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.
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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Jake Kaliliec Performance at Triskel Arts Centre. By Michael Twomey
Youghal has never been represented like this, on a stage as prestigious as Triskel, in a setting as lush as Christchurch, with music as arresting as Jake Kalilec’s interpretations of his hometown’s history, folktales, culture and memory. A standing ovation from a packed house. Words such as ‘magical’ and ‘world class’ fell from lips with ease. There was self gratification for those present, particularly those who made the journey. The sense of wonder was shared openly after the last tonal strains fell silent on the stage. This was a performance to remember.
The 11 piece orchestra swooned and jigged, the players at times betraying their pleasure and feel for the notes by swaying through their parts and smiling during their pauses. Layer upon layer of melody, sometimes cinematic jazz of the 1930s, sometimes cascading notes of traditional origin, sometimes overlapping with a sudden and surprising blues riff on the piano or even rock progression on the banjo. All of it grounded in the gravity and currents of the rhythm section, communicating in their own tongue, while the strings, trombones and clarinet hummed the melodies as if compelled by the emotion of the piece.
Youghal has never been represented like this. Mackerel Fishing evoked the tide, the giddiness of the mackerel breaking and the lament of its passing. The second composition, Cherrymount, perhaps the most emotional composition in the performance, charmed with its deceptive lightness, drawing the audience unsuspectingly into the song’s deeper lament. The equally beautiful Longing, seemed to bring a confidence to the stage imbued by the warmth coming from the audience. Moll Googin’s Corner began with a deep, descending, note on the double bass like the lonely call of a ship's fog horn. Its extraordinarily contradicting moods worked counter-intuitively, wavering from jazz to traditional and at times in unison, like lovers on a promise. The performance was brought to an end with the complex, sometimes primordial, movements (particularly the opening section) of Florence Newton. Its drum breaks and organised chaos was elevated by Paul Dunlee’s fearsome trombone solo.
Youghal has never been represented like this. Towns, cities and countries are boastful when praising talents they often claim to be responsible for. One can only hope that this performance will not just be about Jake Kalilec’s hometown, but that he can bring it home so the town can celebrate one of its most talented sons.
Pics by Kieran McCarthy ... See MoreSee Less
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Kay's flowers at Clarke's - Flowers, sunshine and a very breezy morning on Youghal Front Strand ... See MoreSee Less
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Youghal, let’s get behind Ryan tonight🔥
Our own Ryan Phoenix is taking to the stage on The Late Late Show TONIGHT, with a massive chance to win the Opening Act competition.
He’s already made it to the Top 5 finalists, now it comes down to performance and public vote.
The prize?
👉 Opening for Shania Twain in Thomond Park this July
👉 Plus a spot on the Late Late Country Special
This is a huge moment not just for Ryan, but for Youghal and Irish country music.
Let’s not be quiet about it.
📺 Watch on RTÉ One / RTÉ Player
🗳️ Vote when lines open
📣 Share this post and spread the word
If everyone gets behind him, this is winnable.
Let’s push him over the line. 💪🎶 ... See MoreSee Less
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