A community-maintained coastal trail on the rugged Knockadoon Peninsula, offering two looped walks with panoramic views across Youghal and Ballycotton Bays to Capel Island.
The shorter loop takes about 30 minutes on gravel track and minor road. Waymarked with a green arrow on a black background, it passes the old signal tower and delivers stunning views of Capel Island, sea cliffs, and both Youghal and Ballycotton Bays.
The longer loop takes around 1 hour 30 minutes and extends further around the tip of the peninsula. Waymarked with a black arrow on an orange background, it includes the coastal stretch of the Island Loop before heading inland past thatched cottages with just 40 m of ascent.
Built in 1803 as part of an all-Ireland coastal defence network, this stone tower was used to signal warnings of a French invasion via flags and balls on a mast. It was abandoned after Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo in 1815. A WWII coastal lookout post sits nearby.
The sea cliffs and ledges host about 50 pairs of cormorants in summer, plus herring gulls, great black-backed gulls, fulmars, choughs, ravens, and peregrine falcons. Grey seals are commonly seen offshore, with occasional whales and dolphins. Capel Island is a designated bird sanctuary.
A designated picnic spot along the trail with fine coastal views — ideal for a break. Bring your own food and water as there are no shops or cafés on the peninsula itself. A few seats are dotted along the route.
The pier near the trailhead is popular with locals in summer for a cooling dip in the sea. From here you can also pick up the Barry's Cove Way heading east, or simply enjoy views across the water towards Youghal.
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