Overview
The Cork Greenway is Ireland’s newest 23 km rail‑trail, stretching from the historic market town of Midleton to the coastal haven of Youghal. It follows the disused Cork‑Youghal railway line, offering a traffic‑free, off‑road experience for cyclists, walkers and families. The route threads through rolling farmland, native woodlands and charming villages, providing a seamless blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East.
History & Development
The idea of a greenway along the former Cork and Youghal Railway was first raised in the early 2000s. In July 2015 Irish Rail confirmed it would not reopen the line for trains but welcomed a greenway as a way to reduce maintenance costs while keeping the option to reinstate rail service in the future.
Funding of €15 million was secured in 2020, and work began in April 2020 despite pandemic‑related delays. The first 8 km section from Midleton to Mogeely opened in March 2024, giving locals a taste of the trail. The final 15 km stretch – Mogeely, Killeagh, Youghal – was officially opened on 19 December 2024.
In 2025 the Cork County Council received an additional €500 k from the national €7 m Greenways allocation to support ongoing maintenance and enhancements, such as the extensive native‑tree planting programme.
The greenway forms part of the EuroVelo 1 Atlantic Coast route, linking it to a continent‑wide network of cycle paths, and future plans envisage a connection to the proposed Cork‑to‑Kinsale Greenway, extending the active‑travel corridor further west.
Activities & Highlights
- Cycling & Walking – The fully paved surface is flat to gentle, making it suitable for road bikes, hybrid bikes, e‑bikes and even wheelchair users. Typical rides take 1.5‑2 hours; walkers often enjoy a leisurely 3‑hour stroll.
- Native Plantings – A significant programme of native tree and hedgerow planting enhances biodiversity, provides shade and creates seasonal colour.
- Heritage Stops – At the Youghal end, the heritage map guides visitors to the 18th‑century clock tower, sections of the medieval town walls and the remains of Templemichael Castle.
- Food & Drink – Grab a coffee at Connect Coffee in Killeagh, sample artisan cheeses and fresh bread at the Youghal Community Market (open Saturday mornings), or treat yourself at the Jameson Distillery visitor centre in Midleton.
- River Cruise – Blackwater River cruises depart from Youghal, offering a different perspective of the estuary and nearby historic sites.
- Photography & Birdwatching – The mix of farmland, woodlands and coastal scenery provides excellent opportunities for wildlife photography, especially during spring migration.
Getting There & Practical Information
Access points – Trailheads are located at Midleton Station, Mogeely, Killeagh and the MacCurtainstown car park in Youghal. All are sign‑posted and provide free parking.
Public transport – Midleton is served by regular Irish Rail services from Cork city (approximately 20 minutes). Youghal is reachable by Bus Éireann routes 232 and 236 from Cork and Waterford, and by the N25 road for drivers.
Bike hire – Cork Bike Hire operates in both Midleton and Youghal, offering traditional and electric bikes. Bikes can be collected and returned at either end of the trail.
Facilities – Restrooms are available at Midleton Station, Killeagh (near Connect Coffee) and the Youghal car park. Picnic tables and benches appear roughly every 2 km. The path is lit at major junctions for early‑morning or evening use.
Accessibility – The surface is smooth and level, making the route wheelchair‑friendly and suitable for families with pushchairs.
Safety – As a dedicated off‑road corridor, the greenway is traffic‑free. Signage alerts users to road‑crossing points and provides distance markers.
Opening hours – Open year‑round, free to use.
Beyond the Greenway
- Jameson Distillery, Midleton – Guided tours reveal the whiskey‑making process and include tastings.
- Fota Wildlife Park – A 10‑minute drive from Midleton brings you to one of Europe’s premier animal sanctuaries.
- Cobh – The historic port town, home to the Titanic Experience, is a short drive away.
- Future extensions – Plans are under way for a Cork‑to‑Kinsale Greenway, which will eventually link the Midleton‑Youghal route with the south‑west greenway network.