Youghal Town Walls

Youghal has some of the best-preserved medieval town walls in Ireland, with a significant stretch still standing on the hill overlooking the harbour. You can walk the sentry walk along the upper section and look out over the Blackwater estuary toward County Waterford — a view that has changed remarkably little in centuries.

The walls date from the 13th century, with later additions, and once enclosed the entire Anglo-Norman settlement. Today's route follows the most intact surviving section, from near St Mary's Church along the hillside. A good pair of shoes helps on the uneven ground. Free to access and best in the late afternoon light.

things to do sight
A story
The walls were built in the 13th and 14th centuries to protect the prosperous English settlement at the Blackwater estuary. During the Desmond Rebellions of the 1580s they were besieged repeatedly, and in 1645 Cromwell's forces used the town as a base. Remarkably, a substantial stretch has survived intact on the hillside above the town.