Located on the easterly end of Cork, Youghal is one of the beautiful towns that form the majestic Ireland Ancient East. Tourist and visitors usually go here for the coast and also to explore the cultural heritage of its port and medieval past.
Anyone travelling from Cobh would appreciate how these two towns are different and lovely in its own unique way. After imbibing on a genuine Titanic experience, the town of Youghal now presents a new canvas of location and history.
Youghal is a nice and quick out of town trip if you are coming from Cobh. Both towns can be visited on a full day if proper planning is done. Driving from Cobh approximately takes 45 minutes to an hour. If you don’t have a private vehicle, it can also be commuted through a combination of train and bus.
Youghal is famous for its long stretch of beaches and is a popular spot during the summer months. Whether you stroll, swim, picnic or do other beach activities, all the beaches are free to the public. Many of the beaches are adjoined and can be accessed on separate locations. On the photo above is the recently installed boardwalk.
At the mouth of the harbour, there stood a lighthouse on the cliff. This granite structure with 78 feet lantern can be seen next to the main road west side of town. This area is also a good starting point if you want to take a stroll on the main beach of the town.
There’s more to Youghal than being a seaside holiday place, The town is also port to different types of vessels, both recreational and commercial. There’s a rich maritime history on its welcoming shores, as vikings and many traders had passed and settled on this thriving land. Youghal is also a favorite destination for those competing on the Ironman challenge.
In the Town Centre, Youghal’s Clock Gate Tower is an imposing structure with a lofty view of many of the town’s landmark, including Youghal Lighthouse, Youghal Bay and even neighbouring Waterford county. This 4 story, 24 metre tower had at one time been a fortification wall, prison, a residence and more.
Families who want to visit Youghal have a lot family activities for both kids and adults. Starting with Perks arcade and kidzone, this indoor entertainment centre is an ideal place to visit when it is raining outside and for those who want to treat kids for rides, games and snack.
Not to be missed is the Youghal Medieval Festival, a celebration of the town’s medieval heritage. There are songs, stories and tons of activities for this famous event (please note that for this year 2022, the event will be held through online only).
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