Photo: Michael Hussey (YoughalOnline.com)

The stunning surroundings of St. Mary’s Gardens Youghal once again proved to be the location for the biggest and best of the country’s medieval celebrations of Heritage week. In excess of 5,000 visitors enjoyed the sunshine on Sunday 24th August in what has now become an annual event for Youghal.
The event organised by Youghal’s Municipal Heritage Committee was designed to ‘bring the heritage of Youghal to life,’ for The Irish Walled Towns Network’ celebration of National Heritage Week. The aim of the festival was to provide a unique insight into life in medieval times.

Catherine Desmond of the organising committee commented on the day: “We are once again delighted to give visitors the opportunity to step back in time, and witness a piece of Youghal’s medieval history. The re-enactments, Kid’s Kingdom, puppet shows, and this years inclusion of live music, made this an entertaining day out for all the family. The fact that RTE’s Nationwide were on hand to capture the event made it all the more special.”
Sunday’s events which began at 12.00pm included a theatrical piece entitled ‘The Florence Newton Witch Trial Re-Enactment, composed by local historian Kieran Groeger, and directed by Ms. Teresa Cudlip.
The production brought passion, colour and excitement to an action-packed day.
UCC Medieval and Renaissance Society demonstrated their fighting skills in a carefully choreographed ‘battle siege re-enactment in the upper garden. The group performed a series of archery displays, cookery displays and many other medieval events.

Children of all ages were able to enter the ‘Kids Kingdom’ for a line-up of events that excited and enthralled little ones throughout the day. Fun-packed hours were spent in particular with face-painting, magic shows, and stilt walkers, together with everyone’s favourite, Prince August Toy Soldier Factory.
Visitors in their thousands savoured the delights of the extensive range of stalls on ‘Maid Marion’s Food & Craft Fair, – hosted by local traders and producers.

A live music spectacle with performances by local band ‘ISIS’ and the ever popular ‘Bombshells’ from Cork City only added to the already unique and electric atmosphere.

The festival concluded with performances from Youghal Pipe Band followed by a presentation of prizes to Fancy Dress Competition winners and the Shop Front Competition winner, Kay Curtin of Condon’s Florist, Youghal.
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