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🎶 Youghal Premier International Busking Festival:
‘You’ll Never Have the Like Again’ - The Full Story with Tim Smith

By Kieran McCarthy

For nearly a decade, the streets of Youghal transformed every August Bank Holiday weekend into a whirlwind of music, colour, and energy. The Youghal Premier International Busking Festival was more than just a collection of performers; it was a revival, a celebration, and, for many, a reason to stay in Youghal when everything else seemed to say “go.” Born from a simple question in a pub “Why don’t we stay here?” it grew into a decade of joy that brought the world to Youghal’s doorstep. In this conversation with Tim Smith, one of the festival’s founding members, we capture the full story: how it began, what it became, and the spirit that still echoes in the town today.

A Personal Note:

I’m Kieran McCarthy, the interviewer, and drummer/musician from Youghal, Co. Cork.
In 1990, I was 20 years old when the very first festival, then known as “Youghal Goes Busking,” lit up the streets. My memories of that time are really special.

I remember playing with our band Drums N Wires live on North Main Street, there was such a buzz about the place. The band members were Paul McCarthy (guitar), Bobby Lee (guitar), Brendan Clohessy (bass), Jason Byrne (keyboards), and myself on drums.

The festival committee didn’t just support local bands, they championed us. They gave us a stage, an audience, and the feeling that we were part of something truly special happening in our hometown.

The streets were thronged with people from all over, I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a crowd. And it didn’t stop there. At night, the bars were packed with more live music, and every nightclub was buzzing.

One memory that always stays with me is from 1992, when my brother Paul and I took to the streets as a busking duo, guitars slung over our shoulders, waistcoats on. We were pitched outside The Clock Tavern, and ended up winning 3rd place in that day’s competition. We collected £50 for our effort, we were absolutely thrilled.

The Spark in a Pint Glass:

As Tim recalls, it all started in a pub, as many great ideas do. A diverse group of local builders, shopkeepers and electricians were chatting about their holiday plans. Someone asked: “Why are we all leaving Youghal? Why don’t we stay here?” The answer was blunt: “There’s nothing happening in Youghal.”

At the time, the town was reeling from economic decline, with businesses like Merricks closing and Pasley’s moving up the street. Inspired by Clonakilty’s successful busking festival, the group decided to create something worth staying for. Tim Smith and others visited Clonakilty, met with organisers like the Shanley brothers who helped enormously, and returned to launch their own version in 1990.

The First Festival - Eight Buskers and Heart:

Their ambitions were high: 50 busking spots mapped out across town. But only eight buskers showed up that first year. Still, it didn’t matter. There was “Mexy” from Derry, a one-man band with a drum strapped to his back, and local acts like Rosemary Watson, Drums N Wires who stepped in to fill the gaps. It was rough around the edges, but it had soul.

The buskers were so touched by the town’s welcome that, after the festival ended, they gathered on Monday for an impromptu outdoor performance at Clancy’s Bar just to give back. As Tim recalls, “They’d been treated so well, they wanted to do something for Youghal.”

Spreading the Word - Globally:

In an age before social media and the internet, the festival’s fame spread through what Tim calls “through the Grapevine.” Word-of-mouth carried tales of Youghal’s vibrant weekend to the far corners of the world. A Chinese schoolteacher from Nanping, who’d busked in Australia, secured special permits each year to attend. A South African musician hung a festival poster in his home. There were Americans from the East and West coast, a flute player from Manchester living in Prague, and even a mime artist from France whose silent brilliance rivaled Dublin’s famous “Iceman.” “People heard about Youghal and came to see it for themselves,” Tim says,
marveling at the grassroots miracle.

Tim added “We had tremendous people working on the committee promoting the festival. They went to Grafton Street in Dublin to meet with the buskers and chatted to them about our festival. They went to tourism shows promoting the Youghal Premier International Busking Festival”.

The Town Reacts - And Misses the Point:

While locals embraced the festival, some businesses didn’t see the value. Tim remembers shop owners shutting their doors, unconvinced by the crowds. “They didn’t realise we were spending eight to nine grand a year to bring people here,” he explains. The committee’s goal was always to support Youghal, money raised went right back into promoting the town. But deeper support was thin, leaving the organisers feeling isolated. “You get tired,” Tim admits, “when you’re struggling for help beyond a handful of volunteers.”

The High Point - Wall to Wall Music:

By 1995, the festival had hit its peak, 52 acts, from street musicians to puppeteers, The Bandana Boys, dulcimer player Edwin Cridland, ambidextrous guitarist Dave Salmon (voted world busker of the year) among other great international acts. Tim remembers one sun drenched weekend when the park was packed, and footballers Roy Keane and Denis Irwin were spotted in the crowd and mobbed by fans. “It was magic,” he says.

Gareth O’Callaghan broadcast live, and RTÉ gave the event a national spotlight. The streets buzzed with life, from the French mime artist’s whimsical performances to the soulful strumming of “Two for the Road,” a duo Tim befriended. It was the kind of weekend that doesn’t come around often.

Funding and Sponsorship:

Fundraising was a constant challenge. Early on, the team asked businesses for whatever they could spare. Later, they got strategic, offering sponsorship packages. Carlsberg and Murphy’s came on board, though sponsorship often meant logistical headaches like collecting keg payments from pubs. “It was goodwill money, but it helped.” Tim explains.

Over time, as brands chased bigger events, support dried up. Still, the festival’s economic impact was undeniable: the late journalist Johnny Murphy estimated it brought up to half a million euros into Youghal over a single weekend.

The Fade - Burnout and Indoors:

The toll began to show. Committee members moved away or burned out. Stricter insurance rules specifically, warnings about electrical risks with wet equipment forced the festival indoors. “People thought we were making money,” Tim says. “We weren’t.” The move was about safety, not profit, but public misunderstanding added to the strain.

Support thinned further, and the festival’s spirit waned. “You get disillusioned,” Tim reflects, “when you’re carrying it all on your own.”

Why It Mattered - Then and Now:

“It gave the town a lift,” Tim says simply. “For one weekend, Youghal felt alive.” Beyond the economic boost, it sparked pride. It reminded Youghal of what it could be, a place where the world came to play. As Tim puts it, “It was a reason to stay.”

Could It Happen Again?

Tim’s answer is thoughtful: “No, not like that.” He believes the traveling musicians who made it special don’t exist in the same way today. Newer festivals, like those in Kilmore Quay or Carrig On Bannow, have lasted decades, but they have the backing that Youghal lacked.

Still, he doesn’t rule out a revival, just a different one. “It would take commitment, community buy-in, and new energy,” he says.

Final Reflections:
Despite the burnout, Tim looks back fondly. He remembers the faces, the music, the mime artist, the puppeteer, and Edwin Cridland’s intricate shows. “We had a great run,” he says. “You’ll never have the like again.”

But in sharing these stories, we keep a little of that magic alive and perhaps inspire new dreamers to prove him wrong, to bring Youghal’s streets back to life with a new song, a new spark, born over a pint glass on a quiet night.

🎶 Have you memories of the Youghal Premier International Busking Festival? We'd love to hear them, please leave your comments below. 🎶 ... See MoreSee Less

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A RENEWED PATH IN HISTORIC YOUGHAL.

At the junction of the Gaol Steps, Ashe Street, and Mouse Street in Youghal, two dedicated workmen are diligently laying square 100mm x 100mm shot-blasted cobblestones. The Buff granite colour is bringing a fresh and aesthetically pleasing look to this historic location. Local residents using the busy Gaol Steps have paused to observe the progress and chat with the bricklayers, appreciating the ongoing transformation. The area is expected to be completed by next week, contributing to the much-needed facelift of the town's narrow streets.

Nearby, the recently finished steps connecting Mouse Street to South Main Street via Taylors Lane (Kevin Powers Lane) showcase a similarly impressive renewal. The bright new surface has significantly improved accessibility. While completed by a different contractor to the Premierpaving team working on the cobblestones, the impact is equally positive.

The workmen are employing traditional methods in laying the new surface, a testament to enduring craftsmanship. This careful process, from ground preparation to the precise setting of each stone, ensures both beauty and durability.

Gazing back from this revitalised junction, the iconic Youghal Clock Gate stands proud, its timeless silhouette framed by the newly laid cobblestones. The difference is striking, a harmonious blend of old and new that enhances the town’s inherent beauty. This thoughtful project, a credit to the workers and the Cork County Council, underscores a commitment to preserving Youghal’s unique character.

While the eye naturally notes the improvement, the well-worn steps leading further up the Gaol Steps serve as a reminder of ongoing needs. Local residents and the many summer tourists who frequent this route would undoubtedly benefit from a similar facelift.

However, the undeniable success of the current work and the recent completion of Taylors Lane offer a palpable sense of optimism. This positive momentum aligns perfectly with the newly launched Youghal Town Centre First initiative. The enthusiastic community support for this project, aiming to regenerate the town centre, resonates with the tangible improvements seen on these historic streets.

As Youghal strives to recapture its former glory, projects like this, carried out with care and dedication, lay a solid foundation for a vibrant and thriving future, ensuring this cherished heritage town continues to captivate for generations to come.

By Michael Hussey | Photo: Michael Hussey

Picture: The bricklayers using traditional methods in laying the cobblestone brick.

Picture: The finished steps connecting Mouse Street to South Main Street via Taylors Lane (Kevin Powers Lane) showcase a similarly impressive renewal.

Picture: The famous Youghal Clock gate. ... See MoreSee Less

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A TRIUMPH OF TEAMWORK AND GENEROSITY AT YOUGHAL CAMPUS TABLE TOP QUIZ

08/04/2025 - This morning, Youghal Campus buzzed with excitement as the students of the Office Administrator Module course, under the expert guidance of tutor Michael Twomey, hosted a spectacularly successful table top quiz. The event, a brilliant showcase of skill and community spirit, saw tables of four eagerly huddling together, their competitive spirits ignited by a diverse array of fun yet challenging questions flashing across a PowerPoint display. From Music and Sport to Science, Movies, TV, and History, the quiz tested wits and sparked laughter in equal measure.

The event was more than just a test of knowledge—it was a hands-on triumph for the Event Production module, a cornerstone of the course. Throughout the year, these students have honed their skills in planning, executing, and evaluating events, a vital expertise in a tourism-driven town like Youghal. Today’s seamless execution was proof of their hard work paying off. Tutor Michael Twomey beamed with pride, saying, “The students decided to do a table top quiz and also as a fundraiser for the local Youghal Cancer Support Group (YCSG) on Friar Street. There was great participation by teachers and students alike for this charity quiz.”

Adding to the event’s success, the winning team walked away with a massive hamper, generously donated by Brookes Supervalu Youghal. Each student contributed by crafting their own quiz category and questions, showcasing impressive research and creativity.

Reflecting on their efforts, the students shared, “We all decided to raise money for the YCSG as it’s an amazing charity to have in town.” Their enthusiasm and teamwork shone brightly, making the morning a resounding success.

If you would like to enroll at the Youghal Campus please contact: 086-8197412. Visit: youghalcampus.ie ... See MoreSee Less

A Look Back at The Walter Raleigh Potato Festival: Youghal’s Golden Days. By Michael Hussey

There’s something about the late ‘80s and early ‘90s in Youghal that still tugs at the heartstrings of anyone who was there. The town was alive with a buzz you could feel in your bones, and nothing captured that spirit quite like the Walter Raleigh Potato Festival. It was a celebration of history, community, and a good bit of craic. As a Youghal man, I can’t help but smile when I think back to those sun-soaked summer days, filled with music, dancing, and the clatter of trays in the Barman’s Race. I even snagged first prize in the photo competition one year. We mightn’t have known it then, but we were living through something special.

It all kicked off in 1989, a year that marked the 400th anniversary of Sir Walter Raleigh bringing the potato to Ireland. Now, Sir Walter wasn’t just some historical footnote to us—he was Youghal’s first Mayor, a man who left his mark on this town when he planted those spuds on his estate at Myrtle Grove, Youghal, back in 1589. Truth be told, though, Walter didn’t exactly cover himself in glory during his time in Ireland—his legacy here is more infamous than heroic. Still, that didn’t stop us from naming places and celebrating his potato connection with gusto. Four centuries later, a group of local dreamers decided it was high time we toasted that legacy, flaws and all. And at the heart of it was the late Fr. Tom Paul Geary, a Youghal native whose vision set the whole thing in motion.

Fr. Tom had come home to retire after years as an RAF chaplain and a stint in Australia, but retirement didn’t mean slowing down for him. He saw Youghal as a resort town crying out for an annual festival, and the potato anniversary was the perfect excuse. With his infectious energy, he rallied a crew of locals—hoteliers, farmers, bankers, and volunteers—under the chairmanship of Cllr. Pat Clancy. Michael Feely, who’d already proven his skillful abilities with the Tyler’s Angling Competition, stepped up as festival director. Together, they formed The Walter Raleigh Potato Festival of Youghal Limited in April 1988, and by June 30th, 1989, the town was ready to throw a week-long party that’d go down in history.

The inaugural festival kicked off with a flourish at Green Park. The Irish traditional band ‘Galleon,’ featuring local musician Mick Mangan, took the stage for an afternoon concert, their fiddles and bodhráns setting the tone for what was to come. The week unfolded like a dream: cookery demonstrations at the Community Centre, where local chefs turned the humble spud into culinary magic; a children’s beach day at the Front Strand; and the Walter Raleigh 15 Mile Relay, kicking off from Two Mile Inn in Midleton. There was trad jazz in Barry’s Lane, Irish dancing, and even a horticultural show at the CBS Hall on Strand Street. The St. Mary’s Brass and Reed Band filled the air with music, though their absence today leaves a void in the town.

For the young and wild at heart, there was a freestyle “breakdancing” competition at Nealon’s Quay—imagine the sight of lads spinning on their heads by the quayside—and open-air discos that kept us moving ‘til the early hours. The sporting types had their fun too, with the Round Youghal Cycle Race and an inter-club hurling challenge at Copperalley. And who could forget the Barman’s Race? Starting at the Youghal Post Office, barmen dashed up the town, trays loaded with pints and glasses wobbling precariously. I can still hear the cheers—and the crashing of pint glasses—echoing through the streets.

The highlight, though, came on the penultimate day. On Saturday, July 6th, 1989, the Sea Breeze Express rolled into Youghal Railway Station from Cork’s Kent Street, met by none other than “Sir Walter Raleigh” himself—or at least, local Youghal man Con Spillane dressed to the nines in Elizabethan finery. Hundreds of us gathered to greet him, and I’ll never forget the moment he stood in front of the train. In a grand gesture, Con knighted “Perkie Bear,” the beloved mascot of Perks Entertainment Centre, right there on the tracks. With Perkie on bended knee, Con tapped his sword on each shoulder, honouring Perkie’s contributions to Youghal life. It was pure theatre, and it summed up the festival’s spirit—history and fun, hand in hand.

The festival wrapped up the next day with a grand closing concert at Green Park, complete with live music and yet another open-air disco. As the poster proudly declared, it was “A Feast of Fun for All,” and it truly was. For a few glorious years, the Potato Festival brought Youghal together—locals and visitors alike—boosting the town’s economy and its pride. It ran strong for a decade, until the company dissolved in April 1999, but those memories linger on.

Looking back, it’s hard not to feel a pang of sadness. The railway station’s quiet now, Nealon’s Quay isn’t what it was, and the St. Mary’s Brass and Reed Band are missed more than words can say. But for those of us who were there, the Walter Raleigh Potato Festival remains a golden chapter in Youghal’s history. Here’s to Fr. Tom Geary, whose big idea gave us something to treasure—and to the humble spud that was first planted in Youghal all those years ago.

Picture: Perkie Bear on bended knee while Sir Walter Raleigh taps his sword on each shoulder, honouring Perkie for his services and contributions to Youghal life.

Picture: The Walter Raleigh Potato Festival Poster

Picture: Group pictured at Guinness House, Cork, at the reception to announce details of the Walter Raleigh Potato Festival back in the late eighties. Some of the people include Michael Feely; Con Spillane in costume as Sir Walter Raleigh: Fr Tom Paul Geary; Cllr. Pat Clancy and Tom O'Neill, owner of The Walter Raleigh Hotel, Youghal. ... See MoreSee Less

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Experience History Brought to Life with Epitaph

YOUGHAL LITTLE THEATRE is set to captivate audiences with Epitaph, a gripping courtroom drama that breathes new life into the historic trial of Robert Emmet. Written by local talent Reg Keating and skillfully directed by Jim Morey, this powerful two-act play promises an evening filled with drama, intrigue, and raw emotion. Last Monday night, the Red Store on North Main Street in Youghal buzzed with energy as the theatre group donned their costumes for rehearsals, offering a sneak peek into this evocative retelling of real historic events. Photographs from the session captured the cast in character—vibrant, intense, and fully immersed in their roles—hinting at the electrifying experience awaiting audiences.


Dates: Friday, 25th & Saturday, 26th April 2025
Time: 8:00 PM Sharp
Venue: Mall Arts Centre, Youghal
Tickets: €15
Available at Cree’s Card Shop (cash only)
At the door (cash, debit, or credit card)

This theatrical journey brings Ireland’s past to the stage with passion and flair, blending history and storytelling in a way that’s not to be missed. Secure your tickets now and prepare to be transported into the heart of an unforgettable courtroom drama.
Youghal Little Theatre
Cry Youghal104fm ... See MoreSee Less

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YOUGHAL’S STEERING COMMITTEE SPARKS A BRIGHT FUTURE

THE RESOUNDING SUCCESS of the Youghal Town Centre Stakeholder Group’s special meeting at The Mall Arts Centre on April 2, 2025, owes much to the tireless efforts of the steering committee volunteers who worked diligently behind the scenes. These volunteers, driven by a passion for their town, poured their time, expertise, and energy into organising an event that has ignited hope and momentum for Youghal’s future. It’s people like these—dedicated individuals who selflessly give of themselves—who truly make a difference, laying the groundwork to transform our town for the better.

Special praise must go to the steering committee’s standout contributors: Patrick Heaphy, John Cahill, Micheal de Buitlear, Patrick Quilligan, and the rest of this remarkable group. Their leadership shone through as they took to the podium, delivering a powerful call to action. Patrick Heaphy, with his comprehensive vision as MC, alongside the compelling insights of John Cahill, Micheál de Buitléar, and Paddy Quinlan, rallied the Youghal community with a clear message: now is the chance, now is the time to get involved. They urged the townspeople to seize this moment, to bring structured proposals to life, and to breathe new vitality into our beautiful coastal town. Judging by the packed house and the palpable enthusiasm that filled the upstairs theatre room last night, their efforts have already struck a chord.

The steering committee’s work is far from over, but their strong start has set the stage for progress. Very soon, a new committee will emerge from this meeting, armed with the results of a community survey and ready to move forward with speed and urgency. The support pouring in—not just from locals but also from the Youghal diaspora abroad—has been overwhelmingly positive, amplifying the initiative’s reach. This is a pivotal moment for the Youghal Town Centre First initiative, and the entire town must rally behind these volunteers. Their call to action is loud and clear: the time to act is now, and with such dedicated stewards leading the charge, the future of Youghal looks brighter than ever.

Pictures from last nights pivotal meeting include speakers: Patrick Heaphy, John Cahill, Micheál de Buitléar, and Paddy Quinlan with the packed house of attendees that filled the upstairs theatre room at The Mall Arts Centre. Community Radio Youghal's Mick Sheehan and Tommy Collins are also seen in the photos covering the event.

Info/Contact:
John Cahill:
e-mail: j.cahill@ashill.ie
Tele: 087 -289 5140 ... See MoreSee Less