Youghal’s Medieval Past Comes Alive This August Bank Holiday Weekend

Youghal's Medieval Festival returns on Sunday 2 August, with thousands of visitors expected to descend on the town's historic Raleigh Quarter for one of East Cork's best-loved heritage events.

Organised by Living Youghal and supported by Cork County Council and the Heritage Council through the Irish Walled Towns Network, the festival will fill St. Mary's College Gardens with a full day of free family entertainment, interactive experiences and cultural activities.

Now in its nineteenth year, the festival has grown into a flagship event in Cork County's heritage and tourism calendar, celebrating Youghal's unique history while giving local businesses a welcome boost.

Highlights include medieval encampments and battle displays from the White Horse Living History Society, falconry demonstrations, traditional craft displays, archaeological workshops and the popular "Big Dig" experience from the School of Irish Archaeology. Families can also enjoy face painting, balloon art, a petting farm and artisan food and craft stalls throughout the day.

New for 2026 is the Sensory Orchard, a calm, welcoming space within the apple orchard at St. Mary's College Gardens, designed to give children and families somewhere to step back from the busier parts of the festival.

Visitors can also take in nearby St. Mary's Collegiate Church, with the award-winning Voices of St. Mary's audio tour and family treasure trail offering another way to explore one of Ireland's most important medieval buildings.

The festival's economic impact is significant: independent analysis found the 2023 event generated almost €864,000 in economic activity for local businesses, underlining the value of heritage tourism to jobs and spending in East Cork.

Cllr Bernard Moynihan, Mayor of the County of Cork:

"Cork County Council is investing significantly in strengthening Youghal's position as a heritage and visitor destination, and the Medieval Festival is an important part of that broader vision. By highlighting the town's exceptional historic assets and creating reasons to visit, the festival helps showcase Youghal as a place to experience, explore and enjoy. Generating over €864,000 for the local economy, the festival demonstrates the significant economic return that heritage tourism can deliver for local businesses and communities. I particularly welcome the introduction of the sensory orchard this year. It reflects our commitment to ensuring that our events are welcoming, accessible and enjoyable for all."

The festival runs from 11am to 5pm in St. Mary's College Gardens, Youghal's historic Raleigh Quarter. Admission is free. For further information, visit Cork County Council's website, corkcoco.ie.