Cork County Council’s preparations for Ironman Ireland, Cork 2019 are being ramped up with 11 weeks to go to Ireland’s first ever full Ironman event. The gruelling 140.6-mile triathlon is set to take centre stage in Youghal on 23rd June this year.
The local authority, as the main event sponsor, is seeking to fully maximise the economic benefits the huge influx of international visitors will bring to the region. Increasing the ‘dwell time’ of the thousands of athletes, their supporters and their families in East Cork is a priority for Cork County Council. Emphasising the legacy the event is set to leave on the area, Senior Executive Officer for Cork County Council, Sean O’ Callaghan commented: “With over 2,650 entrants from 62 countries all around the world, we are confident this event will deliver a significant economic impact to the East Cork region, said Sean. Cork County Council believes this event will propel the region to become the ultimate activity-based/outdoor destination in the country, reflecting sport, culture, heritage and adventure. The fact the event is set to be delivered for a minimum of 3 years also will make this a sustainable goal.” concluded Sean.
Keen to keep the focus of competitors and their supporters on the Youghal and East Cork areas, a series of ‘food villages’ has been planned for the entire weekend of the event in Youghal. Over 40 Cork based artisan food and craft producers will be on hand to supplement the already extensive hospitality offering in Youghal. The food villages will be set up at key locations on the beach front and in the town centre to cater for the expected influx of visitors. In addition, evening concerts have been scheduled in St. Mary’s Collegiate Church in Youghal in the lead up to the event, including Paddy Casey on Friday 21st June.
Youghal will also see a programme of family entertainment rolled out to include face painters, balloon artists, magicians and vintage amusements over the weekend of the event; with special guests Cork based ‘Passe Partout’ – the acclaimed Circus Arts and Street Theatre Production. Families are sure to be entertained as they wait on their loved ones to complete the race!
The outlying communities of Ballymacoda, Saleen, Dungourney, Cloyne are also set to benefit as Cork County Council lends it’s support in terms of enhancing the aesthetics of the villages on the route. With Midleton preparing to be another focal point on the 112-mile bike route, Midleton Chamber of Commerce has also promised a series of events to coincide with the race, as supporters are sure to avail of the many spectator viewing positions along the route.