

“We have planned a season of monthly screenings of feature films, and the beauty of the club is that the choice of film will be driven by the members. Membership is free with a charge of €5 per show,” she said.

The club is also part of Access Cine Club, the resource organisation for regional cultural cinema in Ireland.