A port town
written in layers.

Discover Youghal’s Viking, Norman and medieval history, its Clock Gate Tower and the Raleigh Quarter from Aherne’s.

14 / Youghal history

Aherne’s · Youghal

Fifteen centuries at the mouth of the Blackwater.

Youghal began as a fifth century monastic settlement, grew through Viking and Norman eras and became one of the most important trading ports in these islands. Its medieval street plan still shapes the town around Aherne’s.

The historic streetscape around Aherne’s in Youghal

The walled port

Monks, Vikings, Normans and merchants.

A safe harbour drew settlement and trade. King John granted a Royal Charter in 1209, St Mary’s Church rose in the thirteenth century, and by 1350 the town was defended by walls, towers and the Marshalsea fort.

Royal Charter · 1209
St Mary’s · from 1220
Medieval walls and towers

Youghal’s setting at the mouth of the Blackwater

History you can enter

The Clock Gate and Raleigh Quarter.

The Clock Gate Tower, built in 1777 as a gaol, now tells its story through guided visits. Nearby, St Mary’s Collegiate Church, the walled gardens and Raleigh Quarter artist studios turn a walk into a living history lesson.

Clock Gate guided tours
St Mary’s Collegiate Church
Raleigh Quarter studios

01 · 5th century

Saint Coran

The monastic beginning of the settlement known as Eochaill.

02 · 1209

Royal Charter

King John formally incorporated a port already growing in importance.

03 · 1777

Clock Gate

A landmark gaol transformed into one of Youghal’s essential visits.

Step into old Youghal

Stay inside the story.

Aherne’s sits in the heart of the old town, close to daily walks and landmark sites.

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A port townwritten in layers.