Discover East Cork Coast, Culture & Local Cuisine

Ferrit & Lee is where East Cork’s food story comes alive, think buttery fish from the coast, rich local cheeses and produce straight from nearby fields.

Every plate is crafted with passion and celebrates local makers, butchers, fishmongers, growers, cheesemakers, brewers, and distillers whose work defines East Cork’s vibrant food scene. Each bite tells a story of place, pride, and provenance.

OR visit Leahy’s Open Farm for a fun-filled stop in the East Cork countryside. After meeting the animals, exploring the maze, or spinning through the woods, enjoy a hearty lunch or sweet treat and Leahy’s ice-cream on site at Old Lantern Coffee Shop.  

Insider Tips

1. Explore the Midleton Farmers Market known for its fresh local produce and artisan goods accompanied by local musicians (open Saturdays 9.30am – 1pm) 

2. Pop into Grumpy Bakers for freshly baked sourdoughs and handmade pastries, usually sold out by 11am, open Wednesday to Sunday 

3. Delve into a world of fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere and enjoy the best of Cork’s local produce in Cush restaurant 

4. Learn about the Kindred Spirits and historical Irish and native American Choctaw friendship by visiting the sculpture in Balick Park then enjoy a walk around Ballyannon Woods 

5. Check out East Cork Golf Club a beautifully designed 18-hole parkland course by renowned architect Eddie Hackett 

6. The Fork and Wheel is a charming place for lunch and dinner 

7. When driving out of Midleton a visit to Rostellan Farm Shop is a must, a gem of a place to enjoy fresh premium milkshakes or ice cream on their picnic pods overlooking East Cork countryside.

8. Step back in time at Barryscourt Castle, Carrigtwohill, a restored 16th-century tower house with orchards and gardens that bring its heritage to life.

Explore the famous Ballymaloe Cookery School Gardens on a guided tour through beautifully maintained Edwardian gardens, organic kitchen plots and themed areas like the Celtic Maze, Herb Garden and Shell House.

Learn about the organic practices, seasonal planting, and garden history from passionate, knowledgeable guides on this unique East Cork experience. Ensure to visit The Garden Shop for gifts and organic produce, it was the first farm shop in the country!

End your day dining at the Garryvoe Hotel, where timeless hospitality meets views of Ballycotton Bay.  Just steps away, stroll the golden sands of Garryvoe Beach as the sun sets, the perfect finale of sea air and coastal calm before retreating to enjoy the hotel’s renowned seafood dining and warm welcome.

Start day two in the charming village of Ballycotton in East Cork with Ballycotton Sea Adventures bringing you up close to the storied island lighthouse, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins dancing in the waves. Soak up the salty breeze and sea spray!

OR fancy a walk with a view? The Ballycotton Cliff Walk with jaw dropping ocean vistas, seabirds overhead and wildflowers underfoot.

Choose the full 9.25km returning via country roads or stick to the coast and return on the 7km trail once you reach Ballyandreen.

Check out live music events in The Blackbird

Sea Church beside St Colman’s Church of Ireland serves local produce from land and sea in an original local schoolhouse with its interior absorbing the Irish Sea, sun, and sky.

Sea Church is host to top Irish Entertainment check out their PureCork page for events.

Insider Tips

1. Check out Ardnahinch Beach located near Shanagarry also known as Shanagarry Beach. Enjoy views of Ballycotton and the Island Lighthouse. This beach is ideal for swimming during high tide

2. Ballycotton is a bird watchers paradise with three hundred species recorded. Check out birdwatchcork.com 

3. Live Music takes place every weekend in the heart of Ballycotton Village, check out Seachurch for events and cinema nights

4. Pop into The Shanagarry Design Centre to meet and greet local artists/potters and watch live art and craft demonstrations with an opportunity to be creative

5. Stop in Castlemartyr at The Village Green Grocer, ideal to pick up the freshest ingredients for a picnic or just to wander around and marvel

6. An exclusive dining experience in a Michelin Star restaurant in an 18th Century Manor House in Cork at Castlemartyr’s Terre celebrates the brilliance of nature over an unhurried tasting menu, book online, open Wednesday to Saturday 

OR overlooking Youghal Bay The Quays Bar and Restaurant is a great spot to relax and refuel. From smoked salmon and seafood chowder to carvery lunches, sandwiches, and homemade scones there is something for everyone.

Pair with local craft beer or an Irish Coffee served with a warm friendly service.

Discover the powerful stories of rebels, lovers and legends inside Youghal Clock Gate Tower, Costumed storytellers spin tales that echo through time.

Climb to the fifth floor for a view you won’t forget overlooking Youghal Bay. An immersive must-see experience in the heart of Youghal.

OR step into over eight hundred years of history at St Mary’s Collegiate Church. This church is still in use. Experience the churches rich past using interactive touchscreens and a theatrical audio tour that brings the stories to life. A beautifully preserved medieval gem, a must visit for history lovers and curious minds alike.

Take time to stroll Ireland’s longest seafront boardwalk the Youghal Eco-Boardwalk coastal boardwalk before or after dinner to catch the sunset a scenic, sustainable walkway that reflects the area’s natural beauty and deep coastal pride

Dine at Aherne’s Townhouse & Seafood Bar, a family run haven of warmth and hospitality since 1923. Enjoy imaginative traditional dishes created by Head Chef and Owner David Aherne showcasing local seasonal produce.

1. Enjoy a dip in the ocean at Claycastle Beach 

2. Set sail on a cruise on the River Blackwater with Blackwater Cruises

3. Play Pitch & Putt at Claycastle Pitch & Putt Club 

4. If you want to try deep-sea fishing or diving In a luxury finish charter boat with Youghal Deep Sea Angling   

5. Dine at The Red Store Bar & Restaurant set in a beautifully restored early 1900s grain store, serving home baked scones, carvery lunches, and fresh seafood specials daily

6. Check out Clancy’s Bar & Restaurant, very convenient to the Greenway and fabulous on a sunny day

7. Enroute to Youghal pop into Carewswood Garden Centre for a stroll or a tasty treat in their fantastic café, online booking available for lunch. If time allows book an experience at the Hidden Sauna situated beside the entrance to the Garden Centre.

8. Enjoy a 7.6km looped walk at the Knockadoon Cliff Walk with fabulous views out to Capel Island.