Youghal goes medieval

Braid your beard and sharpen your spear for the Youghal Medieval Festival coming this August bank holiday weekend.

Returning for the thirteenth year in a row, the current Chambers Ireland ‘Festival of the Year Award’ holder has been given a new place in the calendar year to facilitate the increasing numbers flocking to the event.

The festival is organised by Cork County Council’s Youghal Heritage Committee in partnership with the Irish Walled Towns Network.

Youghal, still riding high on the Ironman wave which saw more than 2,600 international athletes gather in the town last month, will hope to keep the momentum going with one of Ireland’s most successful free events.

Speaking in the lead up to the festival, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Christopher O’Sullivan praised organisers for their hard work.

“I would like to congratulate Youghal Heritage Committee, who on behalf of Cork County Council have laboured to produce a fantastic festival programme which brings Youghal’s unique built heritage to life through a series of free events that the whole family can enjoy.

“Incredibly, Youghal is expected to welcome in the region of 10,000 visitors to the town, representing a substantial economic boost,” said Cllr O’Sullivan.

Highlights of this year’s event include battle re-enactments, an archaeological dig, a petting zoo, paint your shield, balloon art, face painting, hair braiding and much more.

The Youghal Medieval Festival will take place on 4 August. A number of special talks and a concert will take place in St Mary’s Collegiate Church on 3 August.

Full details of the event can be found on youghal.ie.