Historic DC-3 Aircraft Leads Spectacular Flyover of East Cork Coastline
Vintage DC-3 aircraft thrills East Cork as Swiss pilots showcase our stunning coastline in style.
Swiss aviators treated East Cork to a memorable aerial display on Thursday as a fleet of vintage aircraft, led by an 83-year-old DC-3, traced a scenic route from Cork Airport to Waterford and back, passing directly over Garryvoe beach and Ballycotton village.
The impressive formation featured three private aircraft piloted by Swiss guests staying at The Bayview in Ballycotton, who brought their collection of five aircraft to experience Irish hospitality from both ground and sky. The star of the show was undoubtedly the metallic DC-3, resplendent in its vintage Swissair livery, which sparkled in the sunshine as it made its approach.
Local residents and beachgoers were treated to not one but two opportunities to witness the spectacle, as the aircraft completed their round-trip journey between Cork and Waterford airports. The sight of the historic plane passing over Garryvoe's golden sands and the picturesque village of Ballycotton drew crowds of delighted onlookers.
Stephen Belton, Managing Director of The Garryvoe and Bayview hotels:
"To share our stunning coastline from Garryvoe to Ballycotton in such a spectacular way is a memory I will always cherish."
The appearance of the DC-3 over Cork skies carried special significance for aviation enthusiasts. When Cork Airport first opened its doors in 1961, this very model of aircraft was a regular sight, operated by both Aer Lingus and Cambrian Airways. The workhorse of its era could accommodate up to 32 passengers before Aer Lingus retired the type from their fleet in 1964.
The Swiss pilots, who chose East Cork as their Irish base, demonstrated the enduring appeal of vintage aviation whilst showcasing the dramatic beauty of the Cork coastline. Their choice to stay at The Bayview in Ballycotton, with its sister property The Garryvoe Hotel nearby, highlights the area's growing reputation as a destination for discerning international visitors.
For those who witnessed Thursday's flyover, it was a rare chance to see living aviation history against the backdrop of one of Ireland's most scenic coastlines: a perfect marriage of nostalgia and natural beauty that won't soon be forgotten.
