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.
BEYOND THE CLOSURES: YOUGHAL'S QUIET FIGHTBACK. By Michael Hussey
Youghal has taken its share of blows in recent years. The closure of the iconic Moby Dicks pub, more empty shopfronts, and now fresh concerns around the future of the railway link have all fed a steady drumbeat of negative headlines. Nationally, more than 2,100 pubs have shut across Ireland since 2005, and coastal towns like Youghal feel that pressure sharply. Yet those headlines only tell half the story. On the ground, Youghal is not shrugging its shoulders; it is organising.
TOWN CENTRE FIRST – STANDING ROOM ONLY
The Youghal Town Centre First Initiative draws huge crowds from town and hinterland to fortnightly public meetings at the Walter Raleigh Hotel. These are lively sessions where people from retail, hospitality, heritage, sports, fishing, youth and community groups roll up their sleeves with practical ideas.
The group urgently needs more volunteers – to map empty buildings, shape tourism plans, lobby for transport and investment, mind heritage sites and champion the harbour. Their message rings clear: if you love Youghal, don't sit at home complaining. Come through the door, grab a seat, and help build a more vibrant, economically strong, heritage-rich and tourism-friendly town.
RAILS AND GREENWAYS
At a recent East Cork Municipal District meeting, Irish Rail's project manager confirmed there is currently "no plan, no policy, no funding, and no project" to restore the Midleton–Youghal rail link – though the new greenway leaves physical space for a future line. He estimated €200m and up to 10 years if approved. Yet the East Cork Rail Alliance has gathered 20,000 signatures for reopening and will address councillors next month, while Mayor Mary Linehan Foley vows to lobby Government and Taoiseach Micheál Martin for policy change.
BUSINESSES GOING WHERE THE CUSTOMERS ARE
On the main streets, local businesses have embraced social media, using video, live streams and regular posts to showcase fashion, gifts, food and crafts to audiences far beyond east Cork – building small brands with followers across Munster and overseas holidaymakers staying connected.
ARTS, EVENTS AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT
Youghal's cultural pulse thrives: a hugely successful Halloween fundraiser at the Regal Cinema paired local musicians' live score to the silent classic The Cabinet of Dr Caligari, drawing packed houses and raising vital funds.
The Youghal Chamber of Tourism and Development does wonderful work promoting the town through events, training and lobbying, while the Youghal Business Alliance upcoming awards night will celebrate enterprise, innovation and community spirit among those keeping doors open and supporting local causes.
Media champions like Community Radio Youghal (CRY104fm), Youghal News, Midleton News, Irish Examiner, Evening Echo, YoughalOnline, Love Youghal, Dungarvan Leader and Dungarvan Observer deliver incredible coverage across airwaves, online and newsprint, keeping the town's pulse visible and strong.
YOUGHAL4ALL sustains festivals like the Moby Dick weekend, securing the Ahab sculpture that proves heritage delivers.
A TOWN THAT REFUSES TO SINK
The losses hurt – Moby Dicks' final pint stung, rail hopes remain distant. But look closer: packed Town Centre First meetings, rail campaigners with 20,000 signatures, traders reinventing online, musicians filling the Regal, business leaders honouring quiet grafters.
This is Youghal choosing to fight – for economic strength, positivity, heritage and tourism. The seas are rough, but the crew is very much on deck.
PHOTO GALLERY:
Youghal in action: Over 60 photos by Michael Hussey capturing the town's incredible arts scene, live entertainment, cultural festivals, industry heritage, economic resilience and tourism highlights from recent years. From packed Town Centre First meetings to musicians, volunteers, businesses and heritage events – proof Youghal's spirit thrives. ... See MoreSee Less
10 CommentsComment on Facebook
You can do it Youghal, The town that" I loved so well ".
As a proud Youghal man even though I have been living in Swansea for the past thirty odd years. I still call Youghal my home. I think Youghal just needs a very big employer to help the economy of Youghal. I think if Youghal could get a massive employer more industries would follow
Great to see so many enthusiastic people I’m not from youghal but spend 5 months in Ballymacoda every year I love going to youghal and giving it business I even come about once a month during the winter months and love doing a bit of shopping and have a bit of lunch. It needs all the business it can get.
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HEARTWARMING UPDATE: GANDHI THE GULL RESCUED AND RECOVERING
Youghal's own Gandhi The Gull, the injured seagull affectionately named by a concerned viewer for its peaceful yet resilient spirit, is now in expert care thanks to a swift community response. After a YoughalOnline Facebook post sparked an outpouring of support, Yasmin from Cork Wildlife Rescue drove through the cold night from Cork city to collect the bird with its severely damaged leg, ensuring a safe transfer to their warm base for urgent vet attention. Early signs are hopeful, and updates will follow as Gandhi begins his road to recovery.
COMMUNITY POWER IN ACTION
Social media proved a force for good here, with inundated positive comments rallying help for Gandhi, who gazed sadly at his fallen companion on Raheen Road before a local resident sheltered him from sub-zero chills.
Shoutouts go to Cork Wildlife Rescue's dedicated team, YoughalOnline viewers for their fantastic engagement, and nearby residents for the initial save—proving Youghal's tight-knit spirit shines brightest in crises.
Picture: Yasmin from the Cork Wildlife Rescue with Gandhi The Gull, en route to healing. Stay tuned for more good news on our feathered fighter!
Picture: The injured seagull at Raheen road, Youghal.
Picture: The seagull waiting for the Cork Wildlife Rescue to arrive. ... See MoreSee Less
12 CommentsComment on Facebook
Aw, brilliant 🤩
Brilliant result. Well done everyone. Please consider donating to wildliferescuecork.com/index.php/donate/ They do amazing work!
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EMERGENCY APPEAL: INJURED SEAGULL RESCUED ON RAHEEN ROAD, YOUGHAL
A young seagull suffered severe injuries, likely from a vehicle collision on Raheen Road in Youghal this morning, Monday 5th January 2026, leaving it with what appears to be a broken leg or two and possibly a damaged wing. Tragically, its companion lay dead on the roadside tarmac, while this bird remained stranded on the frozen grass verge, unable to move amid sub-zero temperatures that threatened its life. A local resident rescued it in the evening darkness, placing it safely in a cardboard box away from predators.
HEARTBREAKING SCENE
The bird gazed toward its lifeless companion throughout the day, a poignant reminder of road dangers for wildlife increasingly spotted in Youghal's residential areas. Seagulls seem to be moving inland, possibly due to scarce fish in local waters or easier food from households, heightening such risks. This young bird's survival now hangs in the balance without urgent help.
CALL TO YOUGHALONLINE VIEWERS
Animal lovers, if you can transport the bird, offer a foster space during recovery, or have rehab experience, comment below this Facebook post with the photo. Every idea counts to save this beautiful bird—share widely! All suggestions welcome to ensure its full recovery and release.
Photo taken Monday evening 05/01/2026: The Injured Seagull Needs Immediate Care in Youghal. ... See MoreSee Less
21 CommentsComment on Facebook
Great News Update for YoughalOnline Viewers! Thank you all for your fantastic comments and quick advice on the original post about the injured seagull from Raheen Road—your support made all the difference! Yasmin from Cork Wildlife Rescue saw the appeal, drove down through the cold, and safely took Gandhi The Gull (as one viewer brilliantly named him) to their Cork base for vet care tonight. He's now warm, assessed, and on the road to recovery—social media at its best!
Needs a bigger box for starters with cover. Is it taking fluids yet? heavy bowl so it wont knock over with water (pinch of salt pinch of sugar in it) warm dark room to help reduce shock. Keep disturbance to minimum for same. If its got breaks the local vet may be able to help splint. Although tis tricky to rehab wild birds. If it will eat..in a pinch give it kitten food - high protein. if you don't have fish.
Oh god love them both so sad they r so hungry as well 😢😢😢💔💔💔
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Youghal4All's Last Cheers to Moby Dicks
As the shutters fall for the final time on Youghal’s famous Moby Dicks pub, two familiar figures stand outside on the quay – Jimmy Flanagan of Youghal4All and publican Kevin Linehan, still shoulder to shoulder after years of promoting their town together.
For more than a decade, Youghal4All has flown the flag for the seaside town, with Kevin not just a member but a driving force – opening his doors, pouring the tea or the stout, and proudly pulling on the Captain Ahab costume whenever the call came.
The annual Moby Dick Festival, with its blend of literature, music and family fun, grew into a highlight of the summer, and Moby Dicks itself was always at its heart. It was through the determination of this volunteer group that the Captain Ahab sculpture was finally commissioned and installed on the quayside, watching over the very spot where Hollywood cameras rolled in 1954.
In an emotional impromptu tribute, Jimmy said: “Just to wish Bríd and Kevin a very happy retirement and to thank them for all their years helping us out in the Youghal4All group, because I’m sure we wouldn’t have got there without them. They made their premises available to us and we appreciate them very much. And it’s very important to note that Kevin is retiring from the Moby Dick pub business – but not from the Youghal4All group.”
Kevin replied with, “Thanks, Jimmy, and thanks to the Youghal4All group, because they are all very positive people that keep this town on the map. Long may Moby Dick keep afloat, and sail on.” ... See MoreSee Less
9 CommentsComment on Facebook
Well done Kevin and Bríd for maintaining the long established legacy of this much loved family business. Take a much deserved bow and a well earned rest!
Best of luck to Kevin and brid on yer retirement enjoy Moby Dicks will be a bit loss to the town and surrounding areas and all the visitors that came to see it 🥳🥳🥳🤩💙❤️
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MOBY DICKS
Poem by Tommy Byrne, professional painter and decorator in Youghal, and host of the Sunday morning Hits and Memories show on CRY104fm Community Radio Youghal. Written specially to mark the closure of the iconic pub.
Moby Dicks by Tommy Byrne
The hands on the Clock Gate have stood still at six
As they stand to attention for the great Moby Dicks.
Time is being called for the last time today
As Kevin and Bríd feel it’s time to make way.
As the curtain comes down on one of the town’s famous bars,
We look back to a time when it graced Hollywood stars.
Huston, Peck and Basehart, to name just a few,
Descended on Youghal to be part of the crew.
The movie is part of our local folklore,
And this is evident the minute you walk in the door.
Memorabilia adorn walls and shelves within,
A dream started by Paddy and Maureen Linehan.
A landmark for friendship, for craic and for song,
Locals ask what on earth will we do when it’s gone.
The end of an era as the curtain comes down,
A massive loss to our small little town.
The Linehan family have served their town well,
And what will happen to Moby’s now only time will tell.
A farewell to one of Youghal’s and Hollywood’s greatest shows,
Captain Ahab watches and shouts… “There she blows!” ... See MoreSee Less
30 CommentsComment on Facebook
Fair play Tommy 👏👏
Really. Grand. “Thar. She. Blows”
Doubtcha kid👏
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LAST ORDERS AT MOBY DICKS: YOUGHAL’S QUAYSIDE ICON CLOSES FOREVER. By Michael Hussey
Youghal, 1st January 2026 – Today marked the final trading day for the internationally famous Moby Dicks pub, a quayside landmark that has stood since 1880. Well-wishers and loyal customers poured in steadily throughout the day to share one final drink and wish proprietor Kevin Linehan, his wife Bríd, and the dedicated staff the very best in retirement.
Kevin was at the centre of a media whirlwind—photographers, filmmakers, radio interviewers from CRY104fm, and newspaper journalists all gathered to document the final pints pulled in this Hollywood-tied establishment. The pub gained international fame during the 1954 filming of John Huston’s Moby Dick starring Gregory Peck, right on its doorstep, as depicted in the huge gable-end mural celebrating its maritime heritage.
By tea-time, the house was full and alive with music for one last hurrah. Across the road, crowds captured photos of Kevin in full Captain Ahab costume—complete with harpoon—standing beside the granite sculpture of the one-legged captain. Staring directly towards Moby Dicks, it was as if Ahab himself was declaring: “I’m still standing, despite the great white whale that bit off my leg.”
In Melville’s novel and the 1954 film, Captain Ahab meets his doom, entangled in the harpoon ropes of the whale. Today felt like a somber end for the Linehan family and the town of Youghal, but the legend remains. Even nature seemed to take note; yesterday, an unusual pod of dolphins cruised upriver from Moll Goggins Corner to the inner harbour, as if to check if the rumours were true.
Like all great Hollywood stories, perhaps Moby Dicks will rise again someday.
Pictures by Michael Hussey:
The Closing of Moby Dicks, Youghal
Photo 1: A Floral Farewell
Helen Heaphy Grainge and Jimmy Flanagan of the Youghal4All group present a bouquet of flowers to proprietors Bríd and Kevin Linehan outside the iconic Moby Dicks pub on its final day of trading. (L-R: Helen Heaphy Grainge, Bríd Linehan, Jimmy Flanagan and Kevin Linehan )
Photo 2: The Two Captains
“I’m Still Standing”: Kevin Linehan, dressed as Captain Ahab, stands beside the quayside granite sculpture of the legendary sea captain. Looking back toward the pub that bears the name of his nemesis, the image captures the defiant spirit of a local landmark closing its doors after 146 years.
Photo 3: The Cinematic Mural
A Hollywood Heritage: Kevin Linehan in full costume before the famous gable-end mural of Moby Dicks. The artwork depicts the oarsmen of the Pequod in their perilous chase of the Great White Whale, reflecting the pub’s deep ties to the 1954 John Huston film.
Photo 4: End of an Era
Proprietor Bríd Linehan with staff member Ann Hunter during the final hours of service. For decades, the team at Moby Dicks has welcomed visitors from across the globe to Youghal’s historic quayside. ... See MoreSee Less
36 CommentsComment on Facebook
Wishing you both a long happy healthy retirement
Sad to see it close. Another piece of Youghal gone what a shame.
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Shadows on Lighthouse Hill, New Year's Day.
New Year’s Day 2026 on Lighthouse Hill, Youghal. The low winter sun sits over the bay, casting the palm trees’ long shadows across the pavement and grass. The railings along the famous walk throw the same pattern towards the calm sea. This quiet stretch of road leads on to Youghal’s three Blue Flag beaches, still in their off-season calm. Soon there will be a clear stretch in the evenings, and this familiar walk will take on a softer, brighter light as the days slowly lengthen into another year.
Picture: Michael Hussey ... See MoreSee Less
12 CommentsComment on Facebook
I walked by there as a kid in the 50's - early 60's coming and going to school. It sure looks different. Happy New Year from South Florida.
Beautiful photo
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4 CommentsComment on Facebook
Thanks everyone for the memories! Voiceover by me, Michael Hussey. More heritage clips coming up shortly. Because of the positive engagement, I'll continue doing more heritage clips with myself talking. The discussion on the Youghal fishing industry and heritage will continue on Community Radio Youghal next Tuesday, January 6th, 2026, on The Breakfast Show with Tommy Collins at 11am—where I and local fishermen will discuss the clip and the sad decline of the fishing industry in Youghal and neighbouring harbours.
Thay war the days
Shame on the politicians Remember going to Ardmore on the old bridge Remember living in the U.K. and buying a Datsun 1200 an MOT failure bought for £20 and driving it on the same day to Pembroke Rosslare Summer’s evening and stopping just b4 the new bridge Bought three salmon from great men Grilled cuts grilled with pepper and lemon at 23.00 nothing like it Bet those guys had a pint at Mobi Dicks Continual sell out in Brussels Mackerel if any to feed rotten farm salmon
When Buttimer’s Dock Was Brimming with Life – Youghal’s Fishing Heritage in the 1960s
Back in the 1960s, Buttimer’s Dock in Youghal was packed with trawlers — each one crewed by local men who earned their living from the sea. This short film below gives a glimpse of that busy scene, showing boats moored side by side before they headed out beyond the harbour to fish.
Buttimer’s was considered the smaller of the two docks, yet it was full of character. Just a few hundred yards further down the Blackwater stood the larger Market Dock, once home to dozens of well-known fishing families whose livelihoods depended on the ebb and flow of the tides.
Those days are now part of Youghal’s proud maritime past. The salmon that once made their annual run up the Blackwater have long since disappeared, and even the summer mackerel — once so plentiful along the quayside — were scarce this year.
This short clip reminds us of a time when fishing was central to life in Youghal — a living connection between the town, the river, and the sea.
Written, narrated and edited, by Michael Hussey ... See MoreSee Less
35 CommentsComment on Facebook
Thanks Michael. How times have changed. So sad to see most of the fish and fishermen gone.
Excellent great to have .put it in a museum
Beautiful piece Michael keep up your valuable work it keeps it all alive . Thank you for sharing
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