Youghal can become ‘the capital of the Ancient East’

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”.

He was referring to a recently launched tourism concept primarily focused on historic and heritage attractions stretching from the Boyne Valley in Dublin south to Waterford and Cork.

Mr Ring yesterday visited the walled town’s 438- year-old Clock Gate Tower, which is undergoing redevelopment as a museum and interpretative centre.