Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places 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."

"Titanic Experience Cobh is a new permanent visitor attraction which opened on February 1st 2012 in Cobh. Situated in the original offices of The White Star Line, the location marks the departure point for the last 123 passengers who boarded the Titanic on its fateful maiden voyage to America. The story is told using innovative audio visual technology bringing our characters to life through cinematic shows, scene sets, holographic imagery and touch screen technology."

"The Titanic Experience is located in the heart of Cobh Town. Your personal tour guide will take you on a virtual journey; you will experience life aboard Titanic and learn a little about the conditions on board for third and first class passengers."

"The original White Star Line offices, where 123 passengers embarked on (and one lucky soul absconded from) the RMS Titanic , now house this powerful insight into the ill-fated liner's final voyage in 1912...."

"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."

"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."

"Probably one of this writer’s favourite places to eat, especially in the summer, Bunnyconnellan is truly a jewel nestled into the jagged coastline over which it looks. It is a stunning place to try some delicious food whilst taking in the magnificent vista lying before you. Roches Point is in the far distance, and on any given weekend in the summer months, you can watch the yacht races go by in front of you."

"Overlooking the vast and impressive Cork Harbor, in the seaside village of Myrtleville is Bunnyconnellan Bar and Restaurant. A long-established and family-run restaurant, legend goes that the house’s name of Bunnyconnellan or Bunny’s is made up from the names of four children; Bunny, Conn, Nell and Ann. However, it is more than likely derived from a town in Co."

"Tucked into the cliffside above the beach at Myrtleville, near Crosshaven, the heart of Paul and Julie O’Brien’s beautifully located bar and restaurant is an early 19th century private house. Serving as a bar and restaurant for many years n ..."

"Last but not least we have Tir na Si farm which is open for families on Thursdays and Fridays from 10am to 2pm and on Saturdays for birthday parties and booked events. You can follow the nature trail, meet the friendly farm animals, visit the vegetable garden or find the fairies, there really is so much to see and do. You can also take a spin on the Farm Express Train or maybe a trip on the horse and cart followed by a game of mini golf."

"At the Garryvoe youll find a choice of intimate and spacious public rooms, all with direct sea views; sincere, attentive and friendly service;large, bright, family-sized guest rooms; dining options and times to suit everyone in the group; free WI-FI; a fabuloushealth clubandswimming poolan. Garryvoe, East Cork, Co."

"Facing a popular mixed pebble-sand beach, the Garryvoe Hotel maximises beautiful views with interior comfort and tranquility. It has been in the same family for more than 50 years, and guests can expect attention to detail and high-level service."

"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."

"Last but not least we have Tir na Si farm which is open for families on Thursdays and Fridays from 10am to 2pm and on Saturdays for birthday parties and booked events. You can follow the nature trail, meet the friendly farm animals, visit the vegetable garden or find the fairies, there really is so much to see and do. You can also take a spin on the Farm Express Train or maybe a trip on the horse and cart followed by a game of mini golf."

"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."

"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!"

"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."

"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."