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This June Bank Holiday weekend marks more than just the start of tourist season in Youghal. It marks a renewed sense of pride, purpose, and possibility with the soft opening of the Youghal Lace Museum at 135 North Main Street. Spearheaded by the Youghal Chamber of Tourism and Development and powered entirely by volunteers, the museum is already generating buzz and excitement across the community.
We spoke with Kay Curtin, President of the Youghal Chamber and local florist, whose shop at 136 North Main Street sits right next door to this exciting new space. Kay and the team have poured their hearts into this project, with early morning starts and late night finishing touches.
“To move forward, we have to look back,” Kay Curtin said, reflecting on the purpose behind the museum. “Youghal has a rich history that deserves to be seen and shared. This is our third project under the Youghal Heritage and Histories Group, and we hope there will be many more.”
The museum is not only a collection of local artifacts and memories. It’s a symbol of what grassroots action can achieve. From heavy lifting by the ”Wrecking Crew” to delicate curation work, every corner of the space has been shaped by the town’s collective spirit.
“Everything’s been done by volunteers,” Kay Curtin emphasized. “I sourced the lace myself. Others scrubbed floors at dawn. We’re here because we care, and because we’re tired of waiting.”
A Town That’s Turning a Corner
Youghal’s story is one of resilience. Despite being on the edge of East Cork and often feeling overlooked by county development plans, the community is taking charge of its destiny. While towns like Midleton, Kinsale, and Castlemartyr shine with polished Greenway trailheads and completed viewing platforms, Youghal has been left waiting.
“The trailhead here hasn’t even opened,” Kay Curtin said. “Meanwhile, other towns are thriving. We’re not sitting back anymore. We’ve put up signs to show people Youghal is here and ready.”
There’s no shortage of ambition. Businesses are springing up, from the Youghal Film and Photography Museum to the Main Street Deli. New restaurants, cultural spaces, and community-driven projects are reclaiming unused buildings and infusing the town with energy.
“People compare Youghal to Kinsale,” Kay Curtin said. “But when I visited there recently, it was chaos with traffic and no room for buses. Youghal offers balance. We’re ready for tourism. We just need support.”
Remembering John Kennedy and the Spirit Behind the Sign
The museum also serves as a tribute, especially to John Kennedy, a beloved local figure, community radio host, and cultural icon. His 1960s shop sign, lovingly preserved above the museum’s entrance, is a glowing reminder of the town’s heritage and the people who shaped it.
Tony Sheen, Artistic Director of the Triskel Arts Centre in Cork and a proud Youghal native, was deeply moved during his visit to the museum's soft opening.
“John would’ve loved this,” Tony said. “He didn’t live to work. He worked to live. He loved people, art, culture, and conversation. This museum reflects that spirit beautifully.”
Tony also recalled John’s famous frustration with bureaucracy, jokingly referring to the slow-moving officials as “Marietta biscuit eaters.”
“Paddy and the team here aren’t like that. They’re doers. They’ve brought life back into a beautiful old building.”
Looking Ahead
While challenges remain, including unfinished public projects and ongoing delays, the energy in Youghal is unmistakable. The community has proven that it doesn’t wait for change. It builds it.
“This town is alive,” Kay Curtin said. “One shop, one project at a time. And if anyone wants to learn more about Youghal’s story, they can just come in. The museum is free, and everyone is welcome.”
Visit the Youghal Lace Museum:
📍 135 North Main Street, Youghal
🎟️ Free Admission
🕘 Open during weekends and holidays
Visit our Youghal Lace page at:
