Tim Lucey, Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Danny Collins, Michael Dymet, Executive Engineer, Cork County Council and Padraig Barrett, Director of Services, Roads and Transportatio at the launch of EuroVelo 1, a 470km route following the coast from Youghal to the Beara Peninsula. Photo: Colm Lougheed

New cycle route for Cork

If you live along the Cork coast between Youghal and Beara, it’s time to ditch your car and dust off your bicycle because a new cycle route is now complete.

The final 470km section of a high-quality European cycle route follows the coast from Youghal to the Beara Peninsula and was recently completed by Cork County Council in partnership with Sport Ireland. EuroVelo is a network of cycle routes across Europe and is now complete with the addition of new dedicated signposts across Cork County.

The EuroVelo cycling routes direct cyclists away from busier areas and uses quieter roads where possible. The blue and white signposts are clearly recognisable and can be understood by all.

EuroVelo 1 also known as The Atlantic Coast Route, spans European countries from Norway to Portugal. It includes 2,300km of rugged Irish coastline, taking in 11 scenic counties including Wexford, Waterford, Cork, Limerick, Mayo and Donegal.

The Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Danny Collins said: "The EuroVelo route is another feather in the bow of tourism in County Cork. With the completion of this signage programme, we have joined a group of seven other European Member states, as well as 10 other counties in Ireland, spanned by the EuroVelo 1 route. I’m looking forward to seeing the new route being enjoyed by locals and visitors alike."

Funded by the Department of Transport, the signage was completed by Cork County Council and Sport Ireland, in collaboration with Lagan Operations & Maintenance Ltd, and PWS Signs Ltd. EuroVelo signs are now visible at junctions and at set intervals along the cycle route.