Religious house

On SW side of Main Street. A 'much-altered gable' (Killanin and Duignan 1962, 459), identified by Hayman (1856, 14-5) as remains of Benedictine priory of St. John, in existence by 1306 (Gwynn and Hadcock 1988, 108). O'Sullivan (1945, 104-5) describes features in gable as 'pointed and delicately moulded sandstone doorway framed by a square-headed moulding', while directly above door is 'a single-light ogee window' (ibid.); also 'half-way along a narrow passage....are a piscina and a square aumbry' (ibid.); there may be further features to rear of building (see Hayman ibid). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 2: East and South Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1994). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

The Benedictine priory of St. John in Youghal-Lands was founded in the 13th century, with records confirming its existence by 1306; it was dedicated to St. John and reflects the medieval monastic tradition in Ireland. The site is significant as a religious and historical landmark associated with the Benedictine order in the region.