Lobbying
We represent the views of our members at local, county, regional and national level. Lobbying is one of the key services offered by Youghal chamber to its members.
Supporting SMES
Youghal Chamber develops and packages services that can be delivered to SMEs these include information and training programmes to support growth and competitiveness.
Networking Opportunities
Youghal Chamber offers support and assistance to help local businesses grow and provide the best service possible to their members. It operates the chamber quality


Celtic Interconnector reaches landfall in Youghal
Celtic Interconnector is a proposed submarine power cable between the southern coast of Ireland and the north-west coast of France. It will be the first interconnector between the two countries. The interconnector power cables will reach landfall in Ireland at Claycastle Beach. From there they will travel underground to the converter station at Ballyadam and then on to the substation at Knockraha, also by way of underground cables. An enhanced community benefit scheme will be established to work with any affected communities. Fianna Fáil TD James O’Connor described the potential for Youghal town as “colossal” but stated that funding from EirGrid will a major benefit for the communities in East Cork. EirGrid has selected a site at Ballyadam near Carrigtwohill as the location to build a convertor station as part of a project which is set to create “colossal” potential for the East Cork area. The converter station at Ballyadam is an important part of the €1 billion electricity project, known as the Celtic Interconnector, that will allow the exchange of electricity between Ireland and France. The selected Ballyadam site is 10km by road from the Knockraha electricity substation and between Carrigtwohill and Midleton. The site is to the North of […]


Youghal Christmas Market
There will be a Youghal Christmas Market, at Barry’s Lane, tomorrow Saturday the 12th and 19th, from 11am to 4pm. Food lovers will be in their element with the array of pretzels, crepes, pastries etc to choose from & craft lovers will find a great selection of local craft as well as stalls from local businesses! A great day to be had for everyone that’s for sure! Stop by and wet your Christmas appetite!


Ironman 70.3
The first ever, IRONMAN 70.3 Ireland, Cork is officially sold-out in one week! We would like to thank everyone who signed up and put Youghal even more on the map! Exciting to see how quickly the tickets flew out! We all look forward to seeing what Ironman 2021 has in store for us! Still spaces for the full Ironman if you want to join up, though early registration has now ended! Join up online at the IRONMAN website!


St. Mary’s Update Tours
The ‘Voices of St Mary’s’ project being developed for St Mary’s Collegiate Church, led by Helen Mulcahy and Aileen Murray of Cork County Council has finished development work as of September 2nd 2020. €250,000 in funding was provided by Fáilte Ireland and was match funded by Cork County Council, who have been caretakers of this national monument since 2005. Scroope Design Interpretive Consultants delivered a magnificent, and breathtaking interpretation of this beautiful church. The integrity of the Church has been maintained, with top priority. Scroope Design recognizing every step of the way that this building is first and foremost a place of worship. Entry to St. Mary’s has been, and will continue to be free of charge. That being said, a multi-lingual audio guide as well as a truly marvelous guided tour will carry a nominal fee. For the next week, they will be delighted, however, for visitors to sample the audio guide completely free of charge! Perfect time to come back and see what history you can learn! This project will be a wonderful addition that will only add to the number of options visitors can experience in Youghal.


Progress on Boardwalk continues at rapid rate
The construction of the Boardwalk on the strand beach is coming along very quickly. They have now sunk the first metal pylons into the sand at Redbarn beach. The extension will not connect directly to the Claycastle section, but will be split by the carpark. It is estimated to be done by December of 2020, and I’m sure we are all looking forward to when it is finished and usable in coming months!


Plaque to honour John ‘Jack’ Foley erected.
A plaque to honour John ‘Jack’ Foley was erected in Youghal this last week. Funded by a campaign organized by local maritime history enthusiasts Peter Landers and Kevin Melly. John ‘Jack’ Foley was a surviving crew member of the Titanic and manned lifeboat #4 and consequently saved over 50 lives. The plaque was unveiled by the Cork County Mayor, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley on Market Square this last Saturday the 15th August 2020.


More Progress on Eco-Boardwalk
The Youghal Boardwalk extension has had even more progress in recent weeks! A great boost for Youghal tourism as works get underway on the Youghal Eco-Boardwalk Extension. The extension will see the original 400 metre boardwalk at Claycastle Blue Flag Beach, which was completed in 2012 extended by 1.5km as far as Redbarn Blue Flag Beach. Once complete the route will form part of the National Coastal Walking Route and will span 1.9 kilometres. The Cork County Council project will significantly enhance the ‘beach experience’ for users, providing a formal pedestrian walkway from Redbarn beach into Youghal Town Centre, and is expected to be completed by October 2020. Last month the Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Mary Linehan-Foley – Independent, East Cork warmly welcomed the signing, commenting, “I am especially proud to sign this contact as County Mayor for what is a fantastic amenity in Youghal. The extension will see the original 400 metre boardwalk at Claycastle beach, which was completed in 2012 extended by 1.5km as far as Redbarn beach. The boardwalk is hugely popular and this further development is great news for Youghal and the community. It also offers an opportunity to raise awareness of the […]


New Statue of Captain Ahab Unveiled
Youghal received a new gem in it’s collective crown with the unveiling of the new statue of Moby Dick’s archenemy Captain Ahab, who was forever immortalized in three-dimensional form standing with steel harpoon in hand on the square plinth casting his long shadow along the new quayside walkway. It was a specially memorable day for the “Youghal 4 All Group” and the Irish sculptor Matthew Thompson who have worked on this project for over three years. The sculpture represents Captain Ahab, the fictional character and one of the main protagonists in Herman Melville’s Moby Dick book. He is the monomaniacal captain of the whaling ship Pequod. On a previous voyage, the white whale Moby Dick bit off Ahab’s leg, and he now wears a prosthetic leg made out of whalebone. The whaling voyage of the Pequod ends up as a hunt for revenge on the whale, as Ahab forces the crew members to support his fanatical mission. When Moby Dick is finally sighted, Ahab’s hatred robs him of all caution, and the whale drags Ahab to the bottom of the sea. The film ‘Moby Dick’ was partly filmed at the quayside in Youghal back in 1954 by the American legendary […]


Progress on Youghal Greenway
Youghal Greenway is coming along nicely in the recent months. Glad to see some things progressing even with the current climate! Doesn’t seem to have slowed down too much in recent months which is great to see. Looking forward to seeing more progress in the coming weeks!


COVID-19 Strategy in Youghal Chamber/Tourist Office
The health and safety of our visitors & community is our top priority. We have put in place thorough measures to ensure all our guests and staff will have a safe, comfortable & enjoyable experience. Due to the Covid-19 outbreak, we have implemented the following changes to our store: Hand sanitizers available as you come inside. Floor markings and one way system implemented to ensure safe physical distancing. COVID-19 information posters are on display throughout the building. Signage is in place to encourage social distancing and respiratory etiquette. Frequent disinfection of all touch surfaces. We would encourage contactless payment where possible. Protective screen at the till for your safety and ours. Tour guides will be wearing protective face coverings during tours. Numbers are restricted in the heritage centre in line with social distancing guidelines. We already had a high standard of hygiene prior to Covid-19, these disinfecting regimes have now been intensified and are part of our daily routine to ensure all our guests and staff will have a safe, comfortable and enjoyable experience.


Myrtle Grove Funding
Funding of almost €103,000 has been allocated between six East Cork projects, with Myrtle Grove receiving €20,000 for electrical repairs. Any local will know the historical significance of Myrtle Grove within Youghal, most notably as being the home of Sir Walter Raleigh for a period of time as well as the 1st Earl of Cork. It is always good to see funding of any kind come into Youghal for the renovation or maintenance of historically significant buildings, and I am glad to see it has been happening pretty often this past year and look forward to the future in light of it.


Why Visit Youghal?
Why not come and visit our beautiful Medieval Seaside town of Youghal, there is plenty on offer. What better way is there to see a town and learn all about the heritage and history of a place than a walking tour. Walking tours leave from the tourist office daily at 11am, (advance booking preferred) if you require anymore information regarding the walking tours please do not hesitate to call us on 024-20170. If you would like any other information regarding the town/restaurants/bars/shops, accommodation etc, the tourist office is open from 10.30am-3PM daily and would be delighted to assist you.


Eco-Boardwalk Extension
Youghal tourism is set to get another bonus as work on the current boardwalk gets underway. The extension will see the original 400 metre boardwalk at Claycastle beach, which was completed in 2012 extended by 1.5km as far as Redbarn beach. The contract, with a total value of €1.7M was the first undertaking of new Cork County Mayor, and Youghal’s own Cllr Mary Linehan Foley. Once finished the boardwalk will form National Coastal Walking Route and will span nearly 2 metres wide. This project will greatly enhance the beach experience of any visitors to Youghal. Creating a pedestrian walkway from Redbarn all the way into the Town Centre with work expected to finish in October of 2020. Phase 1 of these works have already finished and completion of the route will improve access, enhancing the experience of walkers and the two metre wide walking surface will improve accessibility for wheelchair users. This is great news for Youghal and everyone in the community down here.


Youghal Receives Funding for Unused Courthouse
Youghal Chamber is absolutely delighted to hear that Youghal is to receive €281,250 in funding for the regeneration of the town centre as well as development for the disused Youghal Courthouse. This funding comes from the Department of Rural and Community Development, under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund which provides funding for large-scale strategic projects which aim to assist in the regeneration and economic development of local towns. These projects will have massive cultural and historic importance to the town and we hope they will enhance the experience of visitors and tourists alike, as well as boosting the local economy.


Claycastle awarded Blue Flag status
Claycastle beach has achieved Blue Flag status for the first time in almost ten years, in a year where a record 90 beaches and marinas achieved Blue Flag status. It is a popular beach with thousands of visitors a year already. No doubt this will result in even more visitors wishing to come see it. To top it off, Redbarn received its own Blue Flag status only last year, meaning we have two Blue Flag beaches right here in Youghal to be proud of. The Blue Flag is a benchmark for beach quality internationally. Alongside the announcement of the Youghal Eco Boardwalk expansion and the 2021 Ironman this proves it’s an exciting time to be from Youghal. We would also like to take this moment to thank everyone who was involved in working to earn Blue Flag status for our beaches, including An Taisce, Irish Water Safety, SECAD and Local Community Groups.


YOUGHAL CHAMBERS SUBMISSION RE. TOWN DEVELOPMENT FUND.
Businesses throughout the Town have learned to adapt to the ever-changing stages of our roadmap to recovery. The more outside the box thinking the better the chance of surviving and eventually getting stronger during these uncertain times. We must realize that today it’s not just about yourself, it’s about working together, it’s about showing our families, our friends and our visitors that we are were here when it really mattered and we will continue to serve them well. Remember it important that we focus on domestic customers before we try to attract tourists from abroad. Traditional summer marketing of the town and our businesses through Festivals and Print Media are for next year. This year Billboards and radio campaigns with Red FM, 96 FM, Tipp FM and most importantly Community Radio Youghal are the way forward and must be prioritized. We are very conscious that we are at the dawn of online overload. Our message needs to get to our customers and we would strongly encourage our business community to avail of the advice and grants given by South Cork Enterprise Board in this regard. Our members and customers have made the following proposals for your consideration. • Youghal is […]


Youghal Boardwalk Extension
Plans for an extension to the boardwalk in Youghal are moving ahead. Cork County Council has issued tender documents for Phase II of the project seeking contractors to build a 1.1 kilometre, two metre-wide wooden boardwalk between Claycastle car park to the Youghal Quality Hotel at Redbarn. Phase I of the project was completed in January 2012 at a cost of €220,000 when a 400-metre boardwalk was built between Youghal Town Centre and Claycastle. However, the boardwalk was destroyed during the winter of 2014 and required extensive refurbishment before reopening in 2015. It was always proposed to extend the boardwalk further to Redbarn. According to the tender documents, the Council hopes to have the boardwalk design, constructed and handed over within 12 months. The deadline to respond to the tender is March 8. Original article by Alan Healy


Youghal Future Needs / Opinion Poll
Results of opinion poll on Youghal’s Future Needs. Youghal Chamber of Tourism and Commerce conducted an online opinion poll on Youghal’s Future Needs, the following is a breakdown of the results. The Poll highlights the various deficiencies to the Youghal Area, including the obvious lack of Local Industry, Beach Facilities and the urgent need of a Killeagh Castlemartyr Bypass. We are mindful of getting the best return on the scarce monies available and would encourage the members to invest wisely in the towns services. We would encourage a joint delegation to the various incoming Government Ministers which could / should secure much needed Capital Funding for the larger projects. To Encourage Industry to locate in Youghal – (31.38%) 155 Responses The Youghal Main Drainage System is now operational. This was highlighted as a major weakness to the Town securing Industrial Investment in the past. We have identified the need for more imagery, infographics, video content and case studies for Youghal which would enable the IDA staff to sell the town more effectively to potential employers. Increased focus on targeting smaller Foreign Direct Investment Companies through the IDA’s Emerging Businesses Division. These smaller firms might be attracted to regions with smaller […]


New Website
Youghal Chamber has a brand new Website. Our new website has more features, including Job Listings, member management, and business information. If you’re looking for information about Youghal Businesses this is the place to find it. The new website features: A user friendly map which features each business type split by a Category Icon, and their location Business information for each Chamber member and the ability to contact, if the information is provided. Membership Management feature in which the Administrator can enable / disable Members accounts, which would deactivate / de-list their listing on the website. A Jobs section allowing members / businesses in Youghal to advertise Jobs directly on the website through the chamber. An updated Events section allowing website visitors the ability to see upcoming events, and comment on them if desired Social Media sharing option on every page. and Social Media links to existing Youghal Chamber social websites Event Submission forms If you have any feedback, please feel free to Contact Us


Green Light for Youghal Pontoon As Funding Approved
Cork East Fine Gael TD and Minister of State at the Department of Justice, David Stanton has welcomed the funding announcement of €112,500 for the development of a pontoon and gangway in Youghal. “The announcement is great news for Youghal and will allow for the supply and installation of a pontoon and gangway in Youghal Harbour. Cork County Council has done a huge amount of work to get this project underway and has already secured the necessary planning permission and foreshore licence to allow the development to proceed”, said Minister Stanton. “Last year eight visitor buoys were put in place in Youghal harbour and these have been very successful in attracting marine leisure tourism to the town. I am confident that the pontoon will build on the success of these buoys and greatly enhance Youghal’s marine tourism offering and lead to an increase in visitors to this historic town. “This funding is another substantial investment in Youghal’s tourism product. In addition to the development of Youghal’s heritage trail which includes the Raleigh Quarter, the medieval town walls, St Mary’s Collegiate Church and gardens next door, Youghal Clock Gate was opened to the public at the end of last year and […]
Upcoming Events
Ironman 2020
Moved to August 14th 2021 due to COVID-19 County Cork and the town of Youghal combines Ireland’s fabled natural beauty, a convenient racing location and a well-balanced course to deliver the only IRONMAN event on the “Emerald Isle”. Take on the challenging courses of this authentically Irish race, soak up the atmosphere of its buzzing crowd support from friendly locals and unwind in this charming seaside town teeming with tangible historic character and curiosity. This race offers 40 qualifying slots to the 2020 IRONMAN World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawai’i.
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