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sport · Sunday 9 August 2026 · 11:30am 
Youghal Bay Half Marathon and 10k
At Youghal Town Centre · Youghal, Co. Cork
At Youghal Town Centre · Youghal, Co. Cork
The Youghal Bay Half Marathon and 10k is one of East Cork’s most scenic road races, drawing runners who want a flat, fast course with proper atmosphere. Organised by Youghal AC, it takes runners through the medieval streets of a genuine walled town, along the Blue Flag Front Strand, and onto the Greenway before looping back. If you are chasing a personal best, the course is as flat as road racing in Ireland gets. If you are just looking for a good day out on the east Cork coast in August, it delivers that too.
There are two distances: the 10k and the half marathon. The 10k is a single lap, starting on North Main Street in the historic town centre, passing the Clock Gate Tower - Youghal’s most recognisable landmark - before heading out to the Front Strand seafront and on to the Greenway. The half marathon runs two laps of the same route, so there is no getting lost and you get twice the views.
Full road closures are in place along the course, which makes for a smooth, uninterrupted run with no traffic to dodge. The surface is paved throughout and the route is described as flat and fast, which on an Irish coastal course is worth taking seriously. Both distances share the same starting area, so friends and family can cheer at one spot regardless of which race you are entered in.
Entry is from €30. Registration is through Eventmaster.ie. The half marathon starts at 9:30am and the 10k follows at 11:30am, so there is time to watch the half marathon set off if you are running the shorter distance.
Youghal sits on the N25, roughly 50km east of Cork city. By car from Cork, it is around 45 minutes. From Waterford, it is about 50km west along the same road. The town is well signposted and the town centre, where the race starts, is compact and easy to navigate.
Bus Éireann runs services along the Cork to Waterford corridor, with stops in Youghal. If you are travelling by bus on race day, check timetables in advance as early Sunday morning services can be limited. Parking in Youghal town centre and at the Front Strand area is available, though arrive early on race morning as road closures will affect some access routes.
Youghal rewards a slower look after you have crossed the finish line. The town walls, the Clock Gate Tower, and the old collegiate church are all within easy walking distance of the race route itself. There is more to see in Youghal and across Co. Cork.
Heading to Youghal Town Centre in Youghal? Cork has plenty more to see. Read the Youghal area guide, find what else is on, and explore the towns and villages nearby.