Youghal

+

125 YEARS STRONG: THE NOOK BAR – A TREACY FAMILY LEGACY CELEBRATES IN YOUGHAL

On Friday, February 13th, 2026 – a date that could have felt unlucky to some, but not in Youghal's historic North Main Street – The Nook Bar burst with life to mark 125 years under the Treacy family's dedicated ownership. Golden balloons proclaiming "125" floated above the bar, framing a joyful family photo of semi-retired publican Michael Treacy surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and the next generation poised to carry on the tradition. Customers old and new filled the space, sharing laughs, toasts, and stories as talented musicians tuned up for the evening's renowned session. Plates of hot food circulated from the busy, ever-friendly staff, and the air hummed with music, goodwill, and the unmistakable warmth of a place that's been the heartbeat of the community for generations.

The Nook isn't just a pub; it's an institution steps from Walter Raleigh’s Elizabethan house in Youghal's ancient Raleigh Quarter. What began in 1901 as a modest one-room bar-cum-grocery, bought by local farmer Michael Treacy from the O’Mahony family, has grown into a beloved hub through expansions that incorporated adjoining cottages, a singing lounge, dance floor, off-licence, and deli. Yet through every change, it has remained true to its roots: pitch-pine décor, walls lined with archive photos of past patrons and entertainers from the 1960s onward, and a welcome that spans locals and summer tourists alike.

At the core of this enduring story are the late Maureen and Joe Treacy, whose partnership turned the bar into a thriving family enterprise. Maureen was a true tour de force – a powerhouse matriarch who managed the bar with fierce energy, sharp wit, and an unerring ability to make every customer feel like family. She and Joe expanded the business in the 1940s after Joe took over from his father, selling the family farm to focus fully on the pub. Joe pulled pints with quiet dedication from the 1960s into the 1970s, creating a legacy of reliability and community spirit. Together, they raised four sons – Michael, Richard, Barry, and Mark – most of whom grew up helping behind the bar before pursuing other paths, only for their children and grandchildren to return and keep the tradition alive.

Tragedy struck in the 1970s when Joe passed away unexpectedly. At the time, Michael – then studying engineering at University College Cork – was called home. With Christmas approaching and the family business at a crossroads, Maureen asked her son if he would step in and take over. Michael did, and the rest, as he puts it, is history. He proved every bit the tour de force his mother had been, becoming one of Youghal's leading publicans and guiding The Nook through decades of change. Even in semi-retirement now, Michael's passion shines through – especially when speaking of the bar's future.

The Nook's golden era of live music under Joe's watch was legendary, with the best local talent gracing the stage. Regular sessions featured Harry Clohessy on piano, Forrest on drums, Cecil Roddy, and Joe himself as impresario, hosting popular weekly "Name that Tune" contests that drew packed crowds eager for the accumulating prize money.

Michael shared a particularly memorable story from those days involving the late Tommy Hussey - my own father and a regular at The Nook. Tommy, known for his sharp ear for music (especially Latin American and big band styles), frequented the packed venues of Youghal like the Strand Palace and the iconic Showboat Ballroom. One resident act there was the famous Mick Delahunty and his big band from Clonmel, Co. Tipperary – a fixture on the Irish ballroom scene for nearly 50 years. Mick Delahunty, a renowned saxophonist and bandleader, held summer residencies at the Showboat for many years, drawing dancers from far and wide (including via the special "Showboat Express" train from Cork City). He and Tommy were close friends through the cattle and horse trade, sharing a bond beyond the music.

Weeks into the "Name that Tune" contest at The Nook, the prize had built to a handsome twelve pounds, and no one could identify the mystery melody played by the house band. Tommy, confident in his musical knowledge, hatched a genius plan: from the bar's landline, he rang his pal Mick Delahunty in Clonmel. Singing the tune down the phone, Tommy asked, "Name that tune!" Mick instantly replied, "Tommy, that's 'Jada'!" Tommy shouted out the correct title, claimed the prize, and created a story that's still told with a grin among Youghal's older generation.

This clever bit of local ingenuity captures the spirit of The Nook back then – a place where music, friendship, and quick thinking came together over a pint.

In true Treacy form, The Nook has always adapted with the times. From a shrinking pub scene in Youghal (once home to 34 licensed premises, now just seven) to evolving customer habits, the family has kept pace while preserving the soul of the place. Today, excellent daytime food draws crowds as an eatery, Wednesday brings top-tier traditional trad sessions, and Thursday nights feature par excellence music gatherings that attract the best local talent. The Treacys have been generous sponsors to local organisations over the years – from sports clubs to community events – earning deep loyalty and gratitude.

That support and affection came flooding in all week leading up to the milestone, with messages of congratulations pouring from neighbours, musicians, past staff, and generations of patrons. As part of the celebrations, The Nook sponsored events at Youghal Golf Club, a fitting nod to their ongoing community ties.

Looking ahead, Michael shared exciting news: within the next six months, The Nook will undergo another chapter of growth – a revamp of the eatery and the purchase of the premises next door to expand and enhance the space. It's a bold move that honours the past while embracing the future, ensuring this cherished institution remains a cornerstone of Youghal life for years to come.

As the music swelled and glasses were raised on February 13th, one thing was clear: The Nook's true magic lies in its people – the Treacy family across generations, the loyal staff, the colourful characters who've graced the bar, and the customers who've made it their second home. Here's to 125 years of laughter, stories, and community – and many more to come. Sláinte, Treacys!

By Michael Hussey (Son of the late Tommy Hussey) | Photo by Michael Hussey
More images to follow...

Michael Treacy was interviewed by Michael Hussey in The Nook Bar and Restaurant. The audio feature will air shortly on Community Radio Youghal CRY104FM

Picture: House band, Joe Lonergan singing with microphone, Forrest, Harry Clohessey and McLellan on stage in The Nook.

Picture: A joyful family photo of semi-retired publican Michael Treacy surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and the next generation poised to carry on the tradition.

Picture: Youghal publicians on tour

Picture: Michael Treacy, the guiding force behind The Nook for decades, stands proudly with his daughter Anne Treacy, who now runs the bar with the same passion and warmth that has defined this Youghal institution for 125 years. Carrying on the family tradition into the next generation, Anne ensures The Nook remains a welcoming heart of the community—serving great food, live music, and endless stories. A beautiful moment from today's milestone celebration. ... See MoreSee Less

+

Updated February 13, 2026 – Timing clarification added based on feedback

BRIGHT HORIZON FOR YOUGHAL: Youghal Trailhead Completion on Midleton to Youghal Greenway Brings Fresh Hope Amid Recent Challenges. By Michael Hussey

YOUGHAL is looking ahead with real optimism as Cork County Council confirms the long-awaited trailhead at the Youghal end of the Midleton to Youghal Greenway will be fully completed in the coming months—just in time to energise the summer tourist season!

County Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Mary Linehan Foley, a steadfast champion for the project, has long insisted on getting it right for the town. In the past, she famously declared she would not cut any ribbon for the opening of the Youghal end unless it was completely finished and to the highest standard—ensuring quality facilities that truly benefit locals and visitors alike. Now, with the latest timeline locked in, that determination is delivering results!

"This is great news for the town," Cllr. Linehan Foley said. "The much anticipated finish of the Greenway will finally be completed in the next few months, delivering better facilities and welcoming even more visitors to enjoy our beautiful East Cork route."

The positive timeline stems directly from Cllr. Linehan Foley's proactive motion at the February meeting of the East Cork Municipal District (submitted on 20th January 2026, as per protocol). In it, she sought an update on the MY Greenway and the completion of the Youghal trailhead, expressing hope it would be ready for the upcoming season.

The Director of Services responded with clear and encouraging details: Cork County Council is currently finalising the scope of works with the Department of Rural & Community Development, funded through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS). This will be wrapped up next month. Tenders will be issued early in Q2 2026, with a contractor expected on site at the start of Q3.

The entire trailhead project—including enhanced access, parking, signage, and amenities—is projected to be completed by the end of Q3 2026. While this means the upgrades will be in place toward the end of the main summer period, it positions the Greenway perfectly to attract even more visitors through the rest of 2026 and into future peak seasons, building on the route's growing popularity.

This comes at a poignant time for Youghal, which has faced tough blows recently—including more shop closures leaving empty units on the streets, and the sad closure of the iconic Moby Dick pub on January 1st, 2026. After nearly 150 years as a quayside landmark (and a Hollywood-linked gem from the 1956 film starring Gregory Peck), the pub's retirement marked the end of an era and a real loss for the community's social and cultural heart.

Yet amid these challenges, the Greenway upgrade stands out as a powerful counterpoint and catalyst for recovery. The 23km off-road route—already popular for walkers, cyclists, and families—connects Midleton, Mogeely, Killeagh, and Youghal, promoting health, wellbeing, and vital tourism.

With the Youghal trailhead fully realised, it promises increased visitor numbers, more footfall for local shops, cafes, and attractions, and a renewed buzz that could help revitalise the town centre.

The Greenway's completion signals brighter days ahead, drawing people in to rediscover our historic streets, beaches, and welcoming spirit.

Youghal has taken its hits, but with this boost, the town is ready to rise—let's make this summer a turning point!

UPDATED POST: Thanks For The Feedback—Fair Point On The June Bank Holiday Being The Real Kick-Off For Summer Visitors In Youghal. The Official Timeline Has Completion By End-September 2026, So The Upgrades Will Be Ready For The Tail End Of This Year's Peak Period And In Full Swing For 2027 And Beyond. Still Huge Progress After Years Of Waiting, And It'll Make The Greenway Even Better Long-Term For Everyone—Locals And Visitors Alike!

Photos: Images of the Midleton to Youghal Greenway and the new signage at the Youghal end, capturing the progress ahead of the trailhead's final touches. Pictures by Michael Hussey ... See MoreSee Less

+1

PHOTO FINISH! JOHNNY DINEEN, THE MAYOR, AND THE GANG TAKE CHARITY OVER THE LINE

It was all fun and frolics at the launch of Johnny Dineen’s big gamble — a 5K charity run in support of Cancer Connect and CASA (the Caring and Sharing Association).

Who dropped by to wish Johnny well? None other than the Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley, who praised her fellow Youghalie for “taking on the gamble of his life — running instead of betting!”

Johnny, well known in the Irish racing world and no stranger to a flutter or two, is swapping the bookmaker’s odds for the athletics track — and with training underway, the comfort zone is officially behind him!

The Mayor joined charity representatives, supporters, and friends for what turned into a joyful mini‑race of sorts, finishing with a photo‑finish moment as everyone crossed the “imaginary Olympic finish line” hand in hand. Even the Mayor raised her arms in victory as the cameras snapped!

The funds raised will be split evenly between the two fantastic causes — and the spirit shown tonight proves that Youghal truly runs best when it runs together.

By Michael Hussey | Photo: Michael Hussey

Picture: A “photo finish” moment at Youghal Athletic Club as Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley, joins Johnny Dineen, charity representatives and supporters at the launch of Johnny’s upcoming 5K charity run for Cancer Connect and CASA.
Photo by Michael Hussey

Picture: Photo Finish! Johnny Dineen And The Mayor Take Charity Over the Line

Picture: Everyone a Winner as Johnny’s Charity Run Brings the Town Together ... See MoreSee Less

+1

Community Voices on Erosion Solutions: Groynes Prove Effective at Pilmore – Time for Broader Action? By Michael Hussey

Following the recent Youghalonline post on severe coastal erosion from Youghal beach to Redbarn and Pilmore after Storm Chandra, local residents have shared emails, photos, and strong opinions on what works—and what doesn't.

A key message from locals: groynes (timber or similar barriers extending into the sea) are the proven solution in some areas. Photos submitted show clear contrasts—sections with groynes have built up sand levels, raising the beach and causing waves to break farther offshore, protecting the cliff/base from direct impact. In contrast, unprotected stretches expose the cliff/land to relentless wave attack, accelerating erosion.

Locals highlight that at Pilmore (near Pilmore Cottages), private farmers installed groynes at their own expense and with their own labour. These have successfully trapped sand, rebuilt beach height, and shielded the land—demonstrating practical expertise in action. One resident notes: "The photos show clearly the success of the groynes... Clearly the farmers have more expertise than CCC!"

Criticism focuses on Cork County Council's preferred approach: rock armour (boulders or sloping structures at the base). Contributors argue this allows waves to still hit and scour the cliff/road behind it, causing ongoing damage rather than building protective sand buffers. Public records show rock armour added in spots at Pilmore Cottages after 2019 storm damage to the access road (destroyed multiple times), but residents and some councillors call for groynes reinstatement to stabilise sandy beaches.

This echoes broader concerns: rotting groynes at the Front Strand have let sand blow away, per Cllr Mary Linehan-Foley and others in 2025-2026 discussions. An OPW-funded Coastal Erosion Risk Management Study for Pilmore Cottages (approved 2023, €135,000) assesses options including structural measures like groynes or rock armour before any works funding—yet locals feel private efforts outpace official progress.

No one disputes groynes aren't a full fix everywhere (they depend on sand supply, tides, and maintenance), but these photos and experiences make a compelling case for revisiting them at vulnerable spots like Pilmore and Youghal Beach stretches.

Community input is building—social media, Community Radio Youghal chats, and emails show growing calls for similar protections. Share your photos, ideas, or experiences to Youghalonline. What solutions do you support? Let's keep the conversation going—our coastline needs urgent, effective action.

Photos: Contrast shots of sand buildup behind groynes vs. exposed cliff without them; farmer-installed groynes at Pilmore; rock armour installed by Cork County Council. The access road to Pilmore cottages falling into the sea after Storm Chandra

All images sent in by viewers to Youghalonline on 07/02/2026 ... See MoreSee Less

+

YOUGHAL'S COASTLINE UNDER SIEGE: Severe Erosion Hits Front Strand to Pilmore After Recent Storms

By Michael Hussey, Youghalonline Contributor

Storm Chandra struck Ireland in late January 2026 with heavy rain, strong winds, and wave overtopping along southern and eastern coasts, as warned by Met Éireann. While some areas faced devastating inland flooding (like Enniscorthy in Wexford), Youghal's seaside coastline—particularly from Claycastle/Front Strand out to Pilmore Strand and Redbarn Beach—suffered significant coastal erosion.

Massive sections of dunes at Pilmore have been washed away, with several feet of shoreline lost as grass, soil, and topsoil eroded. Clumps of coastal grass turf, once anchoring the dunes, now lie scattered across the sand—a clear sign of high winds, storm surges, wave action, and excessive runoff stripping the land.

This pattern continues along the stretch from Claycastle to Redbarn. Near the well-known tarmac carpark—a huge summer attraction for tourists and locals—topsoil has collapsed onto the beach in places. Further along the boardwalk, sections of the parallel coastal fencing (large wooden poles pile-driven into the sand, with attached wire) have fallen or become unstable. This fence serves multiple roles: catching blowing sand to build dunes, preventing further erosion, and marking boundaries for privately owned land adjacent to the coast (with the foreshore under council responsibility).

The good news amid the damage: both boardwalks survived the storm intact, holding strong despite the battering. Only some relatively minor wooden steps leading from the boardwalk to the beach were affected—these should be easily repaired in time for the summer tourist season.

Local awareness is growing, as seen in environmental social media groups showing increased concern about worsening erosion. Community groups like the Youghal Blue and Green Community Network run awareness talks, biodiversity events in the dunes, and regular beach cleans through partnerships with Clean Coasts—valuable efforts that engage residents and visitors. Coastwatch Ireland's photo monitoring post at the start of the boardwalk encourages people to snap and upload mobile photos to track changes. Yet, as locals note, these grassroots steps—while important—will take a lot more on a massive scale to truly save our eroding soil and dunes. As the saying goes, "after the horse has bolted" comes to mind for bigger interventions like OPW-led rock armour, dune restoration, or groyne repairs.

Coastal erosion has been a growing concern in Youghal for years, with ongoing studies (including an OPW-funded project covering 9.5 km from Youghal to Ring, including Pilmore) assessing risks and potential protections such as rock armour or groyne reinstatement. Recent storms have accelerated the loss, threatening beaches, access paths, and nearby areas.

My photo documentary captures the stark reality: before-and-after contrasts, scattered turf clumps, collapsed topsoil, and damaged fencing. These visuals show how quickly our beautiful coastline can change—and why action matters.

While the Quayside flood wall proved its worth in holding back town flooding (as covered recently), the beaches at the other end of town need similar attention.

Locals, what have you noticed? Share your stories in the comments. Protecting Youghal's shores is vital for our community, heritage, and visitors.

Michael Hussey is a retired local resident and regular contributor to Youghalonline, community radio Youghal, and Youghal news, specialising in photo and video documentation of the town.

Photos: Dunes washed away at Pilmore with scattered turf clumps; topsoil collapse near Claycastle carpark; fallen fencing sections along the boardwalk, surviving boardwalk with steps to the beach, local man John Harris astonished by the erosion, Coastwatch Ireland's photo monitoring post at the start of the boardwalk encourages people to snap and upload mobile photos to track coastal changes. ... See MoreSee Less

+

YOUGHAL QUAYSIDE FLOOD DEFENCE WALL PROVES EFFECTIVE AMID RECENT STORMS. By Michael Hussey

While Storm Chandra in late January 2026 brought severe flooding to parts of Ireland's southeast coast – including devastating overflows in Enniscorthy, County Wexford, where homes, businesses, and streets were flooded - Youghal's Quayside stayed largely protected.

The Phase 1 flood defence wall, completed a few years ago, performed impressively. This approximately one-metre-high barrier, complete with an integrated walkway extending from the Mall Dock, Nealons Quay, Market Dock to near the Youghal Credit Union, held back tidal surges, high winds, and heavy rain. Unlike previous years when similar conditions led to submerged paths and property damage, the Quayside remained dry and accessible.

Flooding is never entirely predictable - it depends on local conditions such as wind direction, flows from the Blackwater River, tidal patterns, and the exact path of storms – even when Met Éireann issues its colour-coded warnings. Still, the wall delivered strong protection in Youghal, preventing the kind of flooding the Quayside has suffered in past events.

County Mayor Cllr Mary Linehan Foley, a dedicated Youghal native, praised the success: "The Phase 1 wall has proven its value by keeping our Quayside safe during these challenging storms – it's a clear win for the community and shows what thoughtful investment can achieve."

Looking ahead with optimism, she confirmed that Phase 2 – extending defences along Buttimers Quay (also known as Green's Quay) – is firmly in the planning stage. This next phase, a partnership between the Office of Public Works (OPW) and Cork County Council, will include reinforced walls, enhanced drainage, and measures to tackle tidal and fluvial risks more comprehensively. Community advocacy, including local petitions and council discussions, continues to support timely progress, building on Phase 1's strong foundation.

Accompanying photos illustrate the wall's construction, past flood contrasts, and the recent calm Quayside – proof of progress in safeguarding our town.

Michael Hussey is a retired local resident and regular contributor to Youghalonline, Community Radio Youghal, and Youghal News, specialising in photo and video documentation of the town. ... See MoreSee Less