What is recorded here

Youghal is a historic town in County Cork, Ireland, where Viking settlers first gathered at the mouth of the Blackwater in the 9th century. Maurice fitz Gerald later rebuilt it with citizens from Bristol, creating a trading port that survived the sack by the Earl of Desmond and expanded through the 18th century. The river still touches the old streets, carrying echoes of every hand that built, traded or destroyed the place.

Viking settlement at mouth of Blackwater in 9th century (O'Brien 1986, 347); Anglo-Norman settlement by late 12th century but town established early 13th century by Maurice fitz Gerald who settled it with citizens of Bristol (ibid., 377); town remained under Geraldine influence in late medieval period though sacked by Earl of Desmond in 1579 (Lewis 1837, vol. 2, 725). Like most Irish towns, Youghal contracted in 14th century but revived by late 15th century (O'Brien ibid., 377-8). Earl of Cork became prominent citizen in early 17th century when town important trading port, a position it maintained throughout 18th and early 19th centuries (Condon 1945, 119-121); during this period town also expanded 'in all directions' (Lewis ibid., 726) but especially on river side and along both ends of main street. 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

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