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.
🍻 Memories of The Blackwater Inn on South Main Street, Youghal
South Main Street in Youghal has seen many changes over the years, and one of them came in the 1960s when Kevin Power transformed the old Blackwater Inn into a modern style lounge bar.
It was a new kind of pub experience for a changing Ireland: comfortable seating, a plush interior, smartly dressed barmen in white jackets with red trim, and every pint served properly on a beer mat.
The lounge was designed by local architect Raymond Morris and quickly became popular with locals and visitors. It was also a time when public houses were changing socially, with women becoming more accepted in lounge bars and pub settings.
Among the staff remembered from those days were Charlie O’Neill, the late Jim Hogan, Martin Hennessy, and the Cooney brothers.
There’s a great story too about British journalist Claud Cockburn, who was a regular there. He would send his copy to Fleet Street in London from the public phone inside the bar.
As the years went on, music and entertainment became part of the Blackwater Inn’s charm, with the husband and wife duo Pat and Eleanor among the regular performers.
Kevin Power sadly passed away in 2025, but his part in Youghal’s social history lives on through the memories of the Blackwater Inn and the people who gathered there.
The premises remains a familiar part of South Main Street today as Hennessy’s Bar.
The Blackwater Inn, a piece of Youghal's social history, and a reminder that even the local pub can tell the story of a town changing with the times.
Were you ever in The Blackwater Inn, or do you remember South Main Street around that time? We’d love to hear your memories in the comments.
Article by Kieran McCarthy, 2026 | Original article by Michael Hussey, 2022 ... See MoreSee Less
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↓ From Ychyll to Youghal · This town changed names over 40+ times!
Over 40 different spellings have been recorded over the centuries.
Before spelling was standardised, people wrote the name as they heard it, and it shows:
📜 Ychyll (1234)
📜 Yoghel (1278–1330)
📜 Qogquel (1313)
📜 Youghhull (c. 1327)
📜 Yoghall (1392)
📜 Youghill (1540)
📜 Yauhill (1704)
📜 Youghal (today)
💡 From the Irish Eochaill “place of yew trees”
Which one have you heard before? What did your parents or grandparents call it?
📚 Source: Irish Historic Towns Atlas (IHTA), no. 27, Youghal
Full list:
Youghal – c. 1750, 1788 to present
Yauhill – 1704
go hEochaill – 1626
Youghall – c. 1602, 1618
in Eóchaill – early 17th cent.
go Bealach nEochaille – early 17th cent.
Yowghull – 1583
Eochuill – c. 1580
Jochele – 1574
Iochel – 1574
Yogholl – 1557
Youghill – 1540, 1583, 1601
Yoghyllye – 1521
Yochollia – 1515
Yohull – 1468
Youghale – 1449
Youghyll – 1429
Yogille – 1393
Yoghall – 1392, 1617
Yougwhele – 1383
Youghull – 1374, 1422, 1585, 1599
Yoghyll – 1372, 1525
Yoghill – 1330, 1344, 1349
Yoghull – 1327, 1462, 1537
Youghhull – c. 1327
Yoghil – 1322, 1328
Yoghell – 1315
Qogquel – 1313
Youghel – 1312
Joghel – 1311
Yothel – 1306
Yochyll – 1292
Yochell – 1292
Yhohil – 1291, 1322
Ygohel – 1291
Youhel – 1288–9
Yochil – 1287
Yochel – 1286
Yoghel – 1278, 1291, 1306, 1322, 1330
Li Hyochil – 1275
Yohuel – 1256–7
Yohyll – 1234
Ychyll – 1234
📚 Source: Irish Historic Towns Atlas (IHTA), no. 27, Youghal
Article by: Kieran McCarthy · Youghal Online ... See MoreSee Less
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NEW PHOTO No.2 “The Debs” Youghal, circa 1980s.
If you were there, you’ll remember it well…
👉 Do you recognise anyone?
👉 What year do you think this was?
Tag them below 👇
Photo © Bob Rock ... See MoreSee Less
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Literary Achievement: Youghal Author’s Posthumous Debut
Former Youghal resident Anne Clark Pearson has achieved her goal of becoming a published author, following the release of her novel Elizabeth Murphy.
Anne, who was raised in Youghal, wrote the book at the age of 80. Her sons, Paul and Raymond, only discovered the manuscript after she had finished it. In late 2024, the work was submitted to Austin Macauley Publishers. Sadly, Anne died in November 2024, approximately three weeks before the London-based publisher accepted the novel.
To honour her work, Paul, Raymond, and her daughter-in-law Tracey continued the publication process. The book was officially released on 2 March 2026.
Book Summary: Elizabeth Murphy
Set in the 1800s, the story follows a family fleeing the Irish Famine for England. After being orphaned, the protagonist, Elizabeth, is raised by a wealthy doctor’s family in London. The novel explores her education, her introduction into society, and her regular return visits to relatives in Ireland.
About Anne Clark Pearson
Local Heritage: Anne’s family line in Cork dates back to at least 1845. She was one of nine siblings.
Pen Name: She published under her maiden name, Clark.
Legacy: Anne is buried alongside her late husband, Laurence, in England. Her headstone bears the title she earned in her final years: "Mum, Grandma and Author."
Elizabeth Murphy is available to purchase now from Easons, Amazon, and other online booksellers. ... See MoreSee Less
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County Mayor Cllr Mary Linehan Foley · "Summer by the Sea" Charity Gala
The County Mayor of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan-Foley, is hosting the annual Mayor’s Charity Gala in her hometown of Youghal this weekend. Taking place at the Walter Raleigh Hotel on Saturday, 2nd May 2026, the event is themed Summer by the Sea and aims to raise significant funds for three vital local organisations.
Proceeds from the evening will be distributed between RNLI Youghal, which provides essential 24-hour search and rescue services; Down Syndrome Cork, which offers lifelong supports and therapies to families across the county; and Cancer Connect Youghal, a volunteer-led service providing free transport for patients accessing hospital treatments.
Guests attending the gala can expect a drinks reception starting at 6.00pm, followed by a three course dinner featuring local Cork produce. The evening will also include live music entertainment, dancing, and a charity raffle with prizes donated by the business community.
In keeping with the coastal theme, attendees are encouraged to opt for bright summer attire rather than traditional formal wear. Tickets are priced at €100 per person and remain available for purchase through the Cork County Council portal.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, 2 May 2026
Time: 6.00pm
Location: Walter Raleigh Hotel, Youghal
Beneficiaries: RNLI Youghal, Down Syndrome Cork, and Cancer Connect Youghal ... See MoreSee Less
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↓ Creative Start-Up Scheme 2026: Economic Activation through Art
Cork County Council is accepting applications for the Creative Start-Up Scheme 2026. This initiative provides financial backing and professional mentorship to artists, designers, and craftspeople seeking to establish retail presences within vacant commercial units across County Cork.
Supported by Creative Ireland, the program aims to revitalize town centers by transforming empty spaces into hubs of creative commerce.
Funding and Strategic Support
Successful applicants are eligible for a grant of up to €5,000. Beyond direct capital, the scheme integrates professional development through the Local Enterprise Office, offering direct business mentoring, strategic guidance on retail operations, and support for long-term commercial viability.
Scope of the Initiative
The 2026 program specifically targets two areas of development:
Pop-Up Retail: Temporary or seasonal shops located in currently vacant units.
Expansion Projects: Assistance for existing small retailers to increase their physical footprint or broaden their inventory to include more local makers.
Previous successes, such as Core Creative in Bantry and the MÓR Artist Collective in Youghal, demonstrate how creative enterprises can stimulate local economies and provide a platform for regional talent.
Key Dates and Registration
Interested parties are encouraged to attend an online information session to review the competitive assessment process.
Information Session: Wednesday, 13th May at 1:00 pm.
Registration: Email creativeireland@corkcoco.ie to attend.
Application Deadline: Friday, 5th June at 5:00 pm.
Apply online at the Cork County Council website, link in comments below. ... See MoreSee Less
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Known locally as “The Debs” Youghal, circa 1980s.
Looks like Hilltop Hotel, possibly inside the famous GiGi’s nightclub.
If you were there, you’ll remember it well…
Big nights, big style, and buses heading up the hill.
👉 Do you recognise anyone?
👉 What year do you think this was?
Tag them below 👇
Photo © Bob Rock ... See MoreSee Less
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📜 A Youghal Business Connecting People to Their Irish Roots Worldwide.
Did you know there’s a local business right here in Youghal helping people across the world reconnect with their Irish roots?
Éire Ancestry, run by Ruth Fitzgibbon, offers a personalised genealogy service built on over 20 years of experience. From uncovering old records to building detailed family trees, this is real, hands on research that brings family history to life.
What makes it different is the flexible "pay as you go" service, you can start small and build your family story over time, without committing to a large upfront cost.
It’s a fascinating service, whether you’re curious about your own roots or have family abroad looking to trace theirs.
🌍 Working with people all over the world
📜 Real records, real stories
💡 Explore your history at your own pace
💬 Have you ever looked into your family history? Let us know below. ... See MoreSee Less
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📆 Throwback Thursday · The U-Tree Bar & Lounge, known as Minnie's, who remembers it? Share you memories in the comments below. ... See MoreSee Less
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