Explore Youghal and Bandon town walls
The old town walls of Youghal and Bandon have been mapped andcompiled into a comprehensive Geographical Information Systems (GIS) database which is now available on Cork County Council’s mapping portals.
The record includes information on surviving wall structures, towers, gates and archaeological investigations, providing an important resource for heritage management, research, and public engagement.
The project brought together a wide range of historical and archaeological information, including map records, documentary evidence, published research, and findings from archaeological excavations associated with the town walls.
The project was the first phase of a broader project - Town Walls of County Cork. It is an initiative of County Archaeologist Annette Quinn, and aims to document, map, and promote the county’s historic urban defences using GIS software.
To mark the completion of this phase, Quinn - with the support of the Historic Monuments Advisory Committee and the Heritage Unit of Cork County Council - hosted a guided tour of the Youghal town wall.
The first recorded instance of the town walls of Youghal date to 1275, while Bandon's walls were completed in 1627 during the Munster Plantation.
Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Mary Linehan-Foley said the project is an “example of how modern technology can help us understand, protect, and celebrate our rich heritage.
“This innovative project not only improves our understanding of these important monuments, but also makes that knowledge more accessible to local communities, researchers, and visitors,” she said.
Cllr Alan Coleman, Chairperson of the Historic Monument Advisory Committee said the historic town walls of Cork tell the story of the development of the county’s towns over many centuries.
“This project will help ensure they are better understood, protected, and enjoyed by future generations,” he said.
Planning is now underway for Phase 2 of the project, which will focus on the town walls of Kinsale and Buttevant.