A Hop, Skip And A Jump Across The Pond
Given Norwegian Air's new, transatlantic routes to Cork, Ireland (€129 each way), exploring Off the Beaten Path has never been easier. With temperate climates, The Ancient East is a desirable destination year round, but especially so in summer. I departed from Boston/Providence Airport and soon found myself speeding through Ireland's Ancient East to Youghal ('Yawl') in East Cork (only 30 minutes from Cork Airport). www.norwegian.com

Historic Youghal
Youghal sits at the mouth of the Blackwater River where its aptly named black waters meet in confluence with the green waters of the Celtic Sea. An ancient sea port favoured by Vikings, Sir Walter Raleigh and even modern fishermen, the town's history is deserving of its own comprehensive travel review (to be published, shortly).  www.youghal.ie

Only steps from a 600-year old clock gate tower that was the site of Ireland's last witch trial, a prison and place of execution for heroes of Ireland's failed 1798 Rebellion, stands The Coffee Pot. The antique window panes with period glass befits The Coffee Pot's location on historic Youghal's Main Street.  It is charming.

Traditional Irish Breakfast and Exceptional Coffee
As with many traditional venues in Ireland, a humble interior often betrays exceptional offerings.  What immediately struck me as I entered The Coffee Pot was a lengthy display case filled with freshly baked goods made on-site. The aroma was inviting.  From traditional scones to éclairs, and from authentic brown bread to cheesecakes, my mind began to imagine the delightful tastes that awaited me after my flight and journey.  With ample seating for about sixty, and more upstairs, and with a seasonal outdoor patio, I took a table by the fireplace where I could relax and enjoy my meal.

No trip to Ireland should start without a traditional Irish breakfast. So often done poorly, I was pleasantly surprised to find my meal prepared fresh, with quality ingredients and pleasing presentation.  My rashers were uncommonly tender, freshly cooked and tasty.  The chef's care in to selecting plump, delicious sausages was evident.  Both black and white puddings and uncommonly good baked beans rounded out my breakfast with perfectly browned toast, real butter and jam.  And, as befitting their name, The Coffee Pot's black brew certainly didn't disappoint.

Boxed Treats to Go for my Tour
Refreshed from my flight and energized with a lovely breakfast, I couldn't resist asking the owner to box a scone for me to take along on my tour of historic Youghal.  With breakfast (€7), plus scone to go, my travels kicked-off with a tasty meal and the feeling I was well treated – giving rise to the Irish saying 'Céad Míle Fáilte' (meaning, a hundred thousand welcomes').

With a full lunch menu and seemingly endless panoply of freshly baked breads, desserts, pastries and superb specialty coffees and teas, The Coffee Pot offers weary travelers, tourists and locals unceasing reasons to call-in.

A Destination Able to Hold One's Attention
My experience at The Coffee Pot left such a strong impression on me I decided to extend my stay in Youghal. Over the course of three-days I found a town replete with excellent cuisine and several good options for meals, drink and entertainment.  I will review several venues, restaurants, cafes and even Ireland's 'Dessert Outlet of the Year' in further publications.

Touring While in Town
Youghal is the centrepiece of what Ireland's tourist board dubbed as The Ancient East.  From its ancient port to venues like Munster Brewery (which offers tours of its award-winning micro brewery), docent led tours of the clock gate tower and the hauntingly beautiful tombs inside of St. Mary's Collegiate Church, history abounds in Youghal. 

Beyond its heritage, cruises up the Blackwater River, charted fishing expeditions, strolls along the Promenade and newly completed Boardwalk, and in 2018 the chance to tour its historic lighthouse, Youghal has much to offer adults and families looking to break Off the Beaten Path and enjoy authentic Ireland at its best.

www.blackwatercruises.com 

www.munsterbrewery.com 

www.fantasticflavours.ie 

www.youghal.ie/heritage/ 

www.youghalclockgate.ie 

www.irelandsancienteast.com

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Sally Anne Sanders is an award winning journalist and travel writer who publishes regularly in her food and travel blog, 'Off the Beaten Path'.

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