Staycations 2025: Eastern paradise revisited

Having spent many’s the enjoyable childhood summer in Ballycotton, Ev Duggan revisits a personal selection of East Cork memories

The view from Garryvoe with Ballincotton Island in the distance. Photo: Ev Duggan 

There are plenty of hidden gems to be found across the Irish landscape, but to me, none outshine the majesty of East Cork. For the last 20 years it has welcomed me to its shores, creating memories, changing as I have, but always maintaining its draw.

A quaint fishing village with an iconic landmark on the horizon; beautiful Ballycotton is like something out of a picture book. At first glance it may appear to be just another coastal tourist hot spot, but it is truly something special.