Overview
Clock Gate Tower dominates the junction of North and South Main Streets in the historic seaside town of Youghal. Built in 1777 to a Georgian design by William Meade, the five‑storey tower rises to about 24 metres (≈ 78 ft) and is instantly recognisable by its four clock faces and red‑brick façade. Today it operates as a heritage centre, museum and viewpoint, offering costumed storytelling tours that take visitors through four distinct eras of Youghal’s past.
History
The site has been a gateway to the walled town since the 14th century. The present tower was commissioned by the Youghal Corporation in 1777 and served several functions over the centuries:
- 1500s‑1600s – a store‑house and later a sundial‑equipped gate.
- 1777‑1837 – the town gaol, with cells on the upper floors. During the 1798 Irish Rebellion, several prisoners were executed from the tower’s windows.
- 1850s‑1950s – the clock mechanism was wound manually by local caretakers, notably the McGrath family, who kept the tower ticking for generations.
- Late 20th century – the building fell out of public use.
- 2017 – after a decade of restoration funded by Fáilte Ireland and Cork County Council, the tower reopened as an interactive heritage attraction.
The four floors now tell the story of a medieval merchant’s dwelling, the 18th‑century gaol, the clock‑keeping era and a former family home, all brought to life by guides in period “Time Costumes”.
Activities
- Guided storytelling tours – Costumed guides lead a 50‑minute, hour‑long tour that moves through the tower’s four eras, highlighting trade, piracy, the 1798 rebellion and everyday life.
- Interactive exhibits – Touch‑screen displays, audio‑visual installations and original artefacts (including the original clock mechanism) let visitors explore Youghal’s maritime heritage.
- Pre‑tour audio guide – Available in English, French, German and Spanish, the audio guide can be listened to before arrival.
- 360° rooftop platform – The fifth‑floor viewing platform offers panoramic vistas of Youghal Bay, the lighthouse and the town’s red‑tiled roofs – a favourite spot for photography.
- Seasonal events – The tower hosts concerts, heritage talks and community gatherings, especially during the summer festival season.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
| Season | Days | Times |
|---|---|---|
| May – June | Wed – Sat | 11:00 – 16:00 |
| July – August | Tue – Sat | 11:00 – 16:00 |
| September – October | Wed – Sat | 11:00 – 16:00 |
| November – March | By appointment | By appointment |
Tours run hourly on the hour during the open season, with the first tour at 11:00 am and the last at 4:00 pm.
Admission Fees
| Ticket type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | €9.50 |
| Child (6‑12 yrs) | €5.00 |
| Senior / Student | €7.50 |
| Family (2 adults + up to 3 children) | €25.00 |
Group bookings of up to 12 people receive a discount; private evening tours are also available on request.
Contact & Booking
- Phone: 024 20769
- Email: tours@livingyoughal.ie
- Website: https://livingyoughal.ie/things-to-do/youghal-clock-tower/
- Online booking: https://ie.patronbase.com/_Youghal/Performances/Calendar?prod_id=CTT3
Accessibility
The tower is accessed via a series of stairs; there is no lift, so it is not suitable for visitors with mobility impairments.
Getting There
The tower is located at 85 N Main Street, directly opposite South Main Street. Free parking is available at the adjacent Youghal Tourist Office on Market Square, with additional street parking nearby. The site is a short walk from the main bus stop (Bus Éireann route 215) serving Cork‑Youghal. For drivers, the N25 provides easy access from Cork City and the surrounding region.
Nearby Highlights
While in Youghal, you can easily walk to St Mary’s Collegiate Church, the historic harbour, or the sandy beaches of Youghal Bay. The town’s pubs and cafés offer a pleasant place to relax after your tower visit.
Photography & Souvenirs
The rooftop platform provides one of the best 360° photo opportunities in East Cork. A small gift shop at the tower entrance sells locally‑made souvenirs, including prints of historic Youghal maps.
Clock Gate Tower offers a rare blend of architecture, history and spectacular scenery, making it a standout stop on any East Cork itinerary.