Cork County Council has granted licences that will facilitate the first guided walking tours of Spike Island commencing this weekend. The boat will be operated by Cobh based Marine Transport Services Ltd. and the tour will be led by historian Michael Martin of the Titanic Trail.

It is expected that the first boat capable of carrying 70 passengers will leave from Kennedy Pier in the centre of Cobh at 2pm on Saturday 31st July and will operate again on Sunday. Fares will be €12.50 per adult with children under 8 travelling free and a family rate of €30 will also be available. Tickets will be available on a first come first served basis from the ticket office at the entrance to Kennedy Pier.

This first step in the process to open Spike Island up to the people is warmely welcomed by Cobh Tourism. "Spike Island is another uique and compelling reason to visit Cobh and see all that Cobh and Cork Harbour has to offer", commented Cobh Tourism Chairman Hendrick Verwey. "The fascinating history of Spike Island and its immense potential will be seen in its raw state and told by one of the foremost authorities on Spike Island's history", he continued.

Cobh Golf Club has successfully completed the transition to its new Par 72, 18-hole Championship Course at Marino Point, Cobh, Co. Cork, Ireland. 

The new "Marino Point" Championship Golf Course boasts stunning views over the Cork Inner Harbour and the neighbouring estuary.

World-renowned golf course architects Hawtree Ltd, designed the course. The greens & tees have been constructed to USGA standard throughout, including the signature '10^th Hole', Munster's only "genuine" Island Green

On Monday, 26 July 2010, the Official Opening will be held with a "Golf and Fun Day" for all golf enthusiasts and their families. The Opening Day will be a family event that is not to be missed.

The Club is proud having secured the presence of defending Irish Open Champion, Shane Lowry. Plans are that Shane will play a 9-hole demonstration set on the new course and also hold a "Golf Clinic" which will include a 20 minute lesson for two lucky junior golfers. All junior golfers, present on the day, will be entered into a free draw and the winners will be announced on the day.

For non-golfers, there will be plenty of entertainment, including music, barbecue and refreshments. A play-zone for kids and lots of different fun-games will make sure that young and old will be kept entertained. The program will also include a charitable "Closest-to-Pin ball drop competition" whose receipts will be halved by the Club and Cobh's "Community Center".

For all info on the Club, booking of tee times, and updates on the schedule of the Opening Day, please call to the website at www.cobhgolfclub.ie/, ask for info via email info@cobhgolfclub.ie, or simply call Morgan, Elaine or Caroline the office on  021 4812399.

Youghal's first ever dedicated Family Festival will take place in the stunning seaside town on Friday 16^th Saturday 17^th  & Sunday 18^th July 2010.

Inspired by Youghal and its surrounding areas' official designation by Failte Ireland as a "Family Fun" destination, tourism product providers in the area have organised a weekend of fun-packed FREE activities and entertainment for all the family! Event organisers are hoping to capitalise on the prospect of more families holidaying in Ireland this Summer; with recent independent research carried out for Failte Ireland, indicating that as many as eight out of ten families will take a holiday at home this year.

The opening event; a "Mardi-Gras" Parade on Friday night promises a world of colour and spectacle throughout the town.  Saturday will feature the finest of local produce in the Family Food Festival in Market Square.  The highlight of the entire weekend however will be the crowning of Youghal's very own "Queen of the Sea", generously sponsored by local businesses; Claycastle Recording Studios and The Seahunter Charter Boat. 

This festival will feature a non-stop programme of events including children's storytelling, sandcastle building and crab-catching competitions.   The sound of music will fill the streets with children's busking sessions and interactive children's dance workshops.  Sunday 18^th July is Funday.  "Greenpark" in the centre of the town will come alive from 12.00 -4.00 pm with mayhem sure to ensue in the 'Fastest Daddy Competition', 'The Walter Raleigh Spud & Spoon Race' and 'The Teddy Bear Hospital'. 

Speaking about the upcoming festival, Chairperson of the organising committee, Sal Tivy of Perks Entertainment centre commented: "We have certainly struck gold we believe here in Youghal again.   We will be hosting one of the biggest Family Fun Festivals imaginable in July from 16^th - 18^th.   The wonderful thing about this festival however is that there is fun for families aged from one to one hundred!   And most importantly almost all events in the festival are free.  We look forward to welcoming family visitors to our beautiful town where we will guarantee a fun-filled weekend.  We are also thrilled that any proceeds raised from our "Queen of the Sea" Competition will go to the hugely deserving "Childline" Charity. 

Seventy-six Irish beaches and marinas have been awarded Blue Flag status for this summer season. This is the lowest number since 2000 when 72 flags were awarded. 77 flags were awarded last year while 80 were awarded in 2008. Minister for the Environment John Gormley said the loss of the flags this year was disappointing "I would hope that we will see improvements in water quality at these beaches in the very near future and the early return of Blue Flags," he said.

However, it wasn't all bad news - Cork increased by two to 12 this year, having regained its flag for Claycastle, Youghal. Youghal also won a new Blue Flag for the Redbarn beach. It has been a East Cork as Garryvoe was awarded a Blue Flag again this year!

For more information on Blue Flag Awards see www.beachawards.ie

Following the massive success of the first Carrigtwohill's Medieval Festival and Country Fair last year, the 2010 Festival promises even more excitement for all the family. The event is set to take place on the 3rd & 4th July and will showcase country life at its best, featuring an eclectic mixture of fun and entertainment and bringing the traditions of the Irish countryside to life.

The vibrancy of days gone by will be presented in the Medieval Village, with archery, jousting knights on horseback, medieval sports for kids and a display by the Fingal Living History Society. The battlegrounds from the not so distant past will be re-enacted by the Munster Vehicle re-enactment group. This promises to be a great spectacle with a real live WW2 battle, complete with explosives and machine gun fire - suitably backed up by performances from the Army Band! The Irish Coastguard Historic Society will also be exhibiting on both days of the event.

Included in the line up of Country Fair traditions are horticulture shows, country games, dog and pony shows, cookery demonstrations and baking the bastible. There will also be a food and craft market offering a variety of local food specialties, as well as arts and crafts for sale. The sporting side of country life will be presented with falconry, clay pigeon shooting and gun dog training exhibitions. All creatures great and small will feature at the Fair from small farm animals to champion bulls, along with alpaca's and donkeys from the donkey sanctuary. There will be Irish dancing and live music performances throughout the Festival and the entertainment for children will include pony rides, puppeteers, face painting, kiddies' rides, bouncing castles and a fun fair.

The organising committee is supported by the entire local community in Carrigtwohill, many of whom act as volunteer's for the event. Heading the group is chairman, Vincent Cashman, who also happens to be a very talented falconer, featuring in the Festival programme himself. "We are most fortunate to have the backing from the locals here in Carrigtwohill,"said Vincent. The event brings us all together and really creates something special in our community, not alone in re-creating a true Irish experience, but also in giving us a chance to have some real fun together -along with the hard work! I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our supporters and sponsors, especially Terence O'Brien on whose land the event takes place, to South East Cork Area Development for their continued support and to 96 FM, our media sponsor.

Last year, the Medieval Festival and Country Fair attracted a cross section of field sports enthusiasts, city dwellers, locals and visitors from near and afar who enjoyed the outstanding range of countryside attractions and family entertainment. The Festival features the best in wholesome fun and is an event where families can spend the day together and share experiences not to be found anywhere else - along with an opportunity to learn more about outdoor pursuits and our cultural traditions.

Midleton Food Festival gets the green light from Rachel Allen

With entertainment is in his blood, then who better than festival chairman, Count John McCormack, grandson of the world famous Irish tenor, to promise great entertainment. "Fun and entertainment are central to the event," remarked John. "Children can really enjoy the day, with the face painting, puppet shows, balloon artists and jugglers. You will also see people of all ages in fits of laughter watching the Waiters Race, when our local waiters battle it out to win - while precariously balancing trays full of drinks!"

The Midleton Food and Drink Festival brings a great influx of visitors into the town.  With over 50 fresh food and drink stalls, it presents a wonderful selection of tastes and aromas.  Special Festival Menus will also be offered at participating restaurants.  Other features will include craft displays and the ever popular East Cork Camera Club's exhibition, which is always sure to show some of the hidden treasure in East Cork. The main sponsor of the festival is Market Green. "We are most grateful for the sponsorship of Market Green this year, and with the continuing support from Failte Ireland, the Midleton and Area Chamber of Commerce, South and East Cork Area Development and our media sponsor, 96FM." remarked John.

"Tomatoes and oregano make it Italian, wine and tarragon make it French, sour cream makes it Russian, lemon and cinnamon make it Greek, Soy sauce makes it Chinese - and Midleton just makes food great!"

The wardens in Fota Wildlife Park are celebrating the birth of a giraffe calf Aoife, the first giraffe born in the park since July 4th 2008.

This however was no ordinary birth in the park as Aoifes mother Roisin is also a grandmother to three other giraffes in the park making Aoife an auntie. Head Warden at the park Willie Dufy added that there was a huge sigh of relief on the arrival,"with Roisin being 19 we were worried about her giving birth and how the stress would impact both on her but also on the little calf but she coped very well."

Roisin had carried Aoife for an incredible 15 months and like all giraffe mothers gave birth to Aoife whilst standing. This meant that the first experience Aoife had was a 6ft drop to the ground.

Although giraffes are more commonly known for living in Africa, the wardens at the park like to name the Cork born giraffes with Irish names. "We like tradition in the park and it was decided in the early days of the park that we would give our giraffes Irish names so Aoife Joins mum Roisin and dad Tadhg in continuing that tradition" added Mr Duffy.

The last giraffe calf born in the park was Aoifes brother Finn who will be two years old in July. Despite the rare occurrence this is Roisins eight calf which is a remarkable achievement considering how endangered the Rothschild Giraffe is today.

Aoife now becomes the youngest of a herd of Rothschild giraffe at Fota Wildlife Park, which are one of nine races of giraffe found in Africa.  Exterminated from much of their former habitat, they can now be seen in western Kenya and eastern Uganda.

East Cork Tourism Supporting
REDISCOVER CORK
Cork City Hall on Saturday March 6th 2010
12.00pm to 4:00pm
Who says theres nothing to do in Cork

At East Cork Tourism, we are fully supporting a grass roots movement which has set out to remind the general public of the vast array of things to do, see, and enjoy in county Cork this year.  The REDISCOVER CORK idea was developed by the South West group of individuals who participated in the Failte Ireland Tourism Learning Network program, 2009.  Their goal was to have a showcase event that was geared to the general public  to perhaps remind them of places they havent been to for years, or give them ideas for places to go with their family or friends.

The event will be at the Cork City Hall on Saturday March 6th 2010
      From 12.00pm - 4:00pm

It is vital that East Cork makes its mark at this event and as such we are hoping that as many East Cork Tourism members will take part.    Attractions, restaurants, activity centres, or other organizations are urged to participate.   This is a very low cost event  only €20 per participator to cover the cost of renting tables, etc.  Each participant will be given as much space as possible, depending on the number of entries. 
Each participant will be expected to provide give-aways or free-bees on the day.  This could be free samples, special offers, vouchers, etc.  Many of these will be distributed by you at your stand. 

A main prize-draw will also be made up from the best of the give-aways we collect.  So put your thinking caps on to find the best way to promote your product.  The full list of contacts will be given to each participant after the event.

You will also be expected to do their share to help market this event if you are participating.  You will be sent a marketing pack with posters and fliers in PDF format.  You will be asked to print these and distribute them in your local attraction or nearby community.  You will also be sent advertisements that you can place on your websites or face book pages.

This is your chance to remind everyone of all that is great about Cork!

To register for this event contact:
Tom Fannon
Fota House, Carrigtwohill, Cork
tom@irishheritagetrust.ie
T:  021-4908840     M:  086-1200848

East Cork Tourism today announced details of its third annual East Cork Familiarisation Trip which will take place in a series of venues throughout East Cork on Wednesday 3rd March 2010.
The Familiarisation Trip is open to members of East Cork Tourism, tourist office employees from throughout the region along with members of Failte Ireland South West.   In previous years, this event has provided an excellent opportunity for many hoteliers, accommodation and activity providers to experience at firsthand what the region has to offer.  The aim of the trip to enable tourism providers  to sell on fellow members products and services,  by keeping the visitor in the region for a longer time period and in turn generate more revenue for the region. 
This years event kicks off with a nearest the pin competition on the 10th Hole, Par 3, Island Green at the stunning new Cobh Golf Course, East Cork Tourisms newest member, before continuing on to tour Fota House Arboretum and Gardens.  Next on the route is The Courtyard Gallery, Midleton, who celebrate 10 years in business this year.  Lunch is provided compliments of The Castlemartyr Resort Golf Club, before heading to Youghal for a trip along the Blackwater River with Aquatrek Sea Skills. The day will conclude with a visit to Pat Lynchs stunning Foxes Lane Museum in Youghal.
Commenting on the 2009 trip, David Fitzgibbon of Ahernes Seafood Restaurant, Youghal acknowledged East Cork has so much to offer and experiencing it at first hand gives us the confidence and knowledge to recommend the attractions we visited to our guests. 
For more details on East Cork Tourism and its wonderful  visitor attractions; log onto www.eastcorktourism.com and for more details on East Cork Tourism contact Elga at South and East Cork Area Development on tel: 021 4613432 or email: eryan@secad.ie

Youghal Chamber of Tourism & Commerce will host the 2nd Annual Tourism Networking Showcase in The Walter Raleigh Hotel, Youghal, on Saturday 27th February 2010.

With tourism now officially the number one industry in Youghal, the event is set to provide a timely boost to product providers in the area.  Following on the success of the inaugural event in 2009 which saw over forty product providers and event organisers take part; organisers have decided to expand the event, by opening it to the general public.  The event will coincide with the official launch of Failte Ireland’s ‘Family Fun’ Brochure and website for Youghal which a vast number of Tourism Providers took part in.

Speaking about the showcase Aileen Ahern Manager of The Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group explained its purpose: In 2009 we knew if we brought people together it could be the start of people really working together, - developing joint packages, making referrals, all with the intention of keeping tourists  in the area that bit longer, and spending more money here.  This type of approach leads to a win-win situation all round, and the concept worked.  This year however, we are  also inviting members of the public to come along and see just exactly what wonderful products and value is to be found right on their own doorsteps.

The Showcase will once again feature product providers from throughout East Cork and West Waterford, recognising Youghals geographic position and natural base for tourists visiting both regions. 

Youghal Chamber of Tourism & Commerce is still accepting entries to the event. So if you are an accommodation provider, activity & leisure provider, art and cultural organisation or event organiser from the area, make sure you are featured at this hugely important event.  Please register your interest before Friday 12th February 2010 by email to  info@youghalchamber.ie by telephone to (024) 92447.

On Friday, 29  January, acclaimed tenor Ryan Morgan will be making a return visit to Fota House and singing a selection of songs including classical, musical theatre and art songs.   These will include pieces by Handel, Vaughn Williams, Puccini, Elgar, Lloyd Webber, Rodgers & Hammerstein and Di Capua.
Ryan will be accompanied by well known pianist Bebhinn ni Mheara and supported by guest musician, violinist David McElroy.
Ryan is a tenor originally from Merthyr Tydfil in South Wales but now based in Cobh.  His teachers are the acclaimed Robert Alderson and Bobby Beare.
Ryan has sung with Cork Opera 2005, Dowlais Male Voice Choir, the Greenwich University Musical Society and Cobh Cathedral Choir.  He has sung at numerous prestigious local venues including Fota House, Ballymaloe, the Sirius Arts Centre and the Mall Theatre, Youghal.  Recently he sang with the Brass Band of An Garda Siochana in Bandon and as a tenor soloist for Handel’s Messiah in Killeagh.
For all music lovers, this is an evening not to be missed and as is customary at Fota House, a complimentary glass of wine or soft drinks will be served at the interval.
Venue: Fota House     Time:   8.00 p.m.
Date:  Friday 29 January    Tickets: €20.00
To book contact Fota House : 021 4815543.    Pre-booking essential

Explore the COBH WEDDING TRAIL and enjoy an afternoon of adventure in this spectacular cathedral town while designing your own special wedding day!  Take the "Wedding Express Train" from Cork to Cobh, departing at 1:00 from Kent Station, Cork on Sunday 29 November and discover the hidden treasures that await you on the Great Island to assist you in planning a wedding experience that you will treasure forever. Whether it be a civil ceremony or a more traditional affair in one of the picturesque churches, Cobh has the ideal venue for you!

This event is more than a wedding faire - this is a MAGICAL MYSTERY TRIP that will delight your senses and match your bridal needs with the professionals that have the expertise to create your dream day.  Claire Cullinane, owner of Illusive Model Agency and Ireland’s premiere fashion professional will be your hostess for the day, taking you on a tour of six select wedding venues on the GREAT ISLAND, featuring a progressive fashion show, a host of select wedding entertainment, wine and food tastings.

Beginning with the unique "Wedding Express" Train from Cork to Cobh you will be accompanied by our sophisticated Bride and her entourage!   Celebrate with them as you travel the edge of Cork Harbour to Cobh Town Centre where your first stop on the COBH WEDDING TRAIL will be the Sirius Arts Centre, housed in the historic Old Yacht Club Building - one of Ireland's premiere locations for Civil Ceremonies, then follow the trail to the exclusive Watersedge Hotel for another glimpse of harbour side wedding possibilities.  The Wedding Shuttle will next take you to party central! The Crow's Nest in Rushbrooke, one of Cobh's newest restaurants. The next stop on the trail is one of the Great Island's special treasures, the picturesque Marlogue Inn.  Returning to center of Cobh you get an up close and personal view of Cobh's new gourmet bistro, Gilberts and complete your day in the grand atmosphere of the Commodore Hotel.

At each venue you will have the opportunity to meet top bridal professionals, view the latest in contemporary and traditional bridal fashion and sample the cream of local entertainment!   The Cobh Wedding Trail will be highlighted with a weeklong promotion on 96 FM's Steve Haze show which will include a competition throughout the week featuring the grand prize of a unique bridal dress or outfit for any member of the bridal party created by top Irish fashion designer and Cobh native, Ernest Perryman. 

Over 50 businesses are involved in this cooperative event, showcasing the best that Cobh has to offer. Culminating at the Commodore Hotel for a grand finale with all participants, entertainers and the latest fashions, giving perspective brides and bridegrooms the opportunity to create their once in a lifetime wedding day extravaganza! 

More information to follow shortly, tickets for the Wedding Express train will be available for purchase from Iarnrod Eireann from their website at www.irishrail.ie  for €5 return trip SOON.  Reception for the Wedding Train begins at 12:30pm and departing the station at 1:00pm.  A return trip will deliver you safely back to Kent station in the evening.

Jungle V.I.P Arrives in Time for Jazz Weekend at Fota

Fota Wildlife Park are delighted to announce the birth of a Lion Tailed Macaque and to celebrate they have a weekend of jazz lined up.

The Lion Tailed Macaque is a critically endangered species that hails from the Western Ghat Mountains in India. The birth of this macaque adds to the successful breeding programme at Fota Wildlife Park which has seen other critically endangered animals such as Scimitar Horned Oryx and European Bison giving birth in 2009.

As the arrival of the macaque coincides with the Cork Jazz Festival, Fota Wildlife Park has put together a feast of activities to celebrate their new Jungle VIP.  Head of Marketing at Fota Wildlife Park, Stephen Ryan added "we are thrilled to be announcing another birth at the park; the lion tailed macaques are one of 11 primates that we have at Fota. Primates are known for swinging so with it being the Cork Jazz Festival we are organising a special primate weekend. We have music on each day between 3 and 5 plus face painting and talks all taking a monkey theme".

Amongst the musicians lined up to play at the park over the weekend is Detroit bass guitarist Jerome Rimson. Jerome is renowned the world over and has played with Van Morrison, Freddie Mercury and Phil Lynott over musical career which has spanned four decades. You can get full details of all the weekends' activities on www.fotawildlife.ie/events

Cobh set to Rock to the Blues
Over 22 bands to play at 13 different venues over 3 days!
Cobh will come alive to the rhythm of Blues Rock Music when the Cobh Blues Experience kicks into action on the 25th 26th & 27th September 2009.
Twenty two local and international bands will be taking part in the festival, playing live Blues Rock music, such as Eric Clapton and Rory Gallagher favourites, at thirteen different locations in the town. The three day event is being sponsored by Guinness.
In what promises to be a great weekend of entertainment, free music gigs will take place, both in the afternoon and the evening, at the following venues: Jack Doyle's, The Well House, The Rob Roy, Mauretania, Ryan's Bar, Tarrant's Bar, Kelly's Bar, O'Shea's at the Commodore, The Quays Bar, The Waters Edge Hotel, Bella Vista, The Village Inn and The Crows Nest.
Following the success of the inaugural Cobh Blues Experience in 2008, the Cobh Blues Club was formed. Five of the bands in the line up of this year's entertainment are members of the Club. To encourage young musicians in the town, part of this year's programme will include a music workshop on Saturday morning, organised by the Cobh Blues Club. This will take place at the Sirius Arts Centre and those taking part will play live music on the Bandstand from 2 to 5.30 p.m. with the Cobh Blues Club performers.   

Headlines at the Commodore Hotel on Friday and Saturday will see Arcadia plus James O'Mahoney and The Totalers performing from 11 pm till late. Performers at the other festival venues include Aaron Curtis from London, the Tom Cats from Killarney and the Blues Brother style music performed by the Swinging Blue Cats from Kilkenny. Also included in the line up will be Ted Cramer, Azzuro, Padraig Parker, Remedy, McGill, John & Barry, the Red Bloosters, the Young Once, the Vipers, J&B Rox, Scruffy, Sound Affairs, Rumbleshack, Dr. Dec & The Side Effects, the Uncle Alberts Rupp Band, the Cobh Blues Club and the well know Israeli Blues musicians, the Valdeman Trio.
 
Saturday is the Family Fun Day on the Promenade, with a Farmers Market plus free entertainment for children. This will include bouncy castles, balloon artists and face painting - and of course the workshop performers live on the bandstand. If the weather should be inclement, everything will move into the Jack Doyle room at the Commodore.
The Cobh Blues Experience - a true musical feast!
A full programme of events available on the web site www.cobhcalls.com  and on www.cobhbluesfestival.com

All-Aboard The Midleton Fashion Express

First ever Fashion Train from Cork to Midleton- in Aid of Temple Street Children's Hospital.

Iarnrod Eireann, Rail Gourmet and Midleton & Area Chamber of Commerce is delighted to be involved with the first ever Fashion Express Train from Cork to Midleton on Tuesday, 8th September 2009.

The Fashion Show, which is being run by Illusive Agency and Midleton Boutiques & Businesses, is in Aid of Temple Street Children's Hospital.

Guests can enjoy a pre-departure champagne reception prior to departing Kent Station, Cork on The Midleton Fashion Express Train at 19.15hrs.

The Midleton Fashion Express Train will also serve Little Island Station (19.20hrs) and Carrigtwohill Station (19.30hrs) arriving in Midleton at 19.38hrs.

On arrival at Midleton Station, guests will be transferred directly to the Midleton Park Hotel, where the Fashion Show is scheduled to commence at 20.00hrs.

After the Fashion Show, buses will transfer guests back to Midleton Station, to join the 22.45hrs Midleton to Cork train.

Tickets cost €25.00 and to make a booking:

Log Onto        WWW.IRISHRAIL.IE

Youghal Medieval Festival Re-Scheduled for Sunday 30th August 2009

The country's largest free Medieval Festival has been re-scheduled to take place on Sunday 30th August 2009 in Greepark Youghal. Originally due to take place on Sunday  23rd August,  severe weather warnings forced organisers to postpone the event. Events are planned to coincide with The Irish Walled Towns Network celebrations of National Heritage Week.

"We made a decision to postpone once we received the severe weather warnings for the weekend, so we've rescheduled the event for this Sunday 30th August," said Catherine Desmond of the organising committee.   "The 'Medieval Quarter' will still feature archery displays, medieval re-enactments, medieval cookery displays and we have more kid's entertainment than ever before.  This is a free event and we are confident of producing the biggest and best festival to date", Catherine commented.

This year the event will take place at a new location in the town in Greenpark which will be transformed into a 'Medieval Village'.  Youghal's Municipal Heritage Committee - the organisers behind the event, expect in excess of 6,000 visitors to visit the holiday town providing a much appreciated boost to the local economy.

Celebrations will kick off at 12.00pm in the 'Medieval Quarter' and will feature 'Norman Knights' and Vikings undertake afull weaponry and fighting display.  Medieval cookery displays as well as fully choreographed combative scenes will also be a feature and will demand full audience interaction.

The 'Kids Kingdom' is always a guaranteed favourite and this year the highlight promises to be 'Mumbo Jumbo's' Circus Workshop.  Kids of all ages can learn how to stilt-walk or ride a unicycle!  With one of the largest bouncing castles in all of Cork on the day, face-painters, balloon modelling, puppet shows, colouring competitions, fancy dress competitions and everyone's favourite Prince August Toy Soldier Factory smiles on faces are guaranteed throughout the day. 

Visitors will once again have a chance to savour the delights of the extensive range of stalls on 'Maid Marion's Food & Craft Fair, - hosted by top quality traders and producers from throughout Cork City and County.  The 'band stand' at Greenpark will play host to a live music and dance spectacle throughout the day with performances by local bands and artists with Community Radio Youghal on hand to only add to the atmosphere!

Youghal Medieval Fun Day takes place in Greenpark, Youghal, on Sunday 30th August 2009 from 12.00pm - 6.00pm.   For further details contact: Youghal's Municipal Heritage Committee on: 024 - 20530, email: youghalheritage@mail.com  or log onto www.youghal.ie

Contact:
Aileen Ahern
Tourism & Marketing Development Officer,
Youghal
Tel:  0861703128/ 024 20530

Medieval Madness as Youghal Begins Festival Countdown!

Excitement is beginning to mount as the countdown begins to the country's largest Free Medieval Festival in Greenpark, Youghal on Sunday 23rd August 2009.  Events are planned to coincide with The Irish Walled Towns Network celebrations of National Heritage Week.

"This event is all about bringing Heritage to Life.  Once again this is a free event, and we have worked at producing what we believe will be the biggest and best festival to date," said Catherine Desmond of the organising committee.   "The 'Medieval Quarter' will feature archery displays, medieval re-enactments, medieval cookery displays, and we have more kid's entertainment than ever before."

This year the event will take place at a new location in the town in Greenpark which will be transformed into a 'Medieval Village'.  Youghal's Municipal Heritage Committee - the organisers behind the event, expect in excess of 6,000 visitors to visit the holiday town providing a much appreciated boost to the local economy.

Celebrations will kick off at 12.00pm in the 'Medieval Quarter' and will feature 'Norman Knights' and Vikings undertake a full weaponry and fighting display.  Medieval cookery displays as well as fully choreographed combative scenes will also be a feature and will demand full audience interaction!  A wonderful theatrical Shakespearian Theatrical performance will take place on the day, guaranteed to bring passion, colour and excitement to an action-packed day.

The 'Kids Kingdom' is always a guaranteed favourite and this year the highlight promises to be 'Mumbo Jumbo's' Circus Workshop.  Kids of all ages can learn how to stilt-walk or ride a unicycle!  With one of the largest bouncing castles in all of Cork on the day, face-painters, balloon modelling, puppet shows, colouring competitions, fancy dress competitions and everyone's favourite Prince August Toy Soldier Factory smiles on faces are guaranteed throughout the day.  Visitors will once again have a chance to savour the delights of the extensive range of stalls on 'Maid Marion's Food & Craft Fair, - hosted by top quality traders and producers from throughout Cork City and County.  The 'band stand' at Greenpark will play host to a live music and dance spectacle throughout the day with performances by local bands and artists with Community Radio Youghal on hand to only add to the atmosphere!

Youghal Medieval Fun Day takes place in Greenpark, Youghal, on Saturday 23rd August 2009 from 12.00pm - 6.00pm.   For further details contact: Youghal's Municipal Heritage Committee on: 024 - 20530, email: youghalheritage@mail.com  or log onto www.youghal.ie

Contact:
Aileen Ahern
Tourism & Marketing Development Officer,
Youghal
Tel:  0861703128/ 024 20530

A brand new pilot initiative is being launched this week, which will see all of Cobh's festivals and events pulling together to help each other out, under a collective joint banner 'Cobh Calls'. 

Cobh comes alive every summer with music and song, entertainment and fun for all the family with many festive events taking place. Under the auspices of SECAD, this pilot scheme is being launched to bring existing tourism related events together to support each other in whatever practical way possible. Much like the Cork Midsummer Festival, this will be through co-promotion and a reduction of their existing promotional costs, such as fliers. 
 
The initiative is being coordinated by Kathleen Geary, CEO Cobh & Harbour Chamber of Commerce, and the promotional aspects are being project managed by Margot Mulcahy. President of the Cobh and Harbour Chamber, Michael Martin, noted. "There is always something going on in Cobh to entertain you, with several annual festivals, plus 54 cruise liner visits this year alone! All our major events include Farmers Markets, musical entertainment and family fun. Added to that is all the rest that Cobh has to offer. We have ongoing carillon recitals at St Colman's Cathedral, galleries and exhibitions to browse through, history to be explored, activities such as sailing, golf, boat trips and walking tours - plus the best food and Irish craic to be found anywhere!"

A broader aspect of this SCEAD project is to directly increase the number of local businesses, particularly local food and crafts, participating in these events and promoting their products on the streets. Local businessman, Peter Kidney, has had a major role to play in bringing local artisans to all of Cobh's festive events with a fine selection of local foods and craft stalls.

Cobh Calls includes the Cobh Peoples Regatta on 14th to 16th August - the oldest and best regatta in Ireland; the Summer Swing Series of free musical entertainment on the promenade on the 30th Aug and 5th September; Australia Day on August 23rd -where Cobh welcome the Dawn Princess all the way from Down Under; the Cobh Blues Experience from September 25th to 27th - when Cobh comes alive to the rhythm of the blues, and the Cobh International Deep Sea Angling Festival 31st August -4th September.

Many events have already place in the town this season, particularly the "Summer Swing Series," which features over 22 free concerts performed on the beautifully restored bandstand in Kennedy Park. The Cobh Peoples Regatta will also take place shortly from the 14th to 16th August. However, this collective initiative is seen as a first step to taking a positive stand in working   together for the future promotion of festivals and events plus food and craft businessess in the town.

The 2009 Cobh Calls scheme will see a collective promotional mini booklet plus a new web site, www.cobhcalls.com , which will go live shortly. The web site will give full details of all festivals and events taking place in the town.  A blogspot for Cobh Calls has also been set up for updates on events http://cobhcalls.blogspot.com 
     ENDS

For further information, contact Margot Mulcahy 086 8045468 margotmulcahy@gmail.com

Ballymaloe House

Enjoy an evening of Music in Ballymaloe House on Sunday, July 5th at 8pm.
Karin Leitner - An international Flautist accompanied by with Teresa O'Donnell.
Also Featuring Local Magic including;
Deirdre Casey, Orla McCarthy & Paddy & Eddie Powell.

T: 021 4652531/ 083-3631468
E: res@ballymaloe.ie

Fota Wildlife Park is delighted to announce that their latest couple, a male and female Red Panda, are really hitting it off.

The male Panda aged 9 was introduced to the female Panda, aged 3, just three weeks ago and since then the pair have been showing really positive signs of bonding.

Speaking at Fota Wildllife Park, Warden Tony O’Dwyer said: " We have introduced the pair in the hope that they will breed, and we are really pleased to see that they are showing a great interest in each other.

Since his arrival he has been behaving like a typical male who knows what he wants! He has been following her around and likes to get close to her. We are delighted to report that it appears that she is reciprocating these feelings.

We look forward to welcoming all of our visitors over the spring and summer months to see the pair.

Texas Holdem Heats at Perks Entertainment Centre

Irish Classical Guitarist Redmond O Toole commences his nationwide concert tour at Fota House

Date:         Wednesday 4th February 2009
Time:        8.00 p.m.                     Tickets:    €20.00

To Book contact Fota House 021 4815543 between 10.00 a.m. and 2.00 p.m.
Monday to Friday.  As numbers are limited, pre-booking is essential.

To book tickets for this lecture contact Sirius at (021) 481 3790 or contact us at cobharts@iol.ie