Odin Made the Dead To Rise
And Kept the Rain Away.
Youghal Came Out To Play.
I didn't realise that Youghal's Medieval Festival is now in its 9th year. It was my first time attending and I could see why the event has become a must-visit for people of all ages. It is free and takes place in the stunning surrounds of St. Mary's College Gardens within the 13th Century Town Walls. It is a light-hearted fun event, very enjoyable indeed.
And it is not about staged battles only. You can learn all about the weapons, the protective armour, the clothing, the food, direct from the fighters themselves. And the kids are very well catered for here with bouncy castles, traditional arts and crafts making (including 'make your own shield'), games, face painting, balloon modelling, a magician and much more.
Food is an important part of these festivals and the organisers have quite a line-up. You won't go hungry here with everything from crepes to pizzas. I didn't want anything mega - we had dinner lined up for the evening - so settled for a very tasty sausage sandwich (just four euro) from Flynn's Gourmet Sausages. On the way through the town afterwards, I treated myself to a lovely ice-cream from Fantastic Flavours on the main street.
The marvellous St Mary's Collegiate Church, the nave is 13th century though the roof timbers have been dated to the 12th century, was only a few steps away so that was a must visit, even if I missed the guided tour. After that, we took a walk on the remains of the medieval town walls which have great views over the town and the bay.
And Kept the Rain Away.
Youghal Came Out To Play.
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| Birds of prey on display |
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| No sign of the Red Cross |
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| Medieval food; small boys and big boys. |
I didn't realise that Youghal's Medieval Festival is now in its 9th year. It was my first time attending and I could see why the event has become a must-visit for people of all ages. It is free and takes place in the stunning surrounds of St. Mary's College Gardens within the 13th Century Town Walls. It is a light-hearted fun event, very enjoyable indeed.
And it is not about staged battles only. You can learn all about the weapons, the protective armour, the clothing, the food, direct from the fighters themselves. And the kids are very well catered for here with bouncy castles, traditional arts and crafts making (including 'make your own shield'), games, face painting, balloon modelling, a magician and much more.
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| Foul blow at top right |
Didn't realise this but the peace and quite of the ancient graveyard that surrounds the church was shattered in February 1950 when a helicopter developed mechanical problems and crashed there. Happily no one was injured. A plaque on a graveyard wall commemorates the event.
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| St Mary's, Youghal's 13th century church |
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| Inset of town's Clock Tower and general view of the Medieval Fest from the town walls. |
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| Youghal Town Hall |
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