David Stanton, Cork East Fine Gael TD and Minister of State at the Department of Justice, has welcomed the opening of Youghal Clock Gate Tower as a tourist attraction. The Clock Gate Tower will now be added to the collection of historical sites and attractions Youghal has to offer to visitors.
“I was delighted to visit the Youghal Clock Gate Town what great work has been done”, said Minister Stanton. “This project has been underway for some years and it is wonderful to see that all the hard work has now come to fruition and it is opening its doors to the public. It will be a huge asset to Youghal’s, already substantial, offering of historical tourist attractions and secure its place on Ireland’s Ancient East Trail.
“The story of the Clock Gate Tower in Youghal is fascinating. It is centuries old and was built on the site of a medieval wall gate. Originally it was opened as a jail in 1777 when penal conditions were appalling. A number of people were executed by hanging there. Then in the last century it became a family home from 1915 to 1959.
“Cork County Council, who own of the building, have been developing it on a phased basis since 2008 and the whole project has cost approximately €750,000 funded by Cork County Council, SECAD and Failte Ireland. In addition to the organisations funding the project, congratulations are owed to Project Manager, Aileen Murray and other members of Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group, local heritage officers, the Local Authority, in particular the former Youghal Town Council and local current and former Councillors.
“Youghal Clock Gate Tower offers a very impressive visitor experience. I am sure it will form an integral part of Youghal’s heritage trail which includes the Raleigh Quarter encompassing the medieval town walls, St Mary’s Collegiate Church and gardens next door. The visitor moorings recently opened in the town harbour and the refurbishment of the boardwalk will also help to draw visitors to Youghal”, concluded David Stanton.
Further information can be found at: www.youghalclockgate.ie
