Youghal is a seaside town steeped in history, heritage, and coastal charm, promising a memorable experience for all who visit.
Historic Landmarks and Cultural Heritage
Youghal is rich in history, landmarks include the 13th century St. Mary’s Collegiate Church, the preserved Youghal Town Walls, the iconic Youghal Clock Gate Tower, with ties to notable figures such as Oliver Cromwell, Sir Walter Raleigh, and Richard Boyle.
Outdoor Activities and Beach Fun
Youghal is perfect for outdoor activities, explore the countryside on foot or by bike, or take advantage of 5 sandy beaches ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.
Dining and Entertainment
The town offers a diverse range of dining and entertainment options. From traditional Irish pubs to contemporary restaurants and cafes, there’s something to satisfy all tastes. Year-round events and festivals add to the lively local culture.
Accommodation in Youghal
When looking for accomodation in Youghal you can choose from a cozy bed and breakfast or guesthouse to self-catering or a luxurious hotel.
Civic Reception for Youghal Pipe Band and Ireland’s Best Lollipop Man, Ger Gleeson at The Mall Arts Centre, Youghal Town Hall on Saturday, January 24th, 2026. ... See MoreSee Less
15 CommentsComment on Facebook
Congratulations well deserved 👏👏
Congratulations Guys well deserved 🤗👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Well done 👏
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Youghal Honours Its Own — Civic Reception for Youghal Pipe Band and Ireland’s Best Lollipop Man, Ger Gleeson
It was one of those nights that only Youghal can pull off — a true gathering of community pride, friendship, and heartfelt appreciation. In the beautiful glass annex of the Mall Arts Centre at the Youghal Town Hall this evening, Saturday, January 24th, 2026, the people of Youghal came together to celebrate two of the town’s most cherished names — the world-class Youghal Pipe Band and Ireland’s best lollipop man, Ger Gleeson.
Presiding over the civic reception was Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Mary Linehan Foley, whose pride was all the greater given that she herself is a daughter of Youghal. That local touch added warmth and atmosphere to an already emotional evening.
In a heartfelt address, Mayor Linehan Foley spoke of the Youghal Pipe Band’s remarkable century-long journey — from its early days as the Cork Hill Pipe Band, founded by Danny (Duis) McCarthy over 110 years ago, to today’s internationally acclaimed group proudly led by Mick McCarthy Jr. The Mayor highlighted the band’s outstanding achievements in 2025, including a 4th place finish at the World Pipe Band Championships and 3rd for their drummers, as well as a superb 2nd place finish at the All-Ireland Championships.
This was actually the second time the Youghal Pipe Band have been granted a Civic Reception by Cork County Council — the first taking place in 2014 to celebrate the band’s remarkable 100th anniversary. It shows just how deeply their legacy continues to strike a chord in the heart of Youghal.
As they performed at the ceremony in their distinctive tartan colours, the sound of the pipes echoed through the hall — a living reminder of Youghal’s proud cultural tradition and community spirit.
The second part of the evening shone a light on another local hero — Ger Gleeson, affectionately known as Ireland’s Best Lollipop Man 2025. A retired fireman with over 30 years of service and a familiar face outside Bunscoil Mhuire, Ger received well-deserved recognition for his quiet, daily dedication to the safety of school children crossing one of the town’s busiest roads.
“Ger, you are simply an inspiration, between your 30 years with the Fire Brigade and your role keeping our children safe,” said the Mayor. “This reception is our small way of saying thank you for all the early mornings and peace of mind you give to parents every single day.”
Among those in attendance were from the East Cork Municipal District of Cork County Council: Cllr. Ann Marie Ahern, Noreen Brennan (Acting Senior Executive Officer), Geraldine O’Connell (Clerical Officer), Katherine Ansbro (Acting Staff Officer), and Helen Mulcahy (Staff Officer), along with family, friends, and townspeople who filled the room with pride and applause.
From the pipes to the applause, the evening was filled with emotion — a real celebration of local achievement and the strong heartbeat of a community that always rallies around its own.
For many, like myself, it was a moment of living history — watching the Youghal Pipe Band evolve from its Cork Hill roots into a world-class group, while also honouring everyday local heroes like Ger who embody the town’s true spirit. As one could feel tonight, hell or high water, Youghal knows how to stand tall together — proud, united, and ready for the future.
By Michael Hussey | Photo: Michael Hussey
Photo Captions Block
Photo 1:
Cllr. Ann Marie Ahern, Helen Mulcahy (Staff Officer), Ger Gleeson, affectionately known as Ireland’s Best Lollipop Man 2025, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Mary Linehan Foley, Mick McCarthy Jr. Band major, Youghal Pipe Band, Geraldine O’Connell (Clerical Officer), Katherine Ansbro (Acting Staff Officer) and Noreen Brennan (Acting Senior Executive Officer)
Photo 2:
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Mary Linehan Foley, with Ger Gleeson, Ireland’s Best Lollipop Man 2025, joined by his family and friends as he receives his official certificate of recognition.
Photo 3:
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Mary Linehan Foley, presenting the official certificate of recognition to Mick McCarthy Jr. of the Youghal Pipe Band.
Photo 4:
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Mary Linehan Foley, pictured with both civic award recipients — Ger Gleeson and members of the Youghal Pipe Band — during the evening’s official reception at the Mall Arts Centre.
Photo 5:
The Youghal version of the Golden Girls: LR- Mary Mason, Pearl McCarthy, Yvonne McCarthy, and Helen Landers enjoying the ceremony at the official reception in celebration of the Youghal Pipe Band. ... See MoreSee Less
8 CommentsComment on Facebook
Well done to all in Youghal especially Ger and Youghal Pipe Band
Congratulations to one and all 👏👏👏👏👏👏❤️❤️❤️❤️
Well done to all Congratulations well deserved .
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BRING BACK POISON BUSH LANE
Poison Bush Lane, once a well-trodden shortcut between the Lighthouse Hill and the upper Golf Links Road, now lies choked with briars and overgrowth, its upper half effectively lost from public use. The photographs taken this week from the midway point tells its own story: a narrow strip of tarmac leading into a wall of vegetation, with the former Loreto Convent grounds on one side and the Walter Raleigh Hotel on the other. Around twenty years ago, at the height of the Celtic Tiger, Carlton Village was constructed above, and a new access slip road was created from this halfway mark to link the gated development with the main road below.
While Cork County Council holds responsibility for public rights of way like Poison Bush Lane, the upper section remains blocked. Interestingly, the ESB installed public lighting partway up the lane not long before the Celtic Tiger boom—likely in the 1980s—showing it was then seen as an active public route.
The huge reaction to recent posts on YoughalOnline about the Loreto and the demolition of the extension shows how deeply Poison Bush Lane lives in local memory. Former students and townspeople recalled walking the steep path in all weathers, slipping down to catch school buses, or sneaking up for a quiet smoke before class. Others remembered summer afternoons heading along the lane to Green Hole, Green Park, The Divings and the 49 Steps for a swim, avoiding the tourist-crowded strand and staying close to their own patch of shoreline. Many commented that “if only that lane could talk”, it would tell stories of convent girls, Christian Brothers lads and generations of Youghal families.
Those same voices are now calling for the lane to be brought back to its former glory. Several people suggested that locals would willingly bring strimmers and tools to cut back the briars themselves, so that this traditional public right of way—belonging to the town—can be opened again as a safe walking route between the Lighthouse Hill and the Golf Links Road.
Far from being just an overgrown track, Poison Bush Lane is a living piece of Youghal’s social history, and the strength of feeling online shows that the townspeople would love nothing more than to see it cleared, protected and used once again.
Researched, written and photographed by Michael Hussey
Photo captions:
1. Poison Bush Lane choked with briars and overgrowth.
2. Poison Bush Lane viewed from the Lighthouse Hill.
3. Poison Bush Lane looking down from the halfway point.
4. Poison Bush Lane at the halfway mark, where the access slip road links to Carlton Village gated development.
5. Poison Bush Lane choked with briars and overgrowth, showing the ESB pole for public lighting installed partway up the lane - proof it was then an active public route. ... See MoreSee Less
15 CommentsComment on Facebook
Brilliant piece Michael, and every word correct. Such a great pity that it is now in the appalling condition shown in your pictures, and hopefully the reaction will be very positive . It is a large part of the memories of many students and, indeed, of the people of Youghal. Even the name itself “Poison Bush” is unique to the town and well worth looking into. Well done 👍
100% it should be brought back for the puplic use.....we would take a short cut home from green park to Dermot Hurley Est up that hill in the 70s 80s
Maybe they could put a footpath ?? there. 🤔
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A note from Michael Hussey, YoughalOnline (Updated 26 Jan 2026)
I want to sincerely apologise to Michael Twomey for the way his Pluribus review appeared on our page. When I formatted the text, some of his original wording ended up being changed, which was never my intention.
When Michael first sent me the review, I used AI purely to break it into paragraphs for layout, not to rewrite or "dumb down" his work. That said, it’s my responsibility to make sure what appears on YoughalOnline reflects the author’s exact words, and I completely accept that.
The review below now uses Michael’s original text, exactly as he wrote it, with only paragraph breaks added for easier reading. Michael’s writing speaks for itself and deserves to be shown in his own voice. Thanks to him for highlighting the issue, and thanks to everyone following the page for your continued support and understanding.
Pluribus
Apple TV
Writer and Director: Vince Gilligan
Warning! This review is completely AI free.
Vince Gilligan, Writer and Director of Apple TV’s near-perfect series, Pluribus, says it isn’t about AI. It isn’t but it could be. If not directly an analogy for AI, Pluribus explores the effects of our indulgence with it. The Utopian machinations being sold by the tech companies have the same off-colour stench as any cult; just hold your nose because at the end of this tunnel is freedom from human misery.
To illustrate, there is a tragically comic and comically tragic moment in Pluribus that encapsulates much about what we as humans are about to encounter - the realisation that following 300,000 of evolution, that took us from grunting knuckle draggers to the heights of scientific innovation and almost miraculous artistic expression, we are throwing it all away for convenience, begging the bots to do our thinking for us because, well, we just can’t be bothered anymore.
This moment in Pluribus shows Carol (Rhea Seehorn) in her house, rummaging through a pile of games. Sitting on the couch is Zosia (Karolina Wydra). Zosia has been assigned to communicate with Carol on behalf of the collective. The collective is millions of people all over the world who have been infected by a virus. The virus was created in a lab by scientists who adapted a signal from outer space into a biological entity. The virus was accidentally released, passing from human to human until the entire planet succumbed to its influence.
That is, except for Carol and a small number of others who remain immune to its effects. The collective think, talk and behave in unison. They are ‘one’. From many comes ‘one’ - Pluribus. The hive-mind collective uses the pronoun ‘we’ even when speaking singularly. They are benevolent, permanently smiling, willing to assist and ask for nothing more than unification. They also know everything, absolutely everything. A child can operate or compose an opera, build a nuclear weapon if asked.
So when Carol asks Zosia which game they might play she runs through the list of classics, she suggests Risk before realising a game about world domination is inappropriate. By the time she gets to chess she knows the exercise is futile. The joke is on her, her limitations as an imperfect specimen, a flawed skill set, an unpredictable actor in her environment has made her redundant.
Carol despises the hive-mind collective but finds it difficult to express that resentment to its representative, Zosia because Zosia is attractive, kind, willing and obedient. She only wants one thing from Carol - for Carol to be happy, and one day, for Carol to commune with the collective once it discovers a way to overcome her immunity.
The essential tenet of Pluribus is the right to free will. Zosia tells Carol she has free will, the freedom to choose, to resist or accept the world the way it is. It all sounds painfully familiar - God loves you, if you want eternal paradise, all you have to do is love God back and by the way, here is a list of rules on how you can do that; rule No. 1 - DO NOT BREAK THE RULES!
Carol was not exactly happy in the time before the great unification. She might be best described as ungrateful. She is a highly successful romance author adored by a faithful following. In secret, Carol has written what she believes to be a novel of literary standing and is angered by the insistence of everyone that she concentrate on pleasing the masses with more of the same romance drivel.
When she visits a hotel in Iceland, sculpted from ice, with a view of the Northern Lights, she complains to her partner, Helen (Miriam Shor) about the absurdity of the discomfort and cold. She despises any set up that tries to sell her something ill-conceived and worse, obvious. Ultimately, following Helen’s death during the great unification, Carol is alone, alone amongst the millions.
If you like your Sci-Fi with monsters you will find Pluribus a slow grind. Some episodes feel like nothing is happening and that is the point, nothing happens in Utopia because there is no friction, conflict, no humanity. Gilligan is the creator of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul but Pluribus is nothing like its predecessors, though there are hints from both, particularly the cinematography of the Arizona landscape, that reveal Gilligan’s progress as a storyteller. That landscape, with its vast emptiness, is haunting, lonely and isolating.
The final two episodes work toward a second season. Carol, having ‘hurt’ the collective with a violent outburst, leading them to move away from her, asks for them to return because loneliness is Hell in comparison to the purgatory she is in. Meanwhile, another person immune to the virus is making his way north through South America toward Carol. Manousos (Carlos-Manuel Vesga) believes he and Carol can defeat the hive-mind virus together. The final episode sees the two struggle to understand how that can be achieved. It also leaves the viewer wondering if Carol has already lost her autonomy, exhausted by a sugar-high indulgence with Zosia.
Pluribus might be in the Sci-Fi genre but its reach is beyond categorisation. It’s not a new story; Brave New World, 1984, Logan’s Run and more recently, Silo all carry the theme of the individual’s struggle against ‘the truth’ behind their Utopia. Pluribus is about becoming subservient to mediocrity, hiding oneself in the mulch, sacrificing originality for ego-massaging gratification, pleasing the majority, the loss of critical thinking, the bravery to express a counter opinion instead of grandstanding or preaching to the choir, the death of individuality, the funeral of agency, the burial of self determination.
In short, everything that makes us human. It’s not about AI, as Gilligan has stated, but it is irresistible to read it as such. Elon Musk claims that in a few short years money will be unnecessary and work will be optional. What will people do with their time? Carol drinks into oblivion, watches hours of the Golden Girls, practices her golf swing, dines alone at a fancy restaurant, drives around in a police car. Carol has no purpose. Utopia has made her miserable.
If Musk’s prediction becomes true then one is reminded of the old saying - the Devil makes work for idle hands. Pluribus adds another old saying to the coming reality - be careful what you wish for. The future is not The Matrix or The Terminator, that would at least have some unpredictability and jeopardy. The future with AI is something much worse - a hive-mind collective resulting in terminal boredom. Pluribus suggests that 'To be or not to be' is no longer the question. To be bothered or not bothered to be is now the question of what it means to be human. ... See MoreSee Less
5 CommentsComment on Facebook
Snookered! This review I wrote has been ‘altered’ or ‘dumbed down’ by AI software. 😂 Classic case of a point being made! Warning: this review has been contaminated by the hive-mind virus.🫠
Any chance of a pizza and coke?
Could you condense that review to 5 lines or 20 sec video. You know reading is so yesterday.
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SAFE FROM HARM: LIVE TRIP-HOP & ELECTRONICA TRIBUTE WITH EAST CORK ROOTS
Get ready for a sonic journey through the golden era of trip-hop and electronica as SAFE FROM HARM takes the stage at SEA CHURCH, BALLYCOTTON, on SATURDAY, JANUARY 24, with doors opening at 8:00 PM.
Blending deep grooves, layered textures, and cinematic soundscapes, this special live tribute celebrates the sounds of MASSIVE ATTACK, PORTISHEAD, MORCHEEBA, MOBY, MOLOKO, ZERO 7, AIR, GORILLAZ and more — bringing the moody, magnetic energy of the 1990s and early 2000s back to life.
What makes this night even more special is its local connection — the talented musicians behind Safe From Harm hail from YOUGHAL AND ACROSS EAST CORK, uniting their shared love of live electronica in one unforgettable performance.
With Sea Church’s intimate acoustics and atmospheric lighting, the venue is the perfect backdrop for fans of ALTERNATIVE, DOWNTEMPO, and ELECTRONIC music to immerse themselves in the pulse of a timeless genre.
Tickets are €15 and available now at seachurch.ie/event/safe-from-harm.
Follow updates and behind-the-scenes previews on Instagram: @safefromharmlive ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Tickets: seachurch.ie/event/safe-from-harm/
YOUGHAL FRONT STRAND 1980s.
www.facebook.com/share/v/1LXxKYEEFT/
Original video by William O'Mahony of O'Mahony Videography ... See MoreSee Less
This content isn't available at the moment
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it, or it's been deleted.14 CommentsComment on Facebook
Original video by William O'Mahony of O'Mahony Videography
Video by William OMahony O'Mahony Videography
I filmed that video back in the mid 80's at Youghal Front Strand. Some Memories
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EYESORE NO MORE: LORETO EXTENSION REDUCED TO RUBBLE
The final demolition of the former Loreto Convent extension building in Youghal reached its conclusion today, Monday 19th January 2026, leaving just a massive heap of rubble where the stark red-brick structure once stood. For years, this four-storey eyesore at the town's entrance has drawn complaints from residents proud of Youghal's heritage, but its complete removal marks both relief and a poignant end to an era.
Huge excavators and cranes were deployed to dismantle the remaining sections, reducing the 1970s extension—built to serve the booming Loreto Convent Secondary School—to dust and debris. The school, which educated thousands from Youghal, East Cork, and West Waterford from the 1960s through to the early 2000s, closed in 2006. Many former pupils will feel a twinge of sadness watching this functional but architecturally plain building vanish, its red bricks once matching the adjacent Aston Court but lacking its elegance.
Photos taken today capture the scene: towering piles of rubble dominate the site, dwarfed by the iconic Aston Court red-brick manor—once a private residence, later a Loreto boarding house in the 1950s. This classic structure, with its turrets and historic charm, stands weathered but intact, badly needing tender loving care to restore its former glory.
Youghal's community has voiced delight online, with memories flooding in of school days, Poison Bush Lane walks, and the lost grotto. As the dust settles, hopes rise for renewal—perhaps saving Aston Court and reopening paths for public use. Whatever comes next, today's demolition clears the way for positive change in this cherished corner of town. (By Michael Hussey) ... See MoreSee Less
35 CommentsComment on Facebook
Even though it was an eyesore for the last few years there's still a twinge of sadness to see it go. Lots of memories and friendships made inside those walls ❤️ glad that something is eventually being done with it though
Some amount of Steel Rebar etc in that pile to sift through 🤓😎
If they hadn't removed the brick it would have been fine
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Sporting Passion Through the Lens – David Keane Wows Full House at Youghal Film and Photo Museum. By Michael Hussey
The Youghal Film and Photo Museum was filled to capacity on Thursday evening, January 15th, as sports and photography enthusiasts gathered for a special presentation by acclaimed freelance photographer David Keane. The event, hosted by the Youghal Camera Club (YCC) in collaboration with museum curator Ed Guiry, proved to be one of the standout cultural evenings of the new year in Youghal.
From the very start, David captured the audience’s attention with his easy manner and captivating stories from behind the lens. He began by recalling his very first photograph — a snapshot of racing legend Lester Piggott taken during a family day at the races. “What a way to start!” David said, laughing, as he looked back on what became a lifelong passion for both sport and photography.
Throughout the evening, a stunning collection of David’s images lit up the big screen — dramatic moments of horse racing and point-to-point action, local GAA contests, athletics, and boxing. Each photo carried a story, often told with humour and heart. One memorable series showed a spectacular race tumble, only for a jockey to land gracefully on his feet — prompting the quip from the rider, “De ye get that?” The crowd erupted in laughter.
David’s work has featured widely in both local and national press, with a long association with the Irish Examiner and Evening Echo. He has photographed some of Ireland’s great sporting icons, including Sonia O’Sullivan, Katie Taylor, Rachael Blackmore, and Davy Russell, bringing their energy and emotion vividly to life through his lens.
Alongside showcasing his portfolio, David shared valuable insights into his technique — from mastering delayed shutter speeds to combining flash with movement for expressive, action-filled compositions. His advice to the keen photographers present was practical and encouraging: seek out local sporting events, mind your safety, and always look for the story within the shot.
As the evening drew to a close, attendees enjoyed tea, biscuits, and lively conversation, reflecting on a night that blended artistry, sport, and storytelling in perfect harmony.
YCC members and guests alike left inspired by David’s images and his evident love for Irish sport — from the greats of horse racing to grassroots GAA heroes. It was, as one attendee put it, “a night where every photo spoke a thousand words.”
Photo 1: Freelance photographer David Keane with Youghal Film and Photo Museum (YFPM) curator Ed Guiry.
Photo 2/3: David Keane sharing his life through the lens at the YFPM event. ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
A great night, and a great speaker! 👏
ST RAPHAELS JUNCTION UPGRADE CONTINUES – KEY DATES ANNOUNCED
Official confirmation has come that the St Raphaels Junction scheme in Youghal is moving forward with important safety improvements designed to benefit both drivers and pedestrians.
The next stage includes construction of a TABLE TOP RAMP at the junction of BAWNMORE ROAD, GOLF LINKS ROAD, WINDMILL HILL and RAHEEN PARK (ARDRATH PARK), a ramp at the zebra crossing by SOUTH ABBEY NS, and resurfacing along a section of BAWNMORE ROAD.
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT will be in place BETWEEN 09:15 AND 17:30 FROM TUESDAY JANUARY 20th TO FRIDAY JANUARY 23rd. Local residents’ access will be maintained throughout the works. For questions, contact sustainabletravelunit@corkcoco.ie.
These measures form part of a safety‑led redesign. The new layout prioritises shorter, safer pedestrian crossings for schoolchildren, elderly residents of St Raphaels Centre, and families heading to Ardrath Park football pitches. The table‑top ramps will further slow turning traffic while the resurfacing ensures a smooth, durable surface for all users.
The attached map shows the planned layout. These are practical steps toward a calmer junction where cars and people can share the space more safely.
Stayed tuned to local media for updates. No comments on this post. ... See MoreSee Less
8 CommentsComment on Facebook
All too tight for vehicles and bicycles, it's dangerous.
Very difficult now to negotiate.
Engineers from Temu
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