A key component of Youghal’s Cultural Heritage, other than its history and buildings, is the vibrancy of its musical & folklore traditions, both new and old, together with its many festivals and public celebrations. Much of this heritage is supported and presented by the many voluntary groups of the town which seek to promote the enjoyment and participation of locals and visitors alike.
Youghal Comhaltas preserves and promotes Irish traditional music. The Youghal 4 All group promotes festivals, such as the annual Food & Mackerel Festival, the Moby Dick Festival and the Halloween Festival. The annual Medieval Festival is another event, run in conjunction with Cork County Council and the Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group. Yew Wood Venues, part of the Youghal Socio Economic Development Group, brings contemporary and traditional arts to our two magnificent public performance venues – St. Mary’s Collegiate Church & The Mall Arts Centre. The successful Youghal Celebrates History Annual Conference has been running to increasing applause and audiences over many years and attaches both serious academic kudos and amateur interest in equal measure.
Our local historians Mike Hackett, Kieran Groeger & Michael Twomey have published a number of popular histories, factual, social and pictorial, on various aspects of Youghal’s history; these are a valued source of research on the folklore of the town. The local Albrin Society Youghal is a group that encourages public lectures on various aspects of history, society and culture, particularly topics related to Youghal.
The many sporting organisations add a healthy quality to the life and well-being of the town, with all major activities and pursuits catered for.