Youghal hopes for tourism resurgence following cruise liner's visit
The ship’s tenders will transport the passengers to a pontoon berth at Nealon’s Quay near the town centre of Youghal, Co Cork. Picture: Dan Linehan
The tourism and commercial sectors of a Co Cork seaside town will be pushing the boat out on Wednesday when its hosts an inaugural visit from a cruise liner.
The French-owned Le Bellot, with a passenger capacity of 184 and 118 crew, will be visible from Youghal strand when it drops anchor some 2km offshore at noon.
The ship’s tenders will transport the passengers to a pontoon berth at Nealon’s Quay near the town centre. The ship will make a second visit to the town on August 28.
Cork County Council, in tandem with local businesses and service providers, has earmarked a wide array of attractions for the guests.
“The tours include visits to the clock tower, the film and photography or lace museums, the historic St Mary’s Church and College Gardens and the town walls," Youghal harbour master Liam Keating, who has helped with co-ordinating the visit, said.
Cycling the greenway and walking the boardwalk are also being promoted, along with the town's restaurants.
The Boardwalk Coffee Shop, some 50m from the pontoon, is hosting an afternoon trad music. It is also sponsoring a street busking competition with a prize fund of €250.
“The support from all quarters has been fantastic," Mr Keating said.
The ship's visit comes after a director of Ponant, which owns Le Bellot, was very impressed by Youghal during a first visit onboard his yacht.
Youghal was then included in the "small ship" Celtic Cruise route, which also includes towns such as Kinsale, Castletownbere, and Baltimore.
Locals are hoping this month’s pilot project will evolve into regular, seasonal excursions.
“The Cork coastline is incredibly scenic. In eight years, the scheme — fostered by the county council — has grown to six companies and 26 ships plying it," Mr Keating said.
The ship's visit comes as Youghal plans a resurgence as a tourist town, with the installation of a lighthouse viewing platform and the opening of the hugely popular new greenway.
“There’s a huge buzz around this visit," says Youghal Tourist Office manager Sandra McLellan.
“We’ve been inundated with inquiries from people coming here to be part of the day. It's a wonderful opportunity to showcase our town and, if all goes well, they will return."
Boardwalk Coffee Shop proprietor and Youghal Business Alliance spokesperson Ger Flanagan said: “The visits will obviously bring a very welcome economic boost to the town."
Mr Flanagan expects a party atmosphere, with many alliance members hosting music on their premises.
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