Youghal

MY FRIEND - SIOBHAN LINCOLN OF ARDMORE

Remembering friends during a long lifetime brings a mixture of happiness and sadness. It brings good times to mind that occurred along the road of life - but on the other hand so many friends have sadly departed to be fondly thought of and missed.

The following are just some of people that readily come to mind for me. Pat Coughlan of Ardsallagh - a great motor-bike enthusiast. Noel Hogan of Piltown - who did so much quietly for the Vincent-De-Paul society. John Tarrant of Shanacoole - would give you all that he had if you needed it. Neil Collender, Shanacoole - who used his J.C.B. to make a football pitch for my kids and didn't want to take any payment. Peg O'Shea - Bayview House - lovely neighbour - very knowledgeable about herbs and the old cures and remedies of long ago. Eileen Burns - Ticknock near metal bridge - most helpful re the history and people of the area. Mary and Bridie O'Connor, Shanacoole - always good for a welcome and a cup of tea. Mary played the organ in Piltown chapel over decades.

One person stands out in my mind more than anyone - Siobhan Lincoln of Ardmore. Maybe because we had so much in common - researching local history and recording it in simple publications. Siobhan's books include Ardmore in Song and Story, Declan of Ardmore and Along St. Declan's Way.

What brought Siobhan to my mind was when her son Richard (Dick) Lincoln called to me last week with a present of the latest Ardmore Journal (no. 11). When I had missed the launch of it at Halla Deuglan - Richard guessed that it was because of health problems and he kindly brought a copy to me. He mentioned how his mother and her sister Eileen (Colbert) used to come to my house at Shanacoole every Monday night for weeks to prepare the book 'Along St. Declan's Way'.

Siobhan was forever researching and writing about her native village and published many books as well as contributing to the Ardmore Journals of James Quain. Because the girl who used to type for her had moved away to some other town - she asked me to help her. I was honoured and delighted that such a great historian should come to me for help.

Before I go on about the visits - let me tell of some of Siobhan's memories of her young days. Reared in the Ardmore parish - she was Hurley by maiden name and her Dad, Martin, had a lorry long ago with which he would drive the Ardmore football team to Dungarvan to play a match. By putting long stools on the lorry - the whole team could fit. A cold and windy experience but reliable.

Martin had a fuel business and a guest house in Ardmore. Siobhan went on to become a national school teacher and her first appointment was at the Presentation Convent school in Youghal. It was a ten mile bike journey from her home by crossing the old metal bridge - but she took a shorter route. In all kinds of weather - she would cycle the five miles to the Ferrypoint - then take the large ferry boat across the Blackwater. The boat had a big flat forecastle where the bike was placed. It docked at the quay of the Market Square in the centre of Youghal.

Then up on her bike again for the half-mile to the school. In the afternoon around 4 pm - the return journey was made by the same means. It was okay in good weather - but in cold and wet conditions it was a challenge. No doubt it toughened up the young teacher and she went on to achieve so much in life.

Siobhan then got a teaching job at Ballycurrane before she became friendly with Dick (senior) Lincoln - the Principal of Ardmore N.S. at the time. whom she later married. They went on to have five children - Richard, Liam, Martin, Declan and Colum. Very sadly Liam was lost in a fishing tragedy in Ardmore Bay with Tom Morrissey in 1982 when their salmon yawl capsized in rough weather. Following her husband's death - Siobhan became Principal at Ardmore N.S..

Siobhan never rested from enhancing and promoting her village. She was very involved in the Tidy Towns and on the committee that won the Inter-Flora award twice for Ardmore. Another goal was the restoration of St. Declan's Hall to what it is today - where concerts, plays and sales of antiques and goods are held. She also helped start the Halla Deuglan Monday club (3 pm to 5) with John Kennedy and Jim Lane where pensioners sing, play an instrument, recite or tell a story.

All this was done while researching and writing about the people and ways of the village - leading to the publication of several books and contributions to James Quain's Ardmore Journals. The new Ardmore Journal (no. 11) is available at Ardmore P.O. with Alice.

Now back to 'Along S. Declan's Way'.

St. Declan's Way - from Ardmore to Cashel - had earlier been opened up as a walking trail. Siobhan and her son Richard were members of the group that met with the many landowners along the route to get permission for pilgrims to use the track. A few farmers at first were slow to agree with the project but eventually came on board.

The next phase was more difficult because large sections of the Way were overgrown and had to be cleared. The Ardmore Boy Scouts troupe were a great help and they then walked the whole route from Cashel to Ardmore over three days.

Siobhan was anxious that the project be successful - that it would get plenty of publicity - and that a guide book be produced. There are lots of historical and religious places along the sixty mile walk and the listing of those - in encountered order - was the aim.

So every Monday night for about eight weeks - Siobhan and her sister Eileen Colbert arrived at our home here in Shanacoole to make slow progress on the book. Eileen was wife of Eddie Colbert - a producer of plays and he was a founder member of Youghal Little Theatre with Clare O'Brien and Albert Cole. In the nights between the visits some typing would be done to keep the project progressing. One got to learn about sites in West Waterford - over the Knockmealdown mountains - and into South Tipperary. All very interesting!

As the weeks went by - the book began to take shape. However she had a habit of forgetting some items and sites - so a lot of the earlier section had to be enlarged many times - much to my bother. Thank God for computers - they made it easy to put in extra pieces. When you think that every remarkable location had to be in the perfect order as met on the route.

Siobhan and Eileen were slow to accept a cup of tea - just an odd time - when all the talking brought dry mouths.

When the book was completed - Siobhan got one of her brothers - a priest in Hong Kong, James, - to get a publisher for her. She had another brother, Michael, a priest at Milltown in Dublin. The book was a successful project and is still selling.

The announcement recently of Mount Mellerary Abbey becoming Ave Maria University for American students will bring new interest in St. Decan's Way as it passes through the Abbey grounds.

While talking about walks and tracks - the next time that you walk the Cliff Walk at Ardmore - note the lovely bench seat located near the well - in memory of Doctor Joe Meehan. Dr. Joe saved many lives during his time at Ardmore - including that of my son Gavin (then aged ten) in 1984. Wouldn't it be nice to have another seat on the walk in memory of Siobhan.

Finally - it is very cheeky of me to write about such a remarkable woman whose laces I would not be fit to tie. R.I.P. Siobhan.

Mike Hackett - October - 2026.

The montage captions include:

Declan of Ardmore — a book compiled by Siobhan Lincoln.

Along St. Declan’s Way — Siobhan Lincoln’s guide to the walking route from Ardmore to Cashel.

The St. Declan crest/illustration.

Mike Hackett, Julian Walton, Siobhan and Joe O’Farrell of Lismore.

John Kennedy and Siobhan Lincoln.

Siobhan Lincoln, Pensioner of the Year 1994, with Seamus Dooley, CEO of Irish Life. ... See MoreSee Less

THE SESSION BROS · THE ANCHOR BAR · SAT 26th · 7:30 to 9:30PM

🎶 Early gig · Enjoy live music but not the late start, this one's for you.

The Session Bros return to The Anchor Bar, Youghal - Saturday, 26th September 2026, playing classic songs from the 70s, 80s and beyond.

This month’s line-up:
🎸 Paul McCarthy, guitar and vocals
🎸 Kieran McCarthy, guitar and vocals
🎹 Jason Byrne, keyboards and vocals
🥁 Pete Mullins, drums
📍 The Anchor Bar, Youghal
📅 Saturday, 26th September
🕢 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Come early for the best seats. ... See MoreSee Less

YOUGHAL LIGHTHOUSE SHINES BRIGHT FOR NEW ERA.

There was a wonderful sight on Youghal’s coastline tonight as the town’s iconic lighthouse was illuminated, highlighting this much-loved landmark against the night sky like never before.

Whether the new lighting is permanent or temporary remains to be seen, but there is no doubt that it adds a striking new dimension to the lighthouse and its setting.

And beside it, the exciting new glass-walled viewing platform is taking shape nicely. As work continues, the lighthouse is preparing to enter a new era — one where this historic building can be appreciated in a very different way and enjoyed by visitors and locals for generations to come. ... See MoreSee Less

🎶 NIALL McCABE LIVE AT ST. MARY’S · CULTURE NIGHT YOUGHAL 2026

A great night of live music is lined up for St. Mary’s Collegiate Church this Friday as part of Culture Night Youghal 2026.

Niall McCabe will headline the evening, with support from Ruairí de Leastar, The Yewtonics and students from Youghal School of Music.

Originally from Clare Island, Niall McCabe has built an international following as a singer-songwriter, performing at the Grand Ole Opry, Celtic Connections, Cambridge Folk Festival and Galway Folk Festival.

🎸 Ruairí de Leastar has been writing and performing for over 20 years, touring in Ireland, the UK, Canada and the US and sharing stages with artists including Duke Special, Lisa Hannigan, Jerry Fish, Jack L and Foy Vance.

🎤 The Yewtonics bring another strong local connection to the night. The Youghal band combine soul, groove and a range of other influences in their original music and are currently working on their debut EP.

🎶 Students from Youghal School of Music will also take to the stage, giving some of Youghal’s younger musicians the opportunity to be part of this special Culture Night concert.

📅 Friday, 18th September
🕗 Doors 7:30pm Starts at 8pm until 10pm
📍 St. Mary’s Collegiate Church, Youghal
🎟️ FREE

A great mix of established, local and emerging talent in one of Youghal’s most distinctive venues. ... See MoreSee Less

🎭 CULTURE NIGHT YOUGHAL 2026 - WHAT'S ON (Updated 15/09/2026)

Culture Night returns to Youghal on Friday, 18th September, and the programme has grown considerably since we first shared it.

Tag someone you'd like to bring along and please LIKE & SHARE to help us spread the word and let more people know what's happening in Youghal.

There’s a great mix happening across the town, with live music, film, art, exhibitions, museums, open studios, guided tours, local history, the market open late and plenty more.

📅 Friday, 18th September 2026
🎟️ Free events across Youghal
📍 See the poster for the full programme, times and venues.

Some events require advance booking, including the Kids Workshop at Youghal Library and the Clock Tower Guided Tours.

With so much happening at the same time, have a look through the programme now and start planning your Culture Night.

👇 What are you planning to see?

Programme details and times are subject to change. This guide includes official Culture Night listings along with additional events and updates supplied directly by local organisers.

Article by Kieran McCarthy · Youghal Online ... See MoreSee Less

When good entertainment was home-made. By Mike Hackett

The passing of Rodgie Galvin in his 99th year and Pat Geary (The Gare) also in his 90's - reminds us of how those musicians entertained us before the coming of the T.V. in 1964.

Knockanore-Kilwatermoy-Glendine had three public houses in the 1960's. You had the Shamrock - the Sycamore and Lombard's. Now it's only Lombard's alone in the parish.

Just for a short while - let us relive the fun when the Bridesiders band played in the Arch Ballroom in Tallow and when the musical nights in Lombard's drew players and singers from miles away. Paddy Geary was the drummer with the Bridesiders and Peter Gillen was another member playing the saxophone. The Arch would be packed every dance night in those days before the coming of the big showbands. Then turning to Lombard's - in that same era - Rodgie Galvin with his accordian was a regular participant. He used to make us laugh when he said that he was always nervous playing the first tune - and he felt he played much better after two pints. He had that great characteristic of being able to laugh when the joke was on himself. So buy Rodgie another pint !

Still staying at Lombard's - Susie Coleman would sing 'The Rocks of Bawn' and her son Michael would play the box. Michael Buckley from Inch was a wonderful piano-accordian player and John Barry from Clonmult was accomplished on the box, mandolin and violin. Very versatile also were Mary and John from Mogeely on Mandolin and violin. Then coming from across the Blackwater you would have Michael Hickey and his wife Nora. They were used to performing at the Piltown Thursday club and at the Halla Deuglan sessions every Monday afternoon with Father Milo Guiry in Ardmore.

Any good night at Lombard's would not be complete without the Farrell family from Cherrymount - Hanny and Bobby playing and singing.

Tommy Hurley lived nearby at Ballyglavin and he and his wife would call every Sunday evening on their way back from Dungarvan where her family lived. Tommy explained that they had an agreement that he would drive her to Dungarvan - but to always stop at Lombard's on the way home. She would quietly drink Power's lemonade while he had his pints of Murphy's porter.

Johnny Murphy was another regular to call and he spoke about his bad tummy. He could not absorb porter or whiskey. Barley Wine was his drink. Frances would openly announce that the supplier had called and she had the Barley Wine in stock specially or him. She applied the same attention when Jumbo Perks would come in from shooting pheasants with his pals - Sammy Adams and Jack Copithorne. "I have the Black Bush whiskey for you" she would say. Right enough the bottle of Black Bush was high up on a shelf behind the counter. I believe that he was the only customer for whom it was kept. On that same shelf was a stuffed pheasant to be admired. The gunmen would joke that they had seen at least one pheasant that day - but nobody said that it was in Lombard's pub.
We must not forget the percussionists like Bill Lackey on the bodhran and Mary Power from the Redforge rattling the silver spoons. Bill went to Dublin for Bloomsday every year to celebrate the writer James Joyce. One year when he had no proper messenger bike for the parade - the postmen in Cork gave him one with a front carrier and away he went.

Then Tom Fitzgerald - also from the Redforge - came home permanently from England to live nearby at Ballyglavin. Tom had entertained at the Irish clubs in Shepherds Bush and had songs and monologues by the dozen. He used to do 'Seomra hEocht - Miceal Bocht' excellently - also he did a favourite one of Charlie Flavins - 'Peg and Caoch O'Laoghaire'. Tom told a funny story about singing his two songs at an Irish club one night - and then to be told as he left the stage that the next singer hadn't shown up. It was Halloween weekend - so Tom just put on a ghost mask and went back out on stage to sing two more songs. Tom Dooley and Tom Cahill from Old Parish were others musicians to partake of the fun at Lombard's.

Put all this together and you have endless entertainment. Singers and players had to wait for their turn on some busy nights. People came out from the town too to enjoy the fun on Sundays. 'Doll' Roche - married to Syl Redmond (red-cap soldier) and living at Cork Hill - liked to get away from the townies for awhile. A cousin of Mossie Sheehan's (garage) is remembered for attending with her huge American husband (Jim Hyatt) of Indian descent. He was over seven foot tall - the pint glass was like an egg-cup in his big hand. The only man that I ever met bigger than he was outside the Head Quarters of the Canadian Mounted Police in Ottawa where a member eight foot tall and three foot wide kept vigil. I had to stand well back to look up at his face and I didn't go in.
Geraldine (proprietor) told me that recently they have moved to a higher cultural level with the appearance of an orchestra. Dr. Carmel Whitford with her daughter were part of that. Also in it were Mary O'Keeffe (nee Nugent Ticknock) with her daughter Jennifer plus her daughter. You had three generations in that small orchestra. They have given sessions in the halls of neighbouring towns playing violins and violas.

Dan Keane and Andy Lyons lived just across the valley via the two-mile bridge at Curraghboy. Both were blessed to have such a luxury as Lombard's nearby and they availed of it.
Charlie Daly worked for a local farmer nearby and loved to recite long poems. One was about a boxing match between Galligan and Sheehan - fifteen verses - a listener would be punch drunk before the end of it. Sam McGee was another favourite of his - again very long. Those poems gave a break from the music and a chance for the players to lift a glass to their lips.

The ballad of Sam McGee told of a prospector going to frozen Alaska to find gold. He was perished with the awful cold and died when he froze to death. His pal could not dig a grave in the frozen hard ground and decided to cremate Sam. The pal subsequently built a pyre (bonfire) of sticks and placed Sam's body upon it. While watching the cremation - the pal composed the ballad. "I'm Sam McGee from Tennessee - that's where I was born - - and since

I arrived in this forsaken place, it's the first time I've been warm". That always brought a laugh from the listeners in Lombard's.
Parish loyalty is very strong in Knockanore-Kilwatermoy-Glendine - and so the local Shamrocks G.A.A. club hold their weekly lotto draw at Lombard's pub every Monday night.
- Mike Hackett, September 2026.

Pictures:

1. Andy Lyons and May shearing a pet lamb that May had reared

2. Bertie Moore relaxes in the corner of the pub

3. Bridgie Griffin, John Sexton, Kathleen Long with Johnny Murphy as he drinks a glass of Barley Wine

4. Cousin John A. Lombard is happy

5. Gerald was blind but he could swallow okay

6. Geraldine in her P.O. days

7. Mike Hackett, John A. Lombard, Diarmuid and Stephen O'Regan with Eoin Parker ... See MoreSee Less

A SUPER TEAM FROM A SMALL VILLAGE. By Mike Hackett

Clashmore/Kinsalebeg have won their place to become a senior team in the Waterford County Hurling Championship by winning the Pat Hunt cup. This is a tremendous attainment from a small village of such size. When asked to describe it properly - my knowledge of those young players is lacking. All that I can say (at age 82) is that I knew their Dads and grandparents - so here is the scene from my viewpoint.

Before we start - let us think of the great win that Mayo footballers had after 75 years of endeavour. Now Clashmore are a senior club (founded in 1885) for the first time ever - and dare we hope to dream for a third uplift - that the Deise County Hurling Team would win another All-Ireland next year after a lapse of 68 years.

There is a remarkable thread running through this marvellous Clashmore/Kinsalebeg team. Let me explain ; - A man named Christy Ryan (R.I.P.) came from Cobh and worked at Youghal carpets before it closed. He married Bridie Joyce of Lickey and so became anchored by her to the Deise. Bridie is still with us and in good spirits. Christy's son Roger is manager of this young team and two of his grandsons are on it. No doubt then that the D.N.A. of Bridie and Christy form the backbone of this club and players.

Now let us go through this marvellous Clashmore/Kinsalebeg team slowly from an older generation point of view.

In goal Kyle Moloney - a family connection of Bridie Ryan (nee Joyce of Lickey). Aidan Trihy (son of Tom) was centrefield. At wing-back was Cillian O'Keeffe (son of Tim - club chairman) Brothers Ciaran and Tadhg Burke - (whose Dad installed my water system a few years ago) were at full-back and centre-back.

Then you had Sam and Josh Fitzgerald - wingback and wingforward - grandsons of Vinny O'Rourke - a great Clashmore player in his day. We go to Youghal bridge where J.J. Fitzgerald has his mobile restaurant to learn that his son Ronan was on the team at centre-forward Cian Ryan at corner-back is a grandson of Christy Ryan. Danny O'Mahony (Captain) is grandson of Budd and Eamon Foley of Monatrea.

Then we have the O'Halloran connections: - Brian son of Billy (the Glen) and Ed son of Jack at Rath. Brian Lynch had an outstanding game and was Man-of-the-Match. He is grandson of Paddy Lynch, Ardsallagh, who cycled to work at Seafield Fabrics in the 1950s. Brian has a family link with the great Ackie Lennon who played football for the Waterford County team and played for Munster in the Railway Cup St. Patrick's Day games. Brian's Granny was a sister of Ackie.

Then you had Dara Ryan at corner-forward - again of the Christy Ryan family. Paul O'Connor from Coolbagh was the other corner-forward.

Subs used were Shane and Luke Coughlan - grandsons of the late Pat Coughlan and Maura of Ardsallagh. Luke wasn't long on the field when he whipped on a ground shot to score the goal that turned the game for Clashmore in the closing stages.

So there you have it all. It helps old folk like me to link up with these young players. In case you are thinking that we are making a lot of this win - on behalf of a village club - enough praise could not be given to it. Long may it be spoken of and recorded.

Comhghairdeas aris agus go mbeidh chraobh eile agaibh. Congratulations and that you may have others wins.
Just heard that the Clashmore/Kinsalebeg team visited the three local schools of Ballycurrane, Clashmore and Kinsalebeg with that County Intermediate Hurling (Pat Hunt) cup and that brought great excitement. The cup is named in memory of Pat Hunt of Clonea who passed away suddenly.

Another nice gesture was when the club presented a club shirt to every new pupil (who are just starting this September) at the three schools.

Anois - sin deire leis an sceal seo agus buiochas mor do Tim O'Keeffe - Big thanks to Tim O'Keeffe for his assistance with this project. ... See MoreSee Less

🎭 Free Events to Enjoy in Youghal for Culture Night 2026 (updated 15/09/2026)

Music, film, art, local history and live performances will take over venues across Youghal on Friday, 18 September.

Culture Night 2026 is shaping up to be a busy one in Youghal, with free events and activities taking place across the town from afternoon until late.

From live music and local film to museums, exhibitions, open studios, guided tours and the night market, there's plenty happening throughout the day and evening.

📍 WHAT'S ON

✏️ All Day | Finola M Power Exhibition: An exhibition window at Cree's Card Shop featuring charcoal drawings by Finola M Power of local Cumann na mBan women.

🛍️ 4:00 - 9:00pm | Youghal Night Market: Food, crafts and local producers at Barry's Lane.

🎨 4:00 - 5:30pm | Kids Workshop with Judy Fisher: Irish wild bird printing and collage with Judy Fisher at Youghal Library. Advance booking required.

📸 4:00 - 5:30pm | Miniature Cinematic Photography: Youghal Camera Club explores perspective, scale and photographic tricks at Youghal Town Square. Fun for children and adults.

🏛️ 6:00 - 9:00pm | Culture & Curiosity: Explore Youghal Freemasons' Hall, museum and meeting rooms. Talks at 6:30pm, 7:30pm and 8:30pm.

🖼️ 6:00 - 8:00pm | Merricks: An exhibition recalling Youghal's historic Merricks department store at the Mall Arts Centre.

🎺 6:00 - 7:00pm | Strings & Brass: Live music in the hidden walled garden at 118 Plumbers Yard on North Main Street.

🎬 6:00 - 7:00pm | Traveller Voices: Short films exploring Traveller music and culture at Cumann na Daoine.

🎨 6:00 - 8:30pm | Artists Open Studios & Picture Framing: Meet Youghal artists and see painting, metalwork, illustration, comic art and picture framing. Located behind Youghal Enterprise Centre, Emmett Place.

🎻 6:00pm onwards | 75 Years of Passing It On: Celebrate 75 years of Comhaltas. Open-air performance at the market at 6:00pm, followed by a recreation of the Inis Oírr Seisiún at Brú na Sí from 7:15pm. Community Bus available from 7:00pm.

🧵 6:00 - 9:00pm | Youghal Lace Museum: Youghal Lace Museum opens its doors for Culture Night from 6:00pm to 9:00pm.

👩 6:00 - 9:00pm | Pioneering Women of Youghal Museum: The Pioneering Women of Youghal Museum will be open to visitors from 6:00pm to 9:00pm.

🕰️ 6:00 - 8:00pm | Youghal Clock Tower Guided Tours: Free guided tours of Youghal Clock Gate Tower, with tours from 6:00 - 7:00pm and 7:00 - 8:00pm. Advance booking is essential.

📷 6:30 - 8:00pm | Passport Through the Lens: Youghal Camera Club exhibition at Youghal Credit Union, featuring photographs and cultural experiences from around the world.

🎥 7:00 - 8:00pm | Call Me Isabel: Short film shot at Youghal's Regal Cinema, followed by a Q&A with director Sean Breathnach and actor and producer Ruth Hayes at Youghal Film & Photography Museum.

🎶 7:15 - 8:15pm | Youghal Choral Society: An hour of choral music at the Glass Annex, Mall Arts Centre.

🎤 8:00 - 10:00pm | Niall McCabe Live: Niall McCabe performs at St Mary's Collegiate Church with the YewTonics and Ruairi De Leaster.

📅 Friday, 18 September 2026

🎟️ Culture Night events are FREE

Plan Your Night

With so much happening across Youghal, several events will overlap, so have a look through the programme, pick your favourites and plan your evening. Most venues are within walking distance, making it easy to take in a mix of music, art, film, local history and more.

Culture Night Youghal takes place on Friday, 18 September 2026, with free events taking place throughout the town. Advance booking is required for some events, including the children's workshop at Youghal Library and the Clock Tower guided tours.

Know of another Culture Night event happening in Youghal that we've missed? Let us know in the comments.

Which events are you planning to visit? Tag someone you'd like to bring along, and please like and share this post to help spread the word.

Programme details and times are subject to change. This guide includes official Culture Night listings along with additional events and updates supplied directly by local organisers.

Article by Kieran McCarthy · Youghal Online ... See MoreSee Less

Templemichael & Molana Abbey: What’s Happening With Local Access?

Concerns are growing locally about access to Templemichael graveyard, Templemichael Castle and Molana Abbey.

Much of the discussion centres on the small car park beside Templemichael graveyard, where a barrier was installed earlier this year and opening hours have varied.

While access to the graves remains available, locals point out that the road is narrow and there are few safe places to park when the car park is closed.

That raises an important question: is access really practical if there is nowhere nearby to park?

There has also been discussion about 30th September. Current reporting indicates that this relates to seasonal access to Molana Abbey, rather than a confirmed closure of the Templemichael car park. Molana Abbey is due to close to visitors after 30th September and reopen on Easter Sunday.

The owners of Ballynatray say there are no restrictions on access to the Templemichael graves, although they say there is no right of way.

Meanwhile, Waterford City and County Council is in discussions with the landowner and has sought legal advice.

These are historic places that local people have visited for generations. A local resident has pointed out that the laneway from Templemichael towards the Blackwater was historically associated with an old ferry crossing to Ardsallagh and was used for generations. Questions have therefore been raised about traditional public use and whether any historic right of way exists.

What should reasonable public access look like going forward?
Have you visited Templemichael or Molana recently?
Have you noticed any changes?

Let us know in the comments below but keep the discussion respectful.

Article by Kieran McCarthy · Youghal Online ... See MoreSee Less