Youghal



Youghal, the area we are based in, is a town located in County Cork, Ireland. It is situated on the south coast, at the mouth of the River Blackwater. Youghal is known for its rich history, including its medieval town walls and historic buildings, and it has been an important port town throughout the centuries.



Youghal Clock Gate Tower



Youghal Clock Gate Tower occupies the site Trinity Castle, one of the five principal fortifications of the late 14th/15th century Walled Town. The large, commanding structure of Trinity Castle straddled the Main Street and was the dividing gate between the Main Town (now North Main Street) and the Base Town (now South Main Street).

In place of Trinity Castle, Youghal Clock Gate Tower was built in 1777 as a gaol, but its story spans 700 years of history. This iconic building has opened its doors again, though this time not as a grim prison, but as a place to explore tales from its fascinating past. Against period backdrops, the storytellers at Youghal Clock Gate bring you through the surprising life and times of this distinctive site and the many and varied characters associated with it throughout the years.

Youghal Beach



Youghal boasts a stunning 5km stretch of pristine sandy beaches along the coast, offering something for everyone. The main beaches are:

Front Strand Beach - A sheltered, soft sandy beach perfect for families and picnics, located right in town.

Claycastle Beach (Blue Flag) - A vast expanse of sand ideal for walking, running, ball games, and swimming. It connects to Front Strand via a boardwalk.

Redbarn Beach (Blue Flag) - A mix of sand, pebbles, and shells, great for swimming and walking. It overlooks Ballyvergan Marsh, a birdwatching haven.

The Mall Beach - A small, traditional town center beach perfect for toddlers and quick dips. 

Green Hole Beach - Close to the lighthouse, ideal for picnics, rock pools, and tranquil escapes.

The beaches offer amenities like parking, and a boardwalk, making Youghal a premier seaside destination in southern Ireland.

St. Mary's Collegiate Church



St Mary's Collegiate Church in Youghal, County Cork, Ireland is a large Anglican church dating back to around 1220, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It has a rich history, originally founded as a monastic church in the 5th century and later made a Collegiate Church in 1464 by Thomas FitzGerald, 7th Earl of Desmond, for training seminarians.


The church is of great historical importance, now designated a National Monument of Ireland, and is known for its magnificent 13th-century oak roof structure and medieval architecture. Notable figures associated with the church include Sir Walter Raleigh, Oliver Cromwell, and the philosopher George Berkeley.



The Mall Arts Centre



The Mall Arts Centre is a 230-year-old riverside arts venue located in Youghal, Ireland. It is housed in the town's historic Town Hall building and features a renovated first-floor performance area that serves as a multi-purpose theatre and arts venue. The venue hosts a wide range of events, including theatre performances, dance shows, concerts, readings, exhibitions, workshops, and public meetings. One of its standout features is the glass foyer area overlooking the seafront, which connects to an outdoor decking terrace and is registered for civil ceremonies. The Mall Arts Centre is part of the Yew Wood Venues suite of performance venues in Youghal.


Youghal Lighthouse



The Youghal Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located in County Cork, Ireland, overlooking Youghal Bay. The current stone tower was constructed in 1848, standing 24 meters tall and equipped with a powerful beacon visible for 17 nautical miles. It replaced an earlier 12th-century lighthouse operated by nuns to guide ships into the harbor. The lighthouse has undergone modernization in 1996 to automate its operations. Plans are underway to open it as a visitor attraction with a viewing balcony, courtyard, and interpretive exhibits, allowing visitors to explore its rich maritime heritage.

Youghal Heritage Trail



The Youghal Heritage Trail is a scenic walking route that takes visitors through the historic town of Youghal, County Cork, Ireland. It highlights the town's rich medieval history, including its ancient town walls, clock gate tower, and the former residence of Sir Walter Raleigh. The trail is approximately 2.3 km long and considered an easy route, taking around 30 minutes to complete. Along the way, visitors can explore Youghal's medieval harbour, town walls, and other significant heritage sites, learning about the town's fascinating past as an important walled port town.



IRISH WHISKEY DISTILLERY



Discover the Heart and Soul of Irish whiskey at Midleton Distillery Experience. Home of seven iconic brands – Jameson, Redbreast, Powers, Midleton Very Rare, The Spot Whiskeys, Method and Madness and Knappogue Castle. The passion behind every drop lives here. Immerse yourself in a world of rich heritage, craftsmanship, and unforgettable stories.


Midleton Distillery Experience is a one-of-a-kind whiskey experience that takes you beyond process and taste and brings you to the very essence of Irish whiskey. Taste, learn, shop, and take in the magic of Midleton. We look forward to welcoming you!

Cork City Centre



Cork city centre is a compact and lively area built on an island in the River Lee. It has a charming, small-town feel with winding streets, historic buildings, and a vibrant cultural scene. Some key highlights include:

- The English Market, one of the best covered food markets in Europe, selling fresh local produce.

- St Patrick's Street, the main shopping thoroughfare affectionately known as the "Pana", bustling with shops, cafes, and street performers.

- St Fin Barre's Cathedral, a striking Gothic Revival cathedral dating back to the 7th century.

- The Crawford Art Gallery, housed in a historic customs house building, showcasing Irish art.

- Numerous pubs, restaurants, and live music venues contributing to Cork's renowned social atmosphere.

The city centre retains its medieval layout with narrow streets and historic buildings like the Cork Opera House, giving it a distinct old-world charm alongside modern amenities.

Dungarvan Castle



Dungarvan Castle is a 12th-century Norman castle located in Dungarvan, County Waterford, Ireland. It was built around 1209 to safeguard the entrance to Dungarvan Harbour. The castle features a rare polygonal shell keep, which is the earliest structure on the site, along with an enclosing curtain wall, corner towers, and a gate tower.


Within the walls, there is a two-storey military barracks dating back to the 18th century, which now houses an exhibition on the castle's history. The castle was damaged during the Irish Civil War but was later restored and served as a Garda station until 1987. Today, it is open to visitors with guided tours, an audio-visual show, and interpretive exhibits.