GPS Cycle and Walking Routescycle iconwalk icon

Knockadoon Capel Way Cliff Walk

1.86 miles (3 km)

Open Streetmap This popular trail follows the Knockadoon Capel Way Cliff Walk near Youghal in County Cork.
The trail can be picked up just south of the town and includes some glorious views over Youghal Bay to the nearby Capel Island from Knockadoon Head. It's well maintained and includes a good sized car parking area at the start. You'll also pass the Copper Mine Picnic Area where you can relax and enjoy lunch with some fine views.
There's also the option of visiting the nearby Glenawilling Beach if you have time.
To continue your coastal walking in Cork, head west to try the Ballycotton Cliff Walk. The popular coastal walk runs from Ballycotton village to Ballyandreen along a wonderful cliff top path.

Knockadoon Cliff Walk Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

In Youghal there's the Youghal Beach Boardwalk to try. The popular walk follows a splendid long boardwalk connecting the 3 beaches of the town.
Head east and you can pick up the Ardmore Cliff Walk. The route includes more fabulous coastal views and begins at the noteworthy Cliff Hotel which includes a Michelin starred restaurant.
To the west of Youghal you can pick up the first section of the Midleton To Youghal Greenway. The shared cycling and walking trail will eventually run all the way to Youghal along the old railway line.

Photos

Capel island and Knockadoon Head and Headland - geograph.org.uk - 701099

Capel island & Knockadoon Head and Headland taken from Caliso Beach. View across Youghal Bay. Capel Island and Knockadoon Head were designated as a national nature reserve by the Irish government in 1985, covering an area of 354 acres (1.43 km²). Most of this area, 314 acres, is state-owned, while 40 acres remain in private hands. The reserve encompasses Capel Island, Knockadoon Head, and the surrounding marine area.
Knockadoon Head is notable for its historic signal tower, constructed in 1803 to monitor for possible French invasions during the Napoleonic Wars. The tower was abandoned in 1815 after the threat subsided. Visitors to the reserve can enjoy a looped cliff walk that offers stunning views of the coastline. In 2003, Knockadoon Head gained ornithological significance when a Hume's Warbler was recorded there, marking the first sighting of this bird species in Ireland. This adds to the area's appeal for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Knockadoon Harbour

Knockadoon Harbour

Ring Strand

Ring Strand

GPS Files

GPX File

Knockadoon Cliff Walk.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)