Youghal Cycle Routes
Discover the thrilling adventure that awaits in Youghal, East Cork! This seaside gem is brimming with historical treasures and natural wonders, making it an ideal destination for the explorer.
Wander through the medieval town walls and uncover the secrets of St. Mary’s Collegiate Church, a 13th-century marvel, and the iconic Clock Gate Tower. Bask on sandy beaches, relish in seaside fun, or take a leisurely stroll along the bustling Youghal Eco Boardwalk with its breath-taking Atlantic vistas.
For those who crave an active escapade, Cork Bike Hire offers the perfect solution.
The Midleton Youghal Greenway will be 23km long on completion, converting an old railway line into a stunning pathway for cyclists and walkers. This trail links Youghal to Midleton, offering a peaceful and scenic journey through lush countryside, and past charming rural villages. The first phase, an 8km stretch from Midleton to Mogeely opened in March 2024. Notably, from December 2024 you can also enjoy the second phase of the Greenway, a delightful 10-kilometer stretch from Youghal to Killeagh, perfect for a scenic off road cycling experience amidst the natural beauty of the region.
Fancy taking to the roads – Cork Bike Hire recommends a few routes to nearby attractions. Visit four beaches in an hour, with awarded Blue Flag beaches like, Front Strand and Claycastle. Cycle to Knockadoon Head and enjoy its cliff walks or make the trip to Carewswood Garden Centre & Café. For those very comfortable cycling on road cross the county bounds to the historic village of Ardmore to take in its beach and cliff walk.
With a diverse fleet of bikes, you can seamlessly traverse the scenic Midleton-Youghal Greenway, explore quaint villages, and cycle through the rolling countryside of East Cork. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or simply in search of coastal beauty, biking offers the freedom to experience it all at your own pace.
Our Youghal Routes
Youghal to Killeagh section of Midleton Youghal Greenway – opening December 2024
Distance: 20km
- Level of Difficulty:
Easy, flat
- Suitable for:
All
- Track Level:
Just over 1 km on road to the Greenway trailhead from our store. The Greenway itself is an off road pathway specifically designed for pedestarians, cyclists and other non motorised transport.
- Local Treasures:
A Norman walled town home to - Youghal Eco Boardwalk; Collegiate Church of Saint Mary; Youghal Lighthouse; The Clock Gate Tower; Smoothies, icecream, milkshakes and coffee from Cork Bike Hire in Youghal.
Cycle through Ballyvergan Marsh - one of the largest natural reed beds in Europe.
Killeagh: Glenbower Wood, Children's playground, The Old Thatch Bar & Restaurant - Ireland’s Oldest Thatch Pub.
Looking forward to discovering more of these once this route opens
4 Beaches in an Hour – Front Strand, Claycastle, Redbarn & Pilmore
- Distance:
19km
- Level of Difficulty:
Easy, 3 gentle inclines.
- Suitable for:
Those comfortable cycling on road.
- Track Level:
The first 2km and final 2km are on the outskirts of Youghal town and the remainder of this route is on regional roads
- Local Treasures:
Youghal Lighthouse, 3 beaches in Youghal – Front Strand, Claycastle and Redbarn, the eco boardwalk from the Front Strand to Redbarn, the beach at Pilmore. Ballyvergan Marsh is one of the largest natural reed beds in Europe has long established plant and bird communities. Smoothies, icecream, milkshakes and coffee from Cork Bike Hire in Youghal.
Ardmore via Kinsalebeg Route
- Distance:
32km
- Level of Difficulty:
Moderate, mostly flat.
- Suitable for:
Those very confident cycling on a national road and able to cover the distance.
- Track Level:
The first 3km and final 3km are through the town and the remainder of this route is a mixture of a busy national road & quieter regional roads.
- Local Treasures:
Ardmore, a coastal village with picturesque homes & charming storefronts. Curragh Beach; Ardmore Cliff Walk; The Look Out; Ardmore Round Tower; St. Declan’s Well; St. Declan's Oratory; Ardmore Open Farm; Ardmore Sunday Market (Sunday’s June – Sept);The Cliff House Hotel; Ardmore Glamping Pods; Galleries & Shops.
Knockadoon Cliff Walks Route
- Distance:
35km
- Level of Difficulty:
Moderate, a couple of short hills
- Suitable for:
Those comfortable cycling on road and able to cover the distance.
- Track Level:
The first 2km and final 2km are on the outskirts of Youghal town and the remainder of this route is on regional roads
- Local Treasures:
Knockadoon Head looped walk, Knockadoon Youth Camp run by the Dominican Order, Knockadoon Pier and a signal tower dating back to 1803. Ring Strand a quiet secluded beach. The Lobster Pot Food Truck. Smoothies, icecream, milkshakes and coffee from Cork Bike Hire in Youghal.
Carewswood Garden Centre Route
- Distance:
36km
- Level of Difficulty:
Easy, 3 gentle inclines.
- Suitable for:
Those comfortable cycling on road and able to cover the distance.
- Track Level:
The first 2km and final 2km are on the outskirts of Youghal town and the remainder of this route is on regional roads
- Local Treasures:
Ballyvergan Marsh is one of the largest natural reed beds in Europe has long established plant and bird communities. Carewswood Garden Centre - it's Café had tasty brunch & lunch options. Hidden Sauna, Bridgefield. The Thatched Inn pub in Ladysbridge is a landmark in the village. A recent addition is Five Roads - a gourmet takeaway. Ightermurragh Castle ruins lies in a field to the east of Ladysbridge.
