Youghal
Youghal, a seaside town in Co. Cork, Ireland, is a blend of ancient history, heritage, and coastal charm. It offers miles of sandy beaches, stunning coastal views, and modern amenities, making it an ideal vacation destination.
The town’s rich history can be explored through its heritage sites and landmarks, such as the 13th-century St. Mary’s Collegiate Church, Youghal Town Walls and Youghal Friary. Figures like Oliver Cromwell, Sir Walter Raleigh, and Richard Boyle have left their mark on the town, which also features the iconic Youghal Clock Gate Tower.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking and cycling through the scenic countryside, while the long stretch of sandy beach offers opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.
The town also boasts a variety of dining and entertainment options, from traditional Irish pubs to contemporary restaurants and cafes, and hosts events and festivals throughout the year.
Our guide on accommodation in Youghal helps you find the best options for your stay. From cozy bed and breakfasts to luxurious hotels, we have something for everyone.
Youghal, a hidden gem on the South East coast of Ireland, offers a unique blend of historical significance, natural beauty, and modern conveniences, ensuring a memorable vacation experience.
(From the Youghalonline Archives 2014)
Nancy McGrath's Autograph Book: A Chronicle of Kindness and Camaraderie.
A heartwarming discovery has been made in Youghal, County Cork, Ireland. While perusing memorabilia during the recent Moby Dick Festival, Youghal man John McGrath found a leather-bound autograph book filled with goodwill messages from cast and crew members of the 1954 film Moby Dick. The book belonged to his late sister Nancy, a young woman whose illness kept her from visiting the set but whose spirit and kindness touched the hearts of the film-makers.
Nancy McGrath was 17 years old when the production of Moby Dick came to Youghal. Her family lived as caretakers of the Clock Gate tower, which offered them a bird's-eye view of the filming on the nearby quayside. John's mother Agnes also worked as a caterer for the production team, and she took it upon herself to ask some of the cast and crew to sign autographs for her daughter.
The messages in the autograph book are a testament to Nancy's kindness and the warm relationships she forged with those around her. Director John Huston sketched a whale diving into the water, a playful nod to the film's subject matter. Actor Noel Purcell, known for his resemblance to Santa Claus, joked about his birthday falling on Christmas Eve. Leo Genn, another prominent actor, expressed his admiration for Nancy and his regret that he couldn't meet her in person.
These messages not only reflect the positive atmosphere on set but also the special bond that formed between the locals and the filmmakers. Nancy, despite her illness, remained a bright and cheerful presence, and her kindness touched the hearts of those who encountered her.
John McGrath recalls that his sister was "a great film fan and she was absolutely delighted with the autographs." The book remained a cherished possession throughout her life, a reminder of the warm and supportive community she had found in Youghal.
Nancy McGrath's story is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, kindness and compassion can have a profound impact on those around us. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew her and in the pages of her autograph book, a testament to her spirit and the love she inspired in others.
Pictures:
John McGrath with his late sister's Nancy McGrath's Autograph Book.
Nancy McGrath - A Beacon of Light in the Shadow of Moby Dick's Magic.
John McGrath on top of the Youghal Clock Gate - his old family home where he grew up with his brothers and sisters and parents back in the 1950s.
The various autograph's to Nancy by the Hollywood screen legends:
The messages within the autograph book serve as a tribute to Nancy's kindness and the genuine connections she cultivated with those in her midst. Director John Huston, capturing the essence of the film, sketched a whale gracefully diving into the water.
American film director "To Nancy" with his own illustration of the great white whale.
Actor Noel Purcell, bearing a striking resemblance to Santa Claus, playfully quipped about his Christmas Eve birthday. “I am a chap who looks like Santa Claus because of my beard, but the only thing I like about Christmas time is that Christmas Eve is my birthday."
Tom Clegg (Tashtego in the film) “God bless you Nancy - Moby Dick 1954.”
Friedrich von Ledebur (as Queequeg) drew a sketch of himself in character with tattooed face with “God bless you darling” to Nancy.
Edric Connor (Daggoo) “Bless you Nancy! We all have heard, and love you very much.”
Renowned actor Leo Genn expressed admiration for Nancy and lamented the missed opportunity to meet her in person.
These messages not only mirror the positive ambiance on set but also underscore the special bond that blossomed between the locals and the filmmakers. Despite her illness, Nancy remained a radiant and cheerful presence, leaving an enduring impact on the hearts of all who crossed her path.
Cast
Gregory Peck as Captain Ahab
Richard Basehart as Ishmael
Leo Genn as Starbuck
James Robertson Justice as Captain Boomer
Harry Andrews as Stubb
Bernard Miles as the Manxman
Noel Purcell as Ship's Carpenter
Edric Connor as Daggoo
Mervyn Johns as Peleg
Joseph Tomelty as Peter Coffin (voice dubbed by John Huston)
Francis de Wolff as Captain Gardiner
Philip Stainton as Bildad
Royal Dano as Elijah
Seamus Kelly as Flask
Friedrich von Ledebur as Queequeg
Orson Welles as Father Mapple
Tamba Allenby as Pip the cabin boy
Tom Clegg as Tashtego
Ted Howard as Perth the blacksmith
Iris Tree as Bible woman
John Huston as the voice of Peter Coffin and a Pequod lookout
#mobydick
#mobydickcast
#mobydickFilm
#hollywoodstars ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
Beautiful, thanks for sharing.
John McGrath what an interesting article and a wonderful treasure you have found of your beloved sister
New aerial video of the Youghal to Midleton Greenway by Dronhawk.
... See MoreSee Less
4 CommentsComment on Facebook
We need a train ! NOT A GREENWAY !!
The people of Youghal well served in their transportation needs 🤦🏻♂️ well done Cllrs
What a waste of money
There should be a railway to YOUGHAL ITS A DISGRACE THE WAY FINE GAEL NEGLECTED YOUGHAL OVER THE LAST 11 YEARS.. (To day its like a ghost town)
Tynan · Bar & Off Licence, Youghal, Co. Cork, Ireland. Photo: Kieran McCarthy flic.kr/p/2pj4EMj ... See MoreSee Less
13 CommentsComment on Facebook
Fond memories
Fond memories dynea
Geraldine Murphy
Aine Curtin
Denis Tynan
When I lived in Youghal in the 70's, we had a tradition . Every Christmas Eve, Me, my grandfather, and my mom would go to Tynans for a drink. It was something that I'll always cherish.
Been going a very very long long time must be the oldest premises in youghal
It looked closed but my dad used to say if the barrel was out it was open........
Cherry Ma later…
Never see it open though. I always though it was a private pub or something.
Why is the window blurred?
It was open in the sixties carpet workers went there after the 3 to 11 shift good times in youghal
Do you remember the ANCHOR BAR Frankie. (IT WAS CALLED THE GLUE POT AS WELL)
View more comments
A Nostalgic Glimpse into Youghal's Marksmanship Glory: John "Boots" Harris Reflects on 1953
In the heart of Youghal's Sarsfield Terrace, a photograph from 1953 captures the triumphant spirits of three friends—John "Boots" Harris, Paddy "Waxer" Daly, and John Barry Troy. United by their roots and a shared passion for marksmanship, these young men had just clinched victory at a rifle shooting competition held at the Rifle Range Youghal. The winning cup in hand, they stood together, proud volunteers of the Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil (FCA), the local defense force.
As time weaves its intricate tapestry, 89-year-old John Harris remains the sole living guardian of the memories etched in that photograph. With a twinkle in his eye and a heart warmed by the tales of yesteryear, he takes us on a journey back to the days when the world was a playground and camaraderie was forged in the crucible of shared adventures.
"We used to meet up at the old military barracks at the top of Cork hill, where Dermot Hurley Est., is now," recalls John, his voice carrying the echoes of a bygone era. "As young fellas, it was an adventure to join the FCA."
The nostalgia-laden journey continued down the new line, past the Blessed Well, leading to the firing points in the bog (Ballyvergan Marsh). Amidst the sprawling beauty of the bog, these three comrades would transform into expert marksmen, competing from the 100-yard line to the 800-yard line. Behind concrete bunkers, a pulley system raised and lowered the targets in front of colossal numbered signs atop 'The Butts,' a massive mound of earth designed to halt the bullets fired during training.
John vividly recounts the picturesque scenes, where soldiers with red flags guarded either side of the butts, ensuring the safety of beachgoers and fishermen pulling their salmon nets on the seaward side. Those carefree days of youth were the crucible in which lifelong friendships were molded, and the FCA became the canvas upon which their shared adventures were painted.
"We were young and carefree," reminisces John, "and great lifelong friendships were formed during our time in the FCA. The photo brings back great memories of my hometown from the 1950s."
In 1947, the sands of change swept through, disbanding all reserve forces. Rising from the remnants were the First Line Reserve (FLR) and the Second Line Reserve – An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil (FCA), the local defense force that would etch its mark on the annals of Youghal's history.
As we linger over the sepia tones of that 1953 photograph, we catch a fleeting glimpse of a time when laughter echoed through the bog, camaraderie flourished in the firing points, and three friends stood tall, champions with a winning cup in hand—forever frozen in the warm embrace of John "Boots" Harris's cherished memories.
Picture: The Triumphant Trio—John "Boots" Harris, Paddy "Waxer" Daly, and John Barry Troy - local heroes who clinched victory at a rifle shooting competition and celebrated with the winning cup.
Picture: 89 year old John "Boots" Harris pictured in 2023.
Do you have recollections of your time in the FCA and experiences at the Rifle Range in Youghal? Feel free to share your memories by leaving a comment below. ... See MoreSee Less
15 CommentsComment on Facebook
Brilliant read.. Lovely man
Great read
Congratulations!
Well done Michael
Love It!!
Patrick Daly
Really capturing story! A good read!
Happy days in the FCA 1967 before joining the Army i973 great story.
Thank you for sharing . These stories should be written down and recorded
Patrick Daly
Mighty mick
Fantastic story from a true gentleman of the terrace, although some of the fishermen will tell you the red flag ment duck to them..😂🤣
WAXER WAS the man happy days
joined the FCA in 19 61 62
joined with Dermot Hogan learned to drink in the YANKS bar in Kilworth 15 at the time
View more comments
Cork International Film Festival is presenting three Festival hits from this year's edition at Regal Cinema Youghal this Saturday 25th November.
You can catch gorgeous family animation 'Robot Dreams' (12 noon); brilliantly entertaining documentary 'One Night in Millstreet' (2.30pm); and the award-winning black comedy 'Fallen Leaves' (4.30pm) - for one day only!
It's part of our 'Super Cine Saturday' event where CIFF is screening these three specially selected new features at six venues across Cork city and county - including Regal Cinema Youghal.
Tickets are available to book now at: corkfilmfest.org/the-68th.../super-cine-saturday/
T
he 68th Cork International Film Festival runs until Sunday 26th November (see www.corkfilmfest.org)
Regal Cinema YoughalWe're thrilled to be one of 6 cinemas across Cork city and county taking part in Cork International Film Festival's SUPER CINE SATURDAY on 25th November! Enjoy a 'taste of CIFF' at the Regal Cinema with three specially selected screenings. Book now ONLY via corkfilmfest.org or via myCIFF app
ROBOT DREAMS - 12pm
Gorgeous family animation!
ONE NIGHT IN MILLSTREET - 2.30pm
Brilliantly entertaining doc about Irish boxer Steve Collins v Chris Eubank in Millstreet 1995!
FALLEN LEAVES (Kuolleet Lehdet) - 4.30pm
Cannes-winning black comedy from Aki Kaurismäki - not to be missed! #CIFF2023 #SuperCineSaturday ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Concert at Bru na Si Events
Come to Bru na Si next Thursday 30th November 2023 at 2:30pm for a new initiative that offers a warm chance to meet friends, old and new. While enjoying a cuppa - why not engage with guests on the topics of the day.
At 3pm Mike Hackett will give a talk about "The Funny Characters of Youghal"
Then at 3pm-25pm - the Musical Interlude will feature John Cunningham - followed by Cathy Cunningham - Tunes and Songs.
Join us and our hosts for our new new regular day- time sessions. A special welcome for pensioners, people living alone and anybody wanting a chat.
Failte roimh gach einne.
Cead dul isteach - Saor. Admission is Free.
brunasi.ie/
www.facebook.com/comhaltas.bru.na.si ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
actionaid.ie/gaza-crisis-appeal/
ActionAid is on the ground right now in Gaza. Even in the appalling circumstances, our local partners have continued to provide essential services whilst others are supporting the thousands displaced in shelters.
We’re also preparing to bring in aid through the much called for humanitarian corridor. When it’s safe to do so, we will be ready to support our local team to respond immediately to this crisis, to the thousands who are without food, water or shelter and to support the protection of women and children. ... See MoreSee Less
Support Gaza: Donate to the Humanitarian Crisis | ActionAid Ireland
actionaid.ie
Join us in providing urgent aid to Gaza, where a humanitarian crisis is unfolding. Your donation can make a life-saving difference for those in need. Stand with us to help Gaza.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
www.unicef.ie/donate/gaza-crisis-emergency-appeal/#1
Help Children Living Through Conflict
Right now, the escalation of violence has taken a horrendous toll on the lives of children and their families in what has often been described as the world’s largest prison: the Gaza Strip.
At least 5,000 children in Gaza have been killed, while more than 8,663 children have been injured. These numbers are expected to rise over the coming hours and days.
Death and devastation stalk the streets of Gaza, with homes, schools and hospitals destroyed, leaving more than 1.5 million people newly displaced. Over 2.2 million people no longer have reliable access to a safe and adequate supply of water and sanitation.
Children and families are running out of food, water, electricity, medicine and safe access to hospitals, following days of air strikes and cuts to all supply routes.
Please donate now to send vital aid to Gaza and the wider state of Palestine ... See MoreSee Less
Gaza Crisis Emergency Appeal | Donate Now | UNICEF Ireland
www.unicef.ie
Donate now to UNICEF's Gaza Crisis Emergency Appeal. Children are running out of food, water & medicine. They need your help to survive.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
The Nazis stole the Brain of a Youghal man.
Can you help to trace any living members of the family?
On the Cork Holly Bough magazine this Christmas is a remarkable story about Patrick O'Connell who was from McCurtainstown (Williamstown) in the Strand, Youghal.
Patrick was a German prisoner of war who died in captivity and his brain was removed illegally for research by Dr. Julian Hallervorden.
The editor of the Holly Bough, John Dolan, is anxious to tie up some loose ends of the story and Nora McGrath of Cork Hill has already been extremely helpful. There are so many O'Connell families in town that it was hard to know where to start - but Nora knew of a Patrick O'Connell who joined the British army before the war. His mother was nee O'Dwyer and her brother Dan lived in Friar Street in his retirement - having been in the British Navy.
Dan was a Commander in the service, was awarded an O.B.E. and later worked for the Harland and Wolfe shipbuilders in Belfast. He died in the Youghal Cottage Hospital in 1981.
But back to the younger generation: as we said Patrick died in a concentration camp; Dan O'Connell (who was a water bailiff on the Blackwater died in 1987 and a younger brother Thomas married Anna Whelan from Cork Lane and they emigrated. It is known that they went to U.S.A. - to perhaps Chicago. Anna had a brother Michael ? known by the pet-name of 'Buddles' and he was in the local Catholic Boy Scouts.
If any relation or person knowing anything more about the Whelans of Cork Lane or the O'Connells of McCutainstown - would you please make contact by Email - hollybough@theecho.ie.
Thank you.
Additional info from wiki: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Hallervorden ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
That's an amazing story Delores 🤔
Dolores Whelan ???