Youghal

Youghal (pron. nearly Yawl), a seaport of County Cork, on the estuary of the Blackwater, 27 miles E. of Cork by rail. The town has some structures of interest—the parish church, which is formed of the nave and aisles of the ancient collegiate church, built by the Earl of Desmond in 1464; the 'water-gate' and the 'clock-gate'; and Sir Walter Raleigh's house, Myrtle Grove, which remains nearly in its original state. There is a handsome Roman Catholic church, and remains of several ancient conventual and other buildings. Parts of the old walls are standing. The trade of Youghal lies chiefly in the export of agricultural produce; the harbour is obstructed by a bar. According to local tradition, the potato was first planted at Youghal by Raleigh, who was mayor in 1588. The town sent a member to parliament till 1885. Pop. (1851) 7410; (1891) 4317.