French Expedition Ship Le Bellot Makes Historic First Calls to Youghal and Ballycotton

• East Cork rolls out the red carpet as Le Bellot brings cruise tourism to Youghal and Ballycotton for the first time, marking a significant milestone in Cork County Council's expanding cruise portfolio.

The expedition ship Le Bellot made maritime history yesterday when it became the first cruise vessel to call at Youghal port, followed by today's inaugural visit to Ballycotton. The visits form part of Cork County Council's growing cruise tourism success, with 25 cruise calls scheduled across the county this year.

Yesterday's arrival in Youghal saw passengers greeted with proper Cork hospitality: the Town Crier, vintage era performers from the Cobh Heritage group, and traditional musicians from Brú na Sí created an atmosphere that had locals and visitors alike buzzing with excitement. Hundreds of residents lined the pier to welcome the predominantly French tourists arriving on the nine-day "Natural and Cultural Discoveries in Celtic Lands" itinerary.

The cruise visitors embraced both heritage and adventure during their East Cork stopover. Many explored Youghal's rich history through the immersive Voices of St. Mary's experience at the Collegiate Church, while others discovered the town's maritime past at the Clock Tower and the newly opened Lace Museum. French and English-speaking guides led walking tours through the historic town, ensuring no story was lost in translation.

For those seeking more active pursuits, e-bikes proved popular along the scenic Youghal to Midleton Greenway, whilst others opted for a more spirited afternoon with a visit to the renowned Midleton Distillery, where Cork's famous whiskey heritage came alive.

This morning's call to Ballycotton demonstrated how smaller harbours can perfectly accommodate expedition vessels like Le Bellot. The highlight for many French tourists was the boat trip to Ballycotton Lighthouse, offering spectacular views of the East Cork coastline. The famous Cliff Walk also drew visitors who mingled with locals, sharing stories about their Celtic voyage as the ship paused in the picturesque fishing village.

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During yesterday's Youghal visit, the Mayor of the County of Cork joined Cork County Council officials aboard Le Bellot for a formal gift exchange with the ship's Captain. Mayor Mary Linehan Foley stated:

"We are immensely proud to welcome a cruise ship to Youghal and showcase what makes County Cork so special to a growing number of international visitors. The fact that this ship will also visit Ballycotton provides a double boost for the local economy and tourism industry in the East Cork region. As Mayor of the County of Cork, I would like to commend all those involved in making this happen."

Councillor Rory Cocking led today's delegation in Ballycotton, presenting the Captain with a framed print of the harbour to commemorate the inaugural visit.

The Le Bellot's itinerary continues from Cork waters to Kinsale and Baltimore before heading to Wales and Northern Ireland. The ship's visits to Youghal and Ballycotton join successful repeat calls to Schull, Kinsale, and Bere Island, cementing Cork's reputation as Ireland's premier cruise destination outside Dublin.

Cork County Council staff at both ports ensured smooth operations, distributing maps and brochures to encourage return visits. Local businesses, from cafés to craft shops, reported brisk trade as visitors sought authentic Cork experiences and souvenirs.

The successful inaugural calls prove that Cork's smaller harbours can deliver world-class cruise experiences, combining authentic Irish welcome with the county's natural beauty and rich heritage. For Youghal and Ballycotton, yesterday and today mark the beginning of what promises to be a lucrative new chapter in their tourism stories.