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.
Wall of Death and Carnival Dreams: The Untold Story of Sal and Stella Perks.
Filmed by Michael Hussey for the Recollections project, the story of first cousins Sal and Stella Perks is a vibrant, whirling tribute to the golden age of Irish travelling entertainment, as told from the heart of the Perks Fun Fair in Youghal. The film opens with Sal and Stella perched side by side on the ornate merry-go-round carousel, their laughter and memories rising above the noise as the world spins gently behind them.
With affectionate nostalgia, the cousins recall their childhoods spent in the shadow of the fair’s bright lights, under the watchful eye of their legendary father, Bill “Jumbo” Perks. Jumbo, as he was fondly called, was the architect of the Perks Entertainment Centre that stands today-a man whose life was steeped in music, showmanship, and an unyielding drive to bring joy to others. “Entertainment is in our blood,” Sal says, echoing the family motto that “the show must go on.”
Their story begins with a caravan trail from Belfast, a convoy of wagons and dreams, winding its way to Youghal. “We’d arrive in town like a parade,” Stella remembers, “and the whole place would come alive.” The highlight of the summer was the extravagant fancy dress parade they organised, leading a cavalcade from Green Park through the heart of Youghal all the way out to Claycastle. Locals and holidaymakers alike lined the streets and crowded the beaches, swept up in the spectacle.
Sal and Stella reminisce about the stalls they helped build and run as children - Game of Hoopla, The Spinners, Roll-a-Ball and games of chance-all cobbled together with ingenuity and love. But the fair wasn’t just fun and games; it was daring too. “The Wall of Death,” Stella laughs, “was absolutely terrifying.” The cousins recall how they built their own motorbikes and, to the amazement of the crowds, Stella became the star attraction, riding the vertical wall herself-an act of courage that still draws gasps from listeners.
Family was at the centre of everything. Auntie Queeny, a pioneer in her own right, was one of the first female filmmakers in the Irish travelling entertainment world. Her archive films, shown in Michael Hussey’s documentary, capture the spirit and spectacle of the fair-children’s faces aglow with wonder, the laughter and chaos of the midway, and fleeting moments of triumph and disaster. “When we see those old films,” Sal says, “we’re right back there again, the smells, the sounds, the excitement.”
The Perks family’s musical talents were also essential. In the era of silent movies, they played instruments to accompany the films, not just for show but to put food on the table. “We did it all,” Stella says, “because that’s what you did to survive.”
As the carousel slows, Sal and Stella reflect on how the Perks FunFair has changed with the times-expanding from a travelling show to the bustling entertainment centre that now anchors Youghal’s seafront at Seafield. Yet, the essence remains: a place where magic is made, risks are taken, and the bonds of family and community are celebrated.
Michael Hussey’s film captures not just the story of a family, but the soul of a town and an era-a time when the arrival of the fair meant the world stopped, and for a few precious days, anything was possible. ... See MoreSee Less
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Great to have the recorded history .. if they had the wooden slide it would be a wonderful museum piece
So many memories of Perks growing up 🙂
Youghal Parish Unites in Mourning for Pope Francis: Flags at Half-Mast, Candlelit Vigils in Churches.
The profound sense of loss following the death of Pope Francis continues to be felt deeply within the Youghal Catholic Parish. As previously reported, the four churches of the parish – St. Mary's Parish Church, Our Lady of Lourdes Church at The Strand, St. Ita's Church in Gortroe, and the Church of the Holy Family – have become focal points for communal mourning and prayer.
Adding a visual dimension to the parish's heartfelt tribute, each church displayed a beautiful photograph of His Holiness the Pope. Alongside these poignant images, a softly glowing lighted candle casts a gentle light, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere for parishioners. This arrangement offered a dedicated space for individuals to pause, reflect on the Pope's life and legacy, and offer their prayers.
The solemn display complements the earlier gesture at Raheen Park, where the Papal flag was respectfully lowered to half-mast by flag custodian John McGrath. Similarly, the flag at the Grotto in Sarsfield Terrace was also lowered on its flagstaff, as was the flag flying at half-mast at the Church of the Holy Family, Youghal. This visible symbol of mourning, alongside the quiet vigils taking place within the parish churches, underscores the deep respect and affection the Youghal community held for Pope Francis.
Parishioners across Youghal and Gortroe are invited to visit their local parish church during this time of mourning. The photographs and lighted candles serve as a tangible reminder of Pope Francis's enduring spiritual influence and provide a shared space for comfort and collective remembrance. The gentle flicker of the candles mirrors the light of faith he championed, inviting all to prayer and reflection in these solemn days.
Photos: The images depict the tributes to His Holiness the Pope in the Catholic churches of the Parish of Youghal, including the Papal flag lowered to half-mast at the Sarsfield Terrace Grotto, where resident Peter Savage is maintaining the grass; at Raheen Park, with custodian of the 1916 Centenary Flag Staff and resident John McGrath; and at the Holy Family Church, Youghal. ... See MoreSee Less
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🙏🏻🌹
From Lighthouse to Hollywood: Kieran Groeger Explores Youghal’s Historic Owens Photographs
Kieran Groeger, Youghal’s renowned local historian, brings the Owens photographic collection to life in Michael Hussey’s evocative short film “Recollections.” Groeger’s narration weaves together a remarkable visual tapestry of Youghal’s past, blending nostalgia, social history, and cinematic magic. The Owens collection, donated by Nora Owen, the former FG Justice Minister, is a treasure trove of images that capture the town’s everyday life and extraordinary moments.
Groeger begins by highlighting the sheer breadth of the Owens collection: “These photographs are not just pictures; they’re living memories of Youghal’s people, streets, and spirit.” Among the collection’s most iconic images is a definitive photograph of the Youghal lighthouse, standing sentinel at the harbour’s mouth. Groeger describes it as “absolutely stunning-an image that has come to symbolise the town’s enduring connection to the sea and its maritime heritage.”
The film’s centrepiece is the extraordinary documentation of the filming of Moby Dick in 1954. Groger recalls how Youghal’s quayside was transformed into New Bedford, Massachusetts, with false clapboard facades, ship masts, and bustling extras in period costume. “It was like Hollywood had landed on our doorstep,” he says, “and the Owens collection captures it all-the excitement, the spectacle, and the pride of a community suddenly at the heart of a global production.” The collection includes behind-the-scenes shots of locals in 19th-century dress, the original harpoon prop, and candid moments with stars like Gregory Peck, Richard Basehart, and Dublin’s own Noel Purcell.
Groeger points out the ingenuity of the filmmakers, who dredged the harbour by hand to accommodate the tall ships, and the meticulous signwriting over shopfronts to recreate New England’s look. “You can see the transformation in the photographs-Youghal becoming somewhere else, yet remaining itself,” he notes.
But the Owens collection is not just about Hollywood glamour. It offers a candid, sometimes startling, glimpse of mid-century life.
One photograph shows a mobile cigarette truck float on North Main Street, handing out Woodbine cigarettes to children-“a scene unimaginable today,” Groeger remarks. Another captures the casual reality of smoking in the classroom, a reminder of how much social norms have changed.
Among the most exotic images is a spellbinding photo of a travelling female snake charmer performing a Perks Fun Fair when it was located at the Front Strand, her presence both thrilling and otherworldly. Groeger marvels at the diversity of scenes: “From the front strand’s summer bustle to tranquil boat trips on the river, from the building of Our Lady Grace’s Grotto at Strand Street and Friar Street to the hard work of dredging the harbour-this is Youghal in all its moods.”
The film also features the Local Defence Forces (FCA) marching, vaudeville acts at Perks Arcade, and the vibrant street life that defined the town. Groeger touches on the local connections of British journalist Claud Cockburn, whose friendship with director John Huston helped bring Moby Dick to Youghal. There are stories of celebrity identity, laughter, and the mingling of locals and stars.
Groeger concludes: “Michael Hussey’s short film, through the Owens collection, gives us not just a record but a celebration-a whole host of Youghal’s past, preserved for future generations. It’s a living archive, researched, compiled, and edited with care, and it reminds us that our town’s story is still being told, one photograph at a time.” ... See MoreSee Less
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Love the narration Kieran!
Brilliantly done 👍💯
Brilliant 👏
A Vision for the Return of the Youghal Ferry
If only a pipe dream — but imagine if the ferry service between Youghal and The Ferrypoint was reintroduced. The revival of this historic crossing would breathe new life into the town, rekindling the deep connection between Youghal and its beautiful river.
A ferry would immediately bring fresh economic opportunities. Day-trippers, cyclists, and visitors from Waterford would have an attractive, easy way to reach Youghal’s quayside, supporting local cafés, shops, and markets. New small businesses — from bicycle rentals to pop-up food stalls — could thrive along the waterfront, while local employment would benefit from ferry operations and related services.
Recreational life would be enriched too. The Ferrypoint, with its stunning views of Youghal’s skyline, could once again become a favourite picnic spot, just as it was generations ago. The ferry would offer a charming way to experience the town’s heritage — approaching its medieval town walls and colourful waterfront from the river, camera in hand. It would also provide a natural extension to the Greenway, opening up safe, eco-friendly cycling loops between Cork and Waterford.
Environmentally, a modern ferry could ease summer congestion on Youghal Bridge, reducing car dependency and encouraging greener travel. An electric or hybrid boat would set a positive example for sustainable tourism, in line with Youghal’s growing reputation as a forward-looking, heritage town.
More than anything, a working ferry would restore a vibrant, living connection with the river. The sight of a boat crossing back and forth — carrying children, tourists, and locals alike — would be a heartwarming reminder of Youghal’s rich maritime story. Even if only a dream today, the return of the ferry could be a bridge to a brighter, busier, and more beautiful future.
-Michael Hussey
Pictures:
Photo: The ferry is documented as operating as early as 1288, making it one of Ireland’s oldest recorded ferry services. Early references note its importance for both local travel and commerce, with the service being a key crossing point for over 700 years.
Photo: Today, while the original ferry no longer operates, the site remains of historical interest. There are recent discussions about reinstating a ferry link for pedestrians and cyclists as part of a sustainable travel corridor between Youghal and Dungarvan, reflecting the enduring significance of this crossing in regional connectivity.
Picture: Distance - Approx 400 meters across the Blackwater river.
Picture: Community Connectivity: Improved access between Youghal and Ferrypoint enhances social integration, making it easier for residents to visit friends, family, and services on both sides of the river.
Picture: Picnicking and day-trips: Like in the past, people could once again enjoy picnics at Ferrypoint (which has stunning views back over to Youghal) or use it as a relaxed “outing” destination without needing a car.
Picture: Photograph of the Youghal Ferry Boat "Angeline" taken back in 1954. The mechanic is Billy Aherne and the man at the steering wheel in the bow of the boat is Jackie O’Brien father of Mike O’Brien. The "Youghal Urban District Council" (UDC) operated this transport service between the ferry slip at Youghal on the Cork side and across the river Blackwater to the ferry point on the Waterford side.
Picture: Archive photo of the Youghal U.D.C. (Urban District Council) Ferryboat with passengers crossing the Blackwater river from the Ferrypoint in County Waterford to Youghal in County Cork. Billy Ahern at the wheel and Moss Geary at the bow with the high nelly bicycle in front.
Picture: The Youghal Urban District Council Ferry Boat approaching the Ferry Slip.
Picture: The ferry service operated every hour. A bell on the Ferryboat office (now public toilets at the Market House building - south side) was rung about ten minutes before departure (on the hour throughout the day) to summon prospective passengers. The ferry boats were called the 'Angeline' and the 'Rosaleen', named after the daughters of J R Smyth of the Youghal Brick Works. Years later, when the ferry service was discontinued, the ferry bell was donated to a Catholic missionary in Africa.
Picture: Such was the demand for the ferry service there were two ferry boats operating at the same time, The 'Angeline' and the 'Rosaleen'. ... See MoreSee Less
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Back in the summers of the late 50s early 60s we used to go over to the ferrypoint on a Sunday afternoon with my dad in his fishing boat, it was the highlight of our week. A swim, a picnic and then up to the little shop on the hill for an ice cream, and if things were very good that week and dad had caught a few salmon we would be treated to a bottle of orange at Monatrea House ( Hotel) a sherry for mam and a pint for dad😀 We have some lovely memories of those days and it would be great to see the ferryboat back again for others to enjoy a day trip across the bay if only for the beautiful views that are to be seen and enjoyed especially on a beautiful summers day.
Brilliant presentation!
Be fab
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Capturing Youghal's Past: Catherine Matthes Remembers Her Father's Films
Catherine Matthes fondly recalls her father, Billy Matthes, a Youghal resident with a keen eye for local life. His prime location allowed him to capture numerous town events on film from the 1950s to 1970s, including parades, storms, fires, and everyday scenes before television became common. These home movies offered the community entertainment, showcasing shops, bars (like the burned Atlantic Hotel), and significant events like the arrival of the Grace Darling lifeboat, Procession Sunday, The Regatta and the building of the new bridge. Catherine remembers the excitement of watching these films at home with friends, seeing familiar faces and a Youghal much different from today. She appreciates the current recognition and preservation of this archive, reflecting on a time of "innocence, goodness, and safeness."
(Researched, Compiled & Edited by Michael Hussey) ... See MoreSee Less
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Youghal in the 1950s-70s: Catherine Matthes Shares Rare Films from Her Father's Archive: youtu.be/pp8zp5FE6RQ
Catherine . This is just fabulous . I’ve just sent it to My Dad Richard Hickey . He will be delighted to see the footage of the Grace Darlings arrival to Youghal as much as i was too see it . She is now at Chatham Dockyard over here in Kent where he has visited many a time . I’m sure him and Mam Mary Hickey will be reminiscing over the old places and stories they would have told us growing up about them too . Just fabulous . We also have at home some models of boats especially the Grace Darling being my favourite that your dad made from matches . What a talented man Billy was RIP . Stuart Hickey Deborah Hickey Tara Feehan have a watch . It’s fabulous 💚
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Youghal Little Theatre Rehearsals: Liam McCarthy as Daniel O'Connell, (6 August 1775 – 15 May 1847), hailed in his time as The Liberator and Denise O'Donoghue, playing Ellen Courtney.
Ellen Courtenay alleged that Daniel O’Connell, the Irish political leader, seduced her when she was about 15 years old after summoning her to his house under urgent pretenses. She claimed this encounter resulted in the birth of an illegitimate child, Henry Simpson (later known as Henry O’Connell), whom she said O’Connell suggested naming. Courtenay maintained that O’Connell promised to support her and their son but failed to do so. She later published a pamphlet accusing O’Connell of “cruelty, perfidy, and depravity,” and asserted in her writings and public appeals that she was the victim of rape or seduction by O’Connell. These allegations were widely publicised, especially after she sought financial support and attempted to draw public attention to her claims, but O’Connell consistently denied them and refused to provide support.
Courtenay’s allegations became the subject of scandal and speculation, but their veracity was never established in court. The controversy persisted for years, fueled by her public appeals, published narrative, and the striking resemblance of her son to O’Connell, though many contemporaries dismissed her as a blackmailer or fantasist.
YOUGHAL LITTLE THEATRE is set to captivate audiences with Epitaph, a gripping courtroom drama that breathes new life into the historic trial of Robert Emmet. Written by local talent Reg Keating and skillfully directed by Jim Morey, this powerful two-act play promises an evening filled with drama, intrigue, and raw emotion.
Dates: Friday, 25th & Saturday, 26th April 2025
Time: 8:00 PM Sharp
Venue: Mall Arts Centre, Youghal
Tickets: €15
Available at Cree’s Card Shop (cash only)
At the door (cash, debit, or credit card) ... See MoreSee Less
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THIN LIZZY'S RAW 'JAILBREAK': A VINYL VERDICT BY MICHAEL TWOMEY
From 1976 to 1980, it is reasonable to argue that Thin Lizzy peaked in creative output and global status as one of rock’s great bands. They bridged the gap between pantheon greats like Led Zeppelin and the dawn of 80s ‘shampoo rock’ or ‘mock rock’ of the MTV generation with puffed-up pretenders like Europe. Thin Lizzy blended perfectly accessible, radio-friendly guitar melodies with enough cool and edge to find a soft spot with just about anybody; if you were Irish, it was a mortal sin to dislike them.
Their uniqueness centred on Phil Lynott. He was black, he played bass, he sang, and he wrote the lyrics and music. He was refreshingly humble and generous (he gave away the bass line for the Boomtown Rats' No. 1 ‘Rat Trap’) and devoid of musical snobbery. At a time when punk was widely trashed and derided by other established musicians, he took Ireland’s premier and greatest punk band, The Radiators from Space, on Lizzy’s famous ‘Live and Dangerous’ tour and for a period shared a flat in London with The Ruts vocalist Malcolm Owen, not to mention the Thin Lizzy/Sex Pistols Christmas song ‘A Merry Jingle’. Lynott was exceptional in a culture rife with spite and creative jealousy, and it showed in the music, too.
Lizzy became everyone’s favourite band (at least for 4 minutes and 28 seconds) when ‘The Boys Are Back In Town’ was a huge hit in 1976, inspiring hairy young boys all over the country to pick up air guitars. In an era of the album, hits were often the high point, with fillers fattening out weaker material rushed by record companies demanding to cash in on the public’s disposable income. However, ‘Jailbreak’ had no such weak spots. The album’s legend has endured these 49 years, and it begs the question why ‘Jailbreak:
Alternate Versions’ wasn’t held back for the 50th anniversary in 2026.
The Alternate Versions arrives on vinyl as a Record Store Day limited edition release, and the tracks are drawn from the outstanding CD/Blue-Ray 'Jailbreak/Johnny the Fox: Stereo Versions’ released last year. The sticker boasts that this is ‘Jailbreak’ as you’ve never heard it before. Well, that’s just not true. However, international Record Store Day is for vinyl fanatics, the holy grail of audiophiles and physical content devotees. The argument is an endless one as to which produces the better or truer sound: the clinically clean digital separation of the compact disc or the orchestral warmth of analogue. Record players are better today (if you’re willing to pay) than when ‘Jailbreak’ was first released, and subwoofers bring out the bottom to Lizzy’s sound in a way that was unmatched in 1976.
But there is even more to enjoy about the Alternate Versions than its thumping analogue feel-good factor. The original track listing is kept faithfully. From the title track, the immediate difference or alternate version here is the unfiltered feel of the production. If you like your music doused in glossy production, you’ll find the ‘rough cut’ disarming, particularly the lack of a vocal chorus, but there’s a raw quality that has its own peculiar edge, particularly to Downey’s sonically dynamic drumming and Lynott’s gritty bass. Perhaps it’s the growing AI and computer-generated saccharine slush in current music that makes these demo versions so welcome, to hear real musicians playing real instruments, the human endeavour with all its brilliance and flaws culminating in artistic passion that was gleaned from years of practice, not to mention the originality of the songs.
‘The Kid Is Back’, ‘Warriors’, and ‘The Cowboy Song’ follow in a similar vein, but the lack of vocals on these tracks is unwelcome. ‘Angel From The Coast’ is as complete as the original, and the extraordinary ‘Emerald’ has a smattering of alternative lyrics but doesn’t lose any of its blinding power; it’s the only song I know that actually manifests a Celtic medieval battle. The real surprises here are the beautifully crafted acoustic renditions of ‘Romeo and the Lonely Girl’ and ‘Fight or Fall’. The demo of ‘Running Back’ is a rolling, languid, bluesy jolly-up that shows off Lynott’s propensity for sincere/not sincere love songs where you always feel there’s a cheeky grin behind the lyric.
‘Jailbreak: Alternate Versions’ is being sold as a ‘must-have’ for ‘true’ Thin Lizzy fans. If ever there was a guilt-trip sentiment in advertising, that’s the one. Here’s the rub: Thin Lizzy fans who grew up on ‘Jailbreak’ the original just might hate these raw recordings, and I’m supposing the ones in particular that are instrumentals. Then, there will be those who want anything that was put to tape. This is not an album for casual listeners, but listened to on vinyl at volume, this album can make the band feel present and immediate, even urgent. You can also listen to it on Spotify while you’re cooking dinner or driving the car, but that’s not what rock and roll was meant to be. That’s not what Thin Lizzy had in mind when they recorded music. Unlike Spotify, they were not bland, passive, compressed, or quiet. If ‘Jailbreak: Alternate Versions’ showcases anything, it showcases that much. Play loud.
JAILBREAK: ALTERNATE VERSION (Vinyl LP)
ARTIST: Thin Lizzy
FORMAT: Vinyl LP (Limited Edition for Record Store Day)
RELEASE DATE: Initially released for Record Store Day, April 19, 2025.
LENGTH: Album runtime approximately 40 minutes (based on original album length). ... See MoreSee Less
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Youghal String Quintet Classical Prelude
Theatregoers are buzzing with anticipation for Youghal Little Theatre’s Epitaph, a gripping courtroom drama opening this weekend at the Mall Arts Centre. As patrons prepare to immerse themselves in Reg Keating’s powerful retelling of Robert Emmet’s trial, they’re in for an added treat: the enchanting melodies of the Youghal String Quintet. This talented ensemble of classically trained musicians will grace the foyer with their elegant and sophisticated performances throughout the run, elevating the experience to new heights. Don’t miss this perfect blend of riveting theatre and exquisite music, and look forward to more from the quartet in Youghal this summer!
Dates: Friday, 25th & Saturday, 26th April 2025
Time: 8:00 PM Sharp
Venue: Mall Arts Centre, Youghal
Tickets: €15
Available at Cree’s Card Shop (cash only)
At the door (cash, debit, or credit card)
More info at: Youghal Little Theatre ... See MoreSee Less
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Congratulations lady's 🎊 👏
Love to hear yer beautiful music 🎶 🎵 ❤️
Easter Monday, April 21st, 2025.
Papal Flag Flies at Half-Mast: Youghal Pays Tribute.
Eighty-six-year-old flag bearer John McGrath is pictured here flying the Papal Flag on the 1916 centenary mast pole at Raheen Park in Youghal, County Cork, on Easter Monday, April 21st, 2025. For the past week, the National Flag flew prominently in the park as part of the Easter commemorations, marking Holy Week. John first lowers the National Flag with care and respect and then raises the Papal Flag with equal care and solemnity to the top of the mast before carefully lowering the Papal Flag to half-mast. ... See MoreSee Less
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Thank you John. May our Holy Father rest in peace 🙏🙏
Well done John
Good on you John,