Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Youghal

"First constructed as a defence against pirates and invaders, the castellated fortifications of Blackrock stand proudly over the River Lee, with a tower that spirals several feet above the castle. Razed by fire in 1722, the original building no longer stands here. Architects reproduced it in 1829, adding three new stories to its height."

"This low-lying green island in Cork Harbour was once an important part of the port's defences, topped by an 18th-century artillery fort. In the second half of the 19th century, during the Irish War of Independence, and from 1984 to 2004 it served as a prison, gaining the nickname 'Ireland's Alcatraz'. Today you can enjoy a guided walking tour of the former prison buildings, then go off and explore on your own; the ferry departs from Kennedy Pier, Cobh."

"In the middle of Cork Harbour, Spike Island is in a handy defensive location, and when France declared war on Britain in 1793 work began on an artillery fort. This was the last bastioned fort to be constructed on what was then the British Isles. An array of guns is on show, from the early cannons to the 6-inch artillery guns that followed later in the 19th century."

"Definitely make time to visit the impressive St. Colman's Cathedral, and I also recommend going to the Titanic Experience. Cobh was the final port the Titanic stopped in before making its fateful way across the Atlantic (back then, the town was called Queenstown). The small Titanic Experience museum (which is housed in the former White Star Line Ticket Office) is very well done, and tells the story of the Titanic and the 123 passengers who boarded the ship in Cobh."

"The Cathedral Church of St Colman, usually known as Cobh Cathedral, sometimes as Queenstown Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Cobh, Ireland. It is the cathedral church of the Diocese of Cloyne. It overlooks Cork harbour from a prominent position."

"One of Cork’s most stunning castles, Barryscourt’s grounds are equally impressive. The garden offers a beautiful replica of a medieval garden, laid out in the same fashion as Tower House Gardens would have been in its prime, with an orchard of native fruit trees and an authentic 16th-century herb garden. This is an atmospheric place to spend an afternoon, so consider packing a picnic and making a day of it."

"Please Note: Barryscourt Castle is closed for maintenance and engineering work 2015/2016. Barryscourt castle is the 16th century seat of the Barry family. The present castle, with its largely intact bawn wall and corner towers, is a fine example of an Irish tower house in which many defensive features such as a murder hole, crenulations, and stumble steps can be […]"

"Barryscourt Castle Midleton County Cork at of the Barry family. It has been extensively restored with fittings and furnishings reinstated and a tea house is in the courtyard. Access to the Castle is by Guided Tour only – Max No. 15."

"Although Lismore Castle itself is not open to the public, the 3 hectares of ornate and manicured gardens are well worth a visit. Thought to be the oldest landscaped gardens in Ireland, they are divided into the walled Jacobean upper garden and the less formal lower garden, the latter dotted with modern sculpture including two chunks of the Berlin Wall. Highlights include a splendid yew walk where Edmund Spenser is said to have written The Faerie Queen."

"Located just a little west of the mouth of the River Blackwater, this sandy beach is within walking distance of the town of Youghal, a designated Irish Heritage Town. The beach joins up with Claycastle and Redbarn beaches to create a 3 mile stretch. It’s perfectly designed for going for a long walk."

"Ballyhooly Castle is a beautiful 17th-century manor house that is situated in the north of County Cork; one of the main reasons in which the castle is famous is for the ‘Ballyhooly Massacre’, which occurred during the Irish Civil War, even though just one person was killed. Today, the castle grounds are open to the public; many visitors are attracted to the peaceful atmosphere of the village and the beautiful scenery. Where: BallyhoolyWhen: 17th centuryStyle: GothicOpen for visit: Private Residence – can only visit the grounds."

"When you reach this forested glen, a 15-minute drive from central Cork, it’s hard to believe you’re so close to the city. Known locally as ‘Mangala’, this woodland escape offers an impressive array of wild flora and fauna – including herons, otters and brown river trout. Once overgrown and uninhabitable, these woods have been reclaimed by locals, who constructed a relatively new walking route that now zigzags across the river and through the forested foothills."

"Trabolgan in East Cork is the ultimate family holiday destination with quality family accomodation and a host of indoor and outdoor activities and family entertainment all on site."

"This low-lying green island in Cork Harbour was once an important part of the port's defences, topped by an 18th-century artillery fort. In the second half of the 19th century, during the Irish War of Independence, and from 1984 to 2004 it served as a prison, gaining the nickname 'Ireland's Alcatraz'. Today you can enjoy a guided walking tour of the former prison buildings, then go off and explore on your own; the ferry departs from Kennedy Pier, Cobh."

"In the middle of Cork Harbour, Spike Island is in a handy defensive location, and when France declared war on Britain in 1793 work began on an artillery fort. This was the last bastioned fort to be constructed on what was then the British Isles. An array of guns is on show, from the early cannons to the 6-inch artillery guns that followed later in the 19th century."

"A 19th-century estate surrounded by pristine gardens and a fragrant arboretum, the handsome Fota House provides one of County Cork’s most splendid attractions. There’s a small fee to enter Fota Gardens, but it’s well worth the outlay; there are acres of tropical gardens to explore. You’ll also discover a unique walled garden, an Italian arboretum, a fernery and a lavish orangery."

"The guided house tour will take you on a journey through the grand décor of the principle rooms and behind the scenes to the exquisite boudoir and charming Victorian nursery."

"Fota Island Spa in Cork is a beautiful spa in the middle of a forest where you can come to rest during one of the many treatments or by the gorgeous inside pool. The Fota Island Spa in Cork also offers afternoon tea and is the perfect getaway for those planning a girls trip. In Fota Island Spa you can enjoy the steamrooms and the large inside pool with a view over the forest and meadows."

"A sophisticated and fully modern hotel set in 500 acres of landscaped grounds. Fota Island Resort provides a tranquil escape just 15 minutes from Cork city centre, with tennis, golf, spa and gym facilities to tempt adults, while nature walks, pools, indoor and outdoor playgrounds entertain younger guests."

"Fota Island Resort Hotel and Spa in Cork is one of the top hotels when it comes to luxury. They have a golf course right on their property if you need a day off from site seeing. Inside this hotel they didn’t skimp on anything."

"Here’s a lovely hideaway a few kilometres from the city centre, with a sprawling 18 acres (7ha) of woodlands and gardens. There are 93 rooms, from deluxe to full-blown master suites, most of them with balconies and verandas overlooking the gardens. The Art Deco-informed Bellini’s Restaurant is the place for elegant dining, on seafood chowder and Dover sole."

"This hotel with spa offers great spa treatments and allows you to combine great food with a nice stay and a great spa. At the Maryborough spa you will be able to receive multiple bookable treatments such as massages and facials. The spa is located in the Maryborough Hotel which is a gorgeous Irish estate in Cork."

"A Georgian gem set in 14 acres of serene woods and rolling gardens, the privately owned Maryborough Hotel & Spa combines a core period-mansion with a fully modern extension for the best of both worlds. Cork’s bustling city-centre is a mere 15 minutes away."

"Would avoid in heavy rain but otherwise, it is a very nice walk with steps down to small beaches. Excellent way to work up an appetite before enjoying one of Ballycotton’s many great restaurants. Ballycotton is a seaside resort village about 25 miles (40 kilometres) east of Cork city."

"Sometimes the best way to strike romance is with a simple gesture. The Ballycotton cliff walk in Cork is a great option this V-day. Utterly free and utterly breathtaking, this will be the perfect place to plant that first kiss!"

"One of Cork’s most stunning castles, Barryscourt’s grounds are equally impressive. The garden offers a beautiful replica of a medieval garden, laid out in the same fashion as Tower House Gardens would have been in its prime, with an orchard of native fruit trees and an authentic 16th-century herb garden. This is an atmospheric place to spend an afternoon, so consider packing a picnic and making a day of it."

"Please Note: Barryscourt Castle is closed for maintenance and engineering work 2015/2016. Barryscourt castle is the 16th century seat of the Barry family. The present castle, with its largely intact bawn wall and corner towers, is a fine example of an Irish tower house in which many defensive features such as a murder hole, crenulations, and stumble steps can be […]"

"Barryscourt Castle Midleton County Cork at of the Barry family. It has been extensively restored with fittings and furnishings reinstated and a tea house is in the courtyard. Access to the Castle is by Guided Tour only – Max No. 15."