Good news for tourism in Cork town as lighthouse gets a facelift

Development works on Youghal Lighthouse are to start very soon, as a local councillor has welcomed that after years of delays, the lighthouse will bring more tourists to the region next summer.

Fianna Fáil councillor for East Cork, Patrick Mulcahy, received confirmation from a Cork County Council senior executive officer that works on the lighthouse are set to begin shortly.

The works will be taking place from next Monday for a new viewing platform, which Mr Mulcahy said “will add a whole new dimension to the lighthouse for the 2026 tourism season”.

The fully operational lighthouse is located on the hillside overlooking Youghal Bay. Cork County Council took over ownership of it from the Commissioner of Irish Lights in June 2014.

Funding of almost €80,000 was granted in 2017 on foot of an application made to the Department of Arts, Heritage, and the Gaeltacht under the town and village renewal scheme for funding to develop the lighthouse as a visitor attraction.

At the time, €78,000 was granted towards the Youghal Lighthouse project to open up the lighthouse courtyard to visitors, develop a viewing area, and tell the story of Youghal’s lighthouse and maritime past.

Mr Mulcahy was told by the council: 

“Enabling works are due to commence on Youghal Lighthouse site next Monday, August 11.

“It is expected that the main contact works including demolitions of the shed and construction of a viewing platform will commence towards the end of August/start of September.

“The lighthouse will be painted once all works are completed.”

Mr Mulcahy told The Echo that he was delighted by the news.

“It is really good news for the town, which depends on the tourism trade.

“We need the support of both the local authority and central government to help towns like Youghal, which have contributed to the State throughout the years.

“It is projects like this which will help it grow and flourish into the wonderful town it can be,” he said.