By Christy Parker | Photo: Michael Hussey (YoughalOnline.com)

65,000 people attended the three day event

Youghal’s Thundercat European Beach Challenge festival was worth an estimated €2.2m to the local economy, according to official figures. Approximately 65,000 people attended the three-day event, inclusive of racing and fairground attractions at Claycastle and town centre entertainment, according to Aidan Foley of event organisers Medaza.

Youghal’s Thundercat European Beach Challenge festival was worth an estimated €2.2m

Mr. Foley says Garda estimates and official clickers indicate 20,000 attended Friday’s opening ceremony, with Saturday and Sunday attendances hitting 10,000 and 35,000 respectively. “Based on Failte Ireland’s guidelines of €30 per day tripper per day, plus average overnight spending figures and €100,000 sponsorship investment, €2.2m is an accurate reflection of what was generated. It exceeded our most optimistic prediction for a first year,” he adds.

Should Youghal succeed in landing the Northern Europe leg of the even more spectacular P1 World Championships from 2009-2013 the estimated benefits to the region exceed €260m.