Welcome to Ireland's maritime paradise! All you need to know about the beautiful location of this year's Ironman and surrounding areas...
The Gaelic words meaning ‘One Hundred Thousand Welcomes’, is exactly what will await you and your family at Ironman Ireland Cork this June!
Cork, the biggest county in Ireland, will host Ireland’s first full 140.6 Ironman on 23rd June 2019.
Known as Ireland’s Maritime Haven, on the south coast of the country, Cork has a maritime history spanning over a thousand years. Set in a beautiful soft coastal environment; the land, the people and their culture will allow you and your family to discover a quirky way to stimulate your senses, before, during and after the big race!
Youghal: A Stunning Coastal Resort, Rich in Medieval History
The race venue is located in Youghal , in East Cork; an historically famous town of international renown, in a beautifully sheltered harbour on the south coast of Ireland. The town has a long and varied history, with its origins as a medieval walled port town and connections with many of the major events in Irish history. It is this history that has brought us the Youghal of today – a distinct and unique place, which blends a modern town centre, teaming with tangible historic character and curiosity, complimented by the beaches and waterside amenities of a seaside suburb.
If you are planning on making this a family event/holiday, then you won’t be disappointed! With the Irish so well known for their hospitality, this local community are full of enthusiasm at the prospect of welcoming you and your family/supporters to their beautiful town!
The two most iconic symbols of Youghal you will first notice on entering the town are the 18th century Clock Gate Tower, (now open as a visitor experience, pictured below) straddling the main street of the medieval town, and the 19th century Lighthouse that guards the entrance to the harbour. 
Other ‘must see’ highlights for you to see include the Medieval St. Mary’s Collegiate Church – the Oldest Church in Ireland till in continuous use, and the 13th Century Town Walls, the longest upstanding walls in the Republic of Ireland!
In the days leading up to the big race and on race day itself, the local authority, Cork County Council has co-ordinated to have a series of ‘food villages’ in Youghal town. Over 40 Cork-based artisan food and craft producers will be on hand to supplement the already extensive hospitality offering in Youghal. The food villages will be set up at key locations on the beach front and in the town centre to cater for the expected influx of visitors. In addition, evening concerts have been scheduled in St. Mary’s Collegiate Church in Youghal in the lead up to the event.
Youghal will also see a programme of family entertainment rolled out to include face painters, balloon artists, magicians and vintage amusements over the weekend of the event; with special guests Cork based ‘Passe Partout’ (pictured below) – the acclaimed Circus Arts and Street Theatre Production. 
The outlying tiny picturesque villages of Ballymacoda, Saleen, Dungourney, Cloyne are also gearing up for the event with excitement building as they prepare to host various ‘street parties’ along the bike route! Your family are sure to be entertained as they wait on you, their loved ones to complete the race!
For more info on Youghal click here
Midleton: A Thriving Market Town
Midleton, also in east Cork will be another focal point on the 112-mile bike route and is a thriving market town, lying some 16 km east of Cork city off the N25 road, which connects Cork to the port of Rosslare. A satellite town of Cork City but with the distinctive character of a county town, Midleton has a direct link to the city and onward to the national rail network. The busy market town of Midleton has long associations with the Murphy family who opened their first whiskey distillery in the town in 1825. 
The Jameson Experience at the Old Midleton Distillery traces the history of whiskey, making in the town and boasts the largest pot still in the world. The beautifully restored 18th century distillery is now a renowned tourist attraction and ‘Hero’ experience of Ireland’s Ancient East within the region. Become a ‘Qualified Irish Whiskey Taster’ at the end of your guided tour!
For more information on Midleton click here
The ’12 Mile’ (Culinary Experience)
Midleton has long held a great reputation for dining as well as its very popular Farmers Market every Saturday which attracts many artisan food producers. The ’12 mile’ Culinary Expression of the award-winning Sage restaurant in Midleton embodies this experience where Head Chef and Proprietor, Kevin Aherne explains:
"We source the vast majority of our produce from within 12 miles of the restaurant. The lush farmland and dedicated farmers of Midleton and its hinterland enables us to source all our meat from within this radius. All our poultry is reared by “12 Mile” farmers and is free-range. Our fish is trawled and line-caught by East Cork fleets in Irish waters." 
Huge Range of AttractionsThere are a huge range of attractions within a 10-mile radius of Midleton and Youghal including:
• Stunning beaches like Youghal's Front Strand and Claycastle Beach (Ironman start-point)
• Fota Wildlife Park (pictured below)
• Fota House and Gardens
• Cobh Titanic Experience
• Cobh Heritage Centre
• Spike Island
• A dedicated holiday village at Trabolgan
• Cross Country Safaris and Galleries
all for you and your family to enjoy, either pre or post-race.
So get ready to experience a ‘Pure Cork’ Céad Mile Fáilte when you visit for Ironman Ireland Cork this June!
Further information www.youghal.ie
