News that a decision has been made to allocate funding of €200,000 for works on Youghal Clock Gate Tower has been welcomed by Cork East Fine Gael TD, David Stanton. This funding will enhance tourism in Youghal by making the Clock Gate Tower accessible to the public as a museum and interpretive centre.
“The Clock Gate Tower is hundreds of years old and is the central iconic structure of Youghal town. Tourists visiting Youghal have always been seen taking photographs of this historic and beautiful clock tower and it will add considerably to what the heritage town of Youghal has to offer when visitors will be able to view the Tower from the inside as well. This final tranche of funding, further to previous allocations from SECAD and the Local Authority, will make Youghal even more interesting to visit as a major attraction on the recently launched Ireland’s Ancient East trail.
“Many people and organisations in Youghal and beyond should be congratulated for their hard work and tenacity in bringing the Clock Gate project to fruition. Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group managed by Aileen Murray, local heritage officers, the Local Authority, in particular the former Youghal Town Council. Former Councillor and County Mayor, Barbara Murray put huge effort into this project during her time in office.
“I know that Minister of State for Tourism, Michael Ring TD has also taken a personal interest in this project since he visited the tower in May 2015 when he opened the Raleigh Quarter and views the refurbished boardwalk. He also visited Youghal in July 2011, after which he made funding of €400,000 available to enhance the leisure centre”, noted Deputy Stanton.
“The history of Youghal Clock Gate Tower is very interesting as it was built on the site of a medieval wall gate. It originally opened as a jail in 1777 and conditions were appalling at the time. A number of people were executed by hanging there. It was a family home then from 1915 to 1959.
“When the project is completed, the Clock Gate Tower 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.
