Discover Youghal

Explore Our Unspoilt Coastal Haven

Picturesque and tucked into a postcard-pretty coastline, Youghal is a seaside town just an hour’s drive from Cork and Waterford cities.

Colourful streetscapes, three blue-flag beaches, maritime and historical heritage, architectural richness and a growing foodie culture are just some of the reasons to #LoveYoughal.

The Great Outdoors

Youghal surrounds you with nature at her best – blending coast, countryside and greenway splendour. There are 5km of sandy beaches to enjoy and thrilling off- and on-road cycle routes to explore. Take stunning walks along the shore, through woodlands as well as the preserved marshlands along The Slob Bank and in Ballyvergan.

Here you can do it all – bird watching, horse-riding, yoga on the beach, Ironman training, golfing at one of Ireland’s best parkland courses and so much more. Or, you can simply kick back and cast your fishing line off one of the town’s pretty quays.

COMING SOON! Our beautiful new Greenway from Youghal to Midleton.

On The Water

Water lovers rejoice! With a stunning 5km stretch of sandy beach and rugged shoreline you can take in the beauty of Youghal Bay on foot or by bike, then explore the Blackwater River by boat. Fall in love with the lush, Irish countryside and incredible historical sites as you go. Or, charter a boat for some deep-sea diving or fishing. Take to your surfboard, kayak or paddleboard and head out to the magnificent open water.

You’ll also discover there’s a whole lot more to Youghal beach life -from sunrise yoga on the shore to wild swimming or a fabulously relaxing sauna on the beach.

Time-travelling Youghal’s Heritage

As a designated heritage town and one of the finest examples of a Norman-walled town in Ireland, Youghal has many fascinating stories to tell. The town is renowned for its well-preserved historical buildings reflecting several architectural styles dating back to the Middle Ages. 

Take a guided historical walking tour including the Raleigh Quarter, named for its illustrious past resident, Sir Walter Raleigh. Enjoy an immersive visitor experience at St Mary’s Collegiate Church and be enthralled by a history alive tour of the iconic Youghal Clock Gate Tower.

Family Fun

Make more of those memories that last forever. With miles of safe, sandy beaches, cycle routes and a soon-to-open Greenway, Youghal is made for families to explore and experience together.

There’s plenty of indoor entertainment too, a fabulous calendar of fun festivals and events through the year, and every possible kind of eatery. Your family will love a visit to the family-friendly ‘Voices of St. Mary’s’ audio-tour at St Mary’s Collegiate Church while at Youghal Clock Gate Tower, you can join an entertaining costumed guide who’ll take you on an immersive journey through the tower’s five floors.

Live Events & Festivals

Youghal boasts an impressive schedule of year-round cultural and music events. The Mall Arts Centre and unique St Mary’s Collegiate Church play host to Ireland’s musical icons and emergent artists, while every year, the town buzzes with vibrant festivals that include the international Ironman Ireland event, the colourful Youghal Medieval Festival and the spooky Halloween Festival.

Youghal’s History

Youghal’s recorded history goes back to the days of the Vikings. Take a moment to whet your appetite with some historical highlights here.