Youghal

Youghal (pronounced {{IPA|}} or {{IPA|}}; Irish Eochaill {{IPA|}}) is a seaport in County Cork, Ireland. Youghal is located on the estuary of the River Blackwater, and in the past was militarily and economically important. Being built on the edge of a steep riverbank, the town has a distinctive long and narrow layout. The name of the town derives from the yew woods (Eochaill) which were once plentiful in the area. As of the 1996 census, the population was 5,630.

Tourism

Youghal has a number of the finest and safest beaches in Ireland, with two Blue Flags for water quality. In the 1950s and 1960s Youghal was a popular seaside resort, with thousands taking the train to the beach. With the closing of the railway line in the 1970s (see Irish railway history), the town went into a period of decline, reinforced by the difficulties encountered by the town's textile industry. Since the 1990s, aided by favourable property tax concessions, there has been considerable reinvestment and construction to restore Youghal's facilties and popularity. Today Youghal and its surrounding area of East Cork and West Waterford is marketed under the name "The Irish Riviera"

Related Topics:
1950s - 1960s - 1970s - Irish railway history - 1990s

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~