Some 50,000 copies of a booklet focusing on eight "small Atlantic ports" which have avoided the excesses of mass tourism are being distributed this week.
In a drive to attract the discerning holiday-maker to areas which have escaped overcrowding, the booklet focuses on an area from the Shetland Islands to the Spanish port of Tazacorte on the island of La Palma
The network includes the east Cork ports of Youghal, Ballycotton and Cobh, a meeting of the South West Regional Authority has heard.
The European-funded project focuses on destinations whose main economic industry has been fishing and related activities.
"Through this they are identified in their Atlantic character and their common profile distinguishes them by virtue of their rich history, culture and heritage," according to the brochure, which is written in parallel text in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese.
Although some of the towns are not far from popular tourism destinations, the fact they had not become mass tourism destinations was what would make them attractive to family holiday-makers, said John McAleer, chief executive of the southwest authority.
Youghal is depicted on the accompanying website as "a renowned family centre with miles and miles of blue flag beaches".
Ballycotton, which has a population of about 500 people, is described as a welcoming small village, while Cobh is a "bright and cheery harbour town nestled under an imposing cathedral".
The website is www.atlantic-ports.com