The sunny south coast

Whether you're coming for a short break or long, you've plenty of options.  There are two international airports in the Riviera, and two ferry points connecting to the UK and France. There are loads of scheduled flights and discount airlines that connect the riviera with all parts of Ireland, the UK the rest of Europe. 

The only part of the world that is not directly connected is the US (but direct flights to Cork are planned from 2006 onwards), and anyway Shannon airport is under 2 hours away. 

Location
On the map of Ireland you'll see the Irish Riviera runs across the south coast of Ireland - the warmest and sunniest of all the coasts. Please note that as the geographic centre of the Irish Riviera is Youghal, all directions are to and from Youghal. For exact directions to the other resorts please refer to our guides at the foot of this page.

The Irish Riviera is set between two international airports at Cork and Waterford. The main route that runs across the south of the country - the N25 - runs  through the area making it easy to find on any map of Ireland.

If you are arriving from the UK or France by ferry , then the terminal at Cork (Ringaskiddy) is just 40 minutes away. Rosslare, with its ferry links to Fishguard and Pembroke, can be reached in around 2 hours.

Remember that driving in the south of Ireland is usually stress free on uncrowded roads. A road map of Ireland is recommended, but not essential, as major routes are well marked, and free Irish maps are available at airports and on the ferries.

Directions
Cork Airport to Youghal (40 mins)
Exit the airport and turn left on the main roundabout. Proceed to the Kinsale roundabout staying in the right-hand lane. Proceed to take the 4th exit on the left sign posted N25 which will lead you to the Tunnel. Follow signs for Rosslare/Waterford. Proceed along the N25 for 25 minutes, through Castlemartyr and Killeagh. The next town is Youghal, and you will need to turn off the N25 at the first or second exit.

Cork Ferrypoint (Ringaskiddy) to Youghal (50 mins)
Exit the ferrypoint and turn right onto the N28 (sometimes marked R609). Proceed north until you reach the junction with the N25, and go East following signs for Rosslare. After you go under the tunnel, turn right at the roundabout onto the N25 again, following signs for Rosslare/Waterford. Proceed along the N25 for 25 minutes, through Castlemartyr and Killeagh. The next town is Youghal, and you will need to turn off the N25 at the first or second exit.

Waterford to Youghal (1hour)
To Youghal from the City of Waterford you should take the N25. As you approach Youghal you'll cross the spectacular Blackwater river, and shortly after you'll come upon a roundabout, turn left into Youghal.

Rosslare Harbour to Youghal (2 hours)
Reaching Youghal from Rosslare couldn't be simpler as you should take the N25 all the way , heading West. As you approach Youghal you'll cross the spectacular Blackwater river, and shortly after you'll come upon a roundabout, turn left into Youghal.