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.
⭐✨ SHINING STAR OF YOUGHAL – EILEEN O’CONNOR ✨⭐
A special moment on Saturday night as Eileen O’Connor of SuperValu was announced as the winner of the Shining Star of Youghal Award at the inaugural Youghal Business & Community Awards.
This award recognises outstanding dedication, professionalism and positive impact within our community — and Eileen’s contribution is widely appreciated by customers and colleagues alike.
Presented by Cllr Mary Linehan-Foley, Mayor of the County of Cork; Sean Doyle, Chairman and CEO of British Airways; Anne Treacy, Co-Chair of the Youghal Business Alliance; and Deirdre O’Sullivan, Co-Chair of the Youghal Business Alliance, the applause in the room said it all.
👏 Congratulations Eileen — a richly deserved honour. ... See MoreSee Less
104 CommentsComment on Facebook
Great job Eileen 👏
Welldone Eileen congratulations
Well done Eileen. No more than you deserve. Always a pleasure to deal with you
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YOUGHAL BUSINESS & COMMUNITY AWARDS 2026 – OFFICIAL WINNERS
What a truly uplifting and memorable evening it was at the Walter Raleigh Hotel for the inaugural Youghal Business & Community Awards 2026.
A packed house gathered to celebrate the very best of enterprise, volunteerism, hospitality and community spirit in our town. The positivity, pride and support in the room was unmistakable.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2026 WINNERS:
⭐ Shining Star of Youghal Award
Eileen O’Connor — SuperValu
🤝 Youghal Voluntary Group Award
Meals on Wheels
🏢 Youghal Large Business Award
The Nook
🙌 Youghal Community Individual Award
Frankie Keane
🛍 Youghal Retail Experience Award
SuperValu
🍽 Taste of Youghal Award
The Quays Bar & Restaurant.
🚑 Youghal Community Group Award
Youghal Coast Guard.
🌼 Youghal Small Business Award
Crees’s Card Shop
🚀 Youghal New Business Award
The Walter Raleigh Hotel.
Each winner represents the dedication, resilience and belief that continues to drive Youghal forward.
If there was an overall winner on the night, it may well have been the town itself.
Congratulations to all nominees and to the Youghal Business Alliance for staging a magnificent first awards ceremony. ... See MoreSee Less
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Congratulations to organisers, winners and nominees, it was a great event.
It was a great night - and all very deserving award winners
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THE TOWN THAT WON THE NIGHT
A Glorious Celebration at the Inaugural Youghal Business & Community Awards 2026. By Michael Hussey
If ever there were an awards ceremony to rival the glamour and anticipation of the Oscars or the BAFTAs, then last Saturday night in the Walter Raleigh Hotel proved that Youghal can stage an occasion every bit as memorable. And if there had been one final envelope to open at the end of the evening, it surely would have read:
“AND THE WINNER IS… THE TOWN OF YOUGHAL AND ITS PEOPLE.”
From the moment guests arrived, the tone was set for a night of elegance, pride, and celebration. Dignitaries and nominees were warmly welcomed in the hotel foyer by members of the Youghal Business Alliance, where canapés and refreshments flowed and conversations buzzed with anticipation.
Beneath the YBA banner and camera lights, each nominee was presented with a framed certificate of recognition by co-chairs Anne Treacy and Deirdre O’Sullivan — a thoughtful touch that ensured everyone felt honoured before a single award had been announced.
Upstairs in the Blackwater Suite, the venue was filled to capacity — so much so that an additional room was opened with live screening to accommodate the crowd. It was a turnout that reflected the pride of a community eager to celebrate its own.
The evening was expertly guided by MC Orla O’Riordan, whose warmth, humour and professionalism kept proceedings flowing seamlessly. The atmosphere throughout was one of optimism and unity — a reminder that while the town has weathered its share of challenges over the years, nights like this shine a spotlight on the very best of its people and enterprises.
Adding to the sense of occasion were two distinguished guests deeply rooted in the town: Cllr Mary Linehan-Foley, Mayor of the County of Cork, and Sean Doyle, Chairman and CEO of British Airways — both proud natives whose achievements have brought honour to their hometown.
The Mayor spoke movingly of her lifelong connection to Youghal, sharing heartfelt reflections on community spirit, resilience, and pride. The audience listened intently as she spoke not as a public figure, but as one of their own — a hometown voice speaking from the heart.
Guest speaker Sean Doyle captivated the audience during an engaging on-stage conversation, recounting his journey from growing up in Youghal and attending the local CBS to leading one of the world’s most recognised airlines. His words struck a chord with the entrepreneurs and business owners present when he said:
“WHAT YOU DO IS PHENOMENAL. YOU PUT EVERYTHING ON THE LINE TO BUILD BUSINESSES IN WHAT CAN BE A TOUGH ENVIRONMENT.”
He spoke openly about leadership, resilience, and navigating crises, while proudly acknowledging the influence of his upbringing in Youghal. There was a palpable sense of pride among the audience as he recalled his early years, his family — his late father was the well known Youghal Garda Sergeant Willie Doyle — and the values instilled in him growing up in the town. Among those present were family members and lifelong friends who shared in that pride.
The awards themselves were greeted with enthusiastic applause as winners stepped forward to receive their honours from the Mayor, Sean Doyle, and the YBA co-chairs. Each announcement was met with genuine warmth and support from fellow nominees, underlining the camaraderie that defines the town’s business community.
Behind the scenes, the professionalism of the locally sourced sound and visual production matched anything seen in larger cities — further proof that Youghal possesses exceptional talent in every sector. The hospitality of Jessica Power and the entire Walter Raleigh Hotel team drew particular praise; their attention to detail and welcoming service ensured the evening ran flawlessly from start to finish.
The event also highlighted something deeper than celebration — it revealed confidence in the town’s future. Many of the award recipients and nominees are investing significantly in their businesses and in Youghal itself, demonstrating belief in its potential and commitment to the next generation. That quiet determination, evident across the room, spoke volumes.
Special acknowledgement was also given to entrepreneur Ger Flanagan, whose vision led to the founding of the Youghal Business Alliance in 2018 — an initiative that has grown rapidly and continues to champion enterprise, collaboration, and community pride.
The atmosphere throughout the night was unmistakable: elegant, joyful, and hopeful. With the Adelphi Suite already hosting another packed event the previous evening, and memories recalled of the great social nights of years past, there was a strong sense that Youghal’s vibrant spirit is not only alive but flourishing.
As the evening drew to a close, guests left with smiles, congratulations, and renewed confidence in their town’s future. If the success of this inaugural ceremony is anything to go by, next year’s awards will be even bigger — and very likely held in the Adelphi suite of the magnificent hotel to meet demand.
One thing is certain:
YOUGHAL DIDN’T JUST HOST AN AWARDS NIGHT — IT MADE A STATEMENT.
And what a statement it was.
Picture: Youghal Business Alliance - Youghal Business & Community Awards 2026
Cllr Mary Linehan-Foley, Mayor of the County of Cork, and Sean Doyle, Chairman and CEO of British Airways, pictured with Deirdre O’Sullivan, Co-Chair of the Youghal Business Alliance, and, Anne Treacy, Co-Chair of the Youghal Business Alliance with members of the YBA at the inaugural Youghal Business & Community Awards 2026 held at the Walter Raleigh Hotel. ... See MoreSee Less
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A great read 👏 congratulations to all
congratulations to all well done
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Youghal Pipe Band · Concert 2026 ... See MoreSee Less
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THE YOUGHAL GARDEN & FLOWER GROUP celebrated their 45th anniversary with an elegant dinner in the beautiful surroundings of the Walter Raleigh Hotel, Youghal. The evening brought together members and friends to mark this important milestone in the club’s history.
Club President Kathleen McSweeney expressed her gratitude to Brian and the staff of the Walter Raleigh Hotel for providing a most beautiful meal and warm hospitality, noting that it was a truly memorable evening for all in attendance.
To commemorate the occasion, a group photograph was taken on the hotel’s grand staircase by local professional photographer Ed Guiry. ... See MoreSee Less
6 CommentsComment on Facebook
A fantastic milestone that further showcases another interest/hobby that is available for our community. Well done!
Great picture Carol xx
Fabulous picture congratulations on 45 years 👏
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Eugene Reavey Delivers Powerful Talk at Youghal GAA
The public talk with Eugene Reavey, held at the Youghal GAA Centre on Wednesday evening, February 25th, 2026, proved to be a very interesting and informative event. Eugene spoke with great honesty and insight in conversation with GAA historian and Evening Echo reporter John Arnold, reflecting on the tragic deaths of his three brothers in January 1976 and his decades-long quest for truth and justice.
Following the talk, Eugene was delighted to meet attendees, sign copies of his book, and pose for photographs. Images from the evening were captured by professional photographer Ed Guiry.
Eugene’s visit was kindly sponsored by Youghal Credit Union, The Old Imperial Hotel, and J.J. Flavin QFA of Collins Naughton Financial Services Ltd, trading as Ballincollig Mortgage Centre.
For free consultations or quotes, contact jay@cnfs.ie or call 087 812 8236.
Source J.J. Flavin | Photography by Ed Guiry ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
Lovely images Ed Guiry well done to all involved in bringing Eugene to Youghal.
Eugene and his family are an inspiration to us all 😀
The Humble Bicycle. By Mike Hackett
Going back to the days before electric bikes and cycle lanes — we pay homage to the simple pedal bike that brought us to destinations a lot quicker and easier than walking.
When there wasn't a car in every house — in fact when there wasn't a car owner in a row of houses — then a bicycle was better than walking. People with a bicycle were lucky — they could cycle to work while their comrades walked the roads and streets. There was no cost with a good machine — only a puncture sometimes or a broken chain link that could be repaired cheaply. In those bygone days it was compulsory to have a bell on your bike and a light after dark. That encouraged the saying — "Where are you going without a bell on your bike?"
In the 1950s, you had two factories in Youghal — Seafield Fabrics and Blackwater Cottons — built by Willie Dwyer of Cork to help the town. Over four hundred were employed there and most were from the far side of the two-mile-long town. Bicycles were the main means of getting to work there. If you were walking out the Lighthouse Hill after 5:30 pm, you would want to keep in by the wall as a shower of cyclists (all across the wide road) would come roaring down on their way home from work at the factories.
Another memory comes to mind of a bill poster named Johnny Walsh who had a tricycle machine with a big box made between the two front wheels. He would carry his bills, paste and brushes in it as he cycled around town. He even carried furniture in it when people were moving house. He later got a motorised version like a three-wheel motorbike. John Hannon's bakery had another tricycle with trays inserted in front to deliver the cream buns to local shops. And not to forget the local Post Office when a very large wicker-work basket tricycle was used by the postmen to deliver parcels around town.
A funny incident concerning the P.O. version happened when postman Jim Cooney (Cork Hill) was cycling the trike around Watson's corner at Green's Quay. He was going too fast — it jack-knifed and threw him off onto the road. He was a nice man — laughed it off and walked away unhurt.
In 1957 — when I was thirteen years old — I was too young to play on the under 14 hurling team. The team had a match in Midleton one Sunday and I wanted to be there. My Dad had bought a girl's bike for £15 from his cousin Mary O'Sullivan who was emigrating to Australia. "Up on your bike" I got and cycled the twenty miles to Midleton, but then about a mile out from the town I got a puncture. Walking to the nearest garage — hoping to buy solution and a patch — I encountered a kind man (John Foley) who mended the puncture for me and would take no fee. The whole process took an hour and there was no hurling match for me that day — but it was a learning experience about how kind people can be. The twenty more miles to cycle home completed the lesson.
That was a year before I became a telegram boy (at 14 until 17) to spend three years cycling a big old black post-office bike around the town and countryside delivering all kinds of urgent messages. During those tourist seasons it meant cycling as much as forty miles a day — six days a week. As I was just the messenger, I was never told what those green envelopes contained. It could be that somebody had died in England, or a person due to arrive by train, or that the addressee had drawn a horse in the Irish Sweepstakes draw which was popular at the time.
The topic of cycling brings back the story about the Mill Road Cycling Club — formed in 1938. It had twelve members who paid three pence a week into a fund. However, before the arrival of the following week, some members would request a 'loan' from the fund to tide them over. It was an early version of the Credit Union. But the most amusing part was that not one of the twelve owned a bike. The neighbours’ bikes were borrowed whenever an outing took place to Ardmore or Mount Mellerary.
One Sunday the trip was to Mount Mellerary and the guys had heard about the generosity of the monks and how they always fed any traveller. So they went into the dining room to sit around the huge table. Firstly a monk brought out large jugs of milk before going back to the kitchen for plates of bread. When he appeared with the bread — the milk was all gone; and when he returned with more — the bread was gone. The poor monk couldn't keep up with the hungry cyclists. A member of the club told me later that on the table was a donation box — but he saw no penny going into it.
Another cycling club was formed in town twenty years after that one. It was named St. Christopher's Cycling Club and was great for young people working indoors in shops and factories. Trips on Sundays were made to Killeagh Woods, Ballycotton Pier and in the other direction to Glendine Chapel in the valley. More modern bikes had come around then with three-speed gears and fancy colours. Makes like Raleigh, Humber and Hercules were available. Members of the club that come to mind are: Frankie and Sally Lynch, Gerry and Noreen Kelly, Kevin Hennessy, David (Fudgel) O'Brien, Betty and Gertie Carroll, Michael and Bosco Kenefick, Brian (Josh) Owen, Tim Kelly, Eamon Goggin and Mikie Roche.
We move on to 1998 — when the famous Tour De France came through Youghal. The local tourist office brought Macnas Theatrical Company from Galway to entertain the thousands of onlookers on the street while they awaited the arrival of the race. It brought great attention to the area with roads resurfaced and potholes filled in. In the process, big steel cats-eyes were installed in the middle of the road at the Stone Bridge corner. But when a bicycle wheel would hit them — the machine would shudder. Any ordinary Joe Soap could foresee that they would mean trouble and mean shuddering for narrow racing-bike wheels to negotiate.
How true it turned out to be. As the race leaders rounded the Stone Bridge corner — the leading bunch spotted the large steel cats-eyes and started to separate into two columns to avoid them. The result pushed the outside riders to the edges and one famous cyclist crashed into the wall. Sadly that finished his participation in the race.
Before finishing this story let me pay tribute to a dear old man — Jack Shorten — who lived in the Protestant Asylum on Church Lane (now remade for retired pensioners and known as Shalome House). When he retired from his pony and cart business of bringing coke from the Gas Works to homes around town — he started a bicycle repair shop at 6 North Main Street. Whenever I got a puncture in or near town — Jack would fix it for me and never wanted any payment. You would have a job to press a shilling into his hand. He was a brother-in-law to Bill French — the sacristan at the nearby Collegiate Church. Good deeds like his deserve to have him listed in local history.
Agus sin an mead anois — (That is all for now). Buíochas mór daoibh mar gheall an scéal fada seo — (Big thanks to you for staying with me for this long piece).
Mike Hackett — February 2026
Photos —
Mill Road Cycling Club
Macnas Theatrical Company of Galway with a mock elephant passing Brown Street
The Macnas Parade on North Main Street before the arrival of the Tour de France
Tour notice at Mill Road — July 1998
The Tour de France racing on the Youghal bridge
Bicycle mechanics at work — Mike, Gavin and Suzanne Hackett
No more pedal cycling for Pat Coughlan as he graduated to a motor bike
The result of hitting a pot-hole and being thrown off the bike onto the road ... See MoreSee Less
5 CommentsComment on Facebook
Fantastic story Mike love reading them keep them coming 👍
Great story as usual Michael, and I'm loving the way you're taking us back in time with these amazing stories about bicycles and cycling clubs
Wonderful story, thank you x
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FIONA KENNEDY PRESENTS NATURAL WOMAN AT THE MALL ARTS CENTRE.
Following a sold out run in the Cork Arts Theatre last year, Cork singer‑songwriter is set to bring her highly acclaimed show, Natural Woman, to The Mall Arts Centre Youghal on Friday the 6th March.
Timed to coincide with International Women’s Day, Natural Woman is a powerful, multi‑layered celebration of ordinary women, who have achieved the extraordinary!
Natural Woman is far more than a concert. The show blends original music with Fionas fantastic musicians, readings, storytelling and projected imagery, creating a rich theatrical experience that has resonated hugely with audiences to date.
“Fiona Kennedy is a gifted songwriter….an exceptional show” Clodagh Finn. Irish Examiner
A well‑known figure in the Irish music scene & an IRMA Award nominee, Fiona’s own story is interwoven throughout the show. Her career includes standout milestones such as opening for Kris Kristofferson at Páirc Uí Chaoimh and winning Ireland’s first-ever televised talent competition, Screen Test. Her distinctive voice, and decades of experience bring authenticity to this new body of work. In Fionas own words, : “These songs are inspired by the women who helped shape me — the activists like Vicky Phelan & Mary Crilly, the carers like Caitriona Twomey and the amazing songwriter Carole King are just some of the women we feature in Natural Woman.
With its themes of kindness, courage & hope, Natural Woman offers a timely and hugely entertaining contribution as International Women’s Day approaches.
Featuring: Billy Kennedy, Paul Seymour & Ethel Crowley.
TICKETS €20 ( no booking fee)
RUNNING TIME: 90 mins with short interval
BOOK TICKETS: livingyoughal.ie/event/fiona-kennedy-presents-natural-woman/
WATCH TRAILER: youtu.be/1IMLjvjqQHA?is=6tPfFqdg_lDLWnmH
REVIEWS: “A brilliant creative show…Very enjoyable & extremely well done.” Cllr Kieran McCarthy former Cork Lord Mayor
“Top class show! You’ll come out uplifted & inspired..the songs will stay with you…every one a hit!” Elmarie Mawe The Arts House Corks 96Fm
“Musicians on the top rung of the musical ladder” The Irish Examiner ... See MoreSee Less
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Community Notice: World Day of Prayer 2026
World Day of Prayer will be celebrated on Friday, 6th March 2026. This year’s local ecumenical service will take place at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Youghal, beginning at 11.00 a.m.
The theme for 2026 is “I will give you rest: Come”, and the service has been prepared by the Nigerian World Day of Prayer Committee. Everyone is warmly invited to attend.
RTE will broadcast the World Day of Prayer service on Sunday, 1st March, and further information about the movement can be found at www.wdpireland.org. ... See MoreSee Less
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