Youghal through the Ages

Oliver Cromwell

Oliver Cromwell was another notable Englishman who is linked with Youghal.Cromwell is infamous in Irish history for the brutality with which he dealt with Irish insurrection.He made Youghal his winter quarters staying in the college and having his headquarters near the old Benedictine house in North Main Street.He departed in May 1650 passing through the medieval water gate which is still known today as Cromwell's Arch.


The Clock Gate was built in 1777 but in 1795 the tower was found to be too small and an extra storey was added.It was used as a prison until the mid 19th century.In 1798 a failed Irish rebellion against English occupation resulted in more than twenty prisoners being hanged from the tower.

Clock Tower

Tyntes Castle
One of the finest houses in the town was the building which is now known as Tynte's Castle.This structure was built on the Main Street in the 15th century for the Walsh family and was used as a secure store for valuable goods with overhead acccomodation.It was unusual to have a fortified dwelling built inside the defences of the town walls.By the early 17th century the tower had passed into the ownership of Sir Robert Tynte, who married the widow of the poet Edmund Spenser.
   

 

 

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