Cork County Mayor’s charity gala to take place in Youghal

The Cork County Mayor’s charity gala for 2026 will take place at the Walter Raleigh Hotel in Youghal on Saturday, May 2.

This year the gala will support RNLI Youghal, Down Syndrome Cork, and Cancer Connect Youghal, with all proceeds from the event going directly to the three organisations.

RNLI Youghal is a volunteer run lifeboat station that provides a 24-hour emergency search and rescue service along the East Cork coastline.

Down Syndrome Cork is a volunteer led charity supporting people with Down syndrome and their families across Cork. The organisation provides education, therapies, social programmes and lifelong supports to help members reach their full potential.

Cancer Connect Youghal provides a free, volunteer driven transport service for people travelling from East Cork to Cork hospitals for cancer treatment. Based in Youghal, the group supports patients attending radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and related appointments. The service reduces stress and isolation by ensuring safe, reliable, and compassionate transport.

Special occasion

Mayor of the County of Cork, Mary Linehan Foley, said hosting the gala in her hometown of Youghal will make the occasion a particularly special one.

“There’s something very special about this part of the world, especially as we head into summer, and I’m really looking forward to welcoming people from across the county to enjoy a relaxed, fun evening by the sea.

“Most importantly, it’s a chance for us all to come together and support three incredible charities doing vital work in our communities,” Ms Linehan Foley said.

The event will include a drinks reception on arrival, a three course dinner showcasing local produce, live entertainment, and dancing. There also will be a charity raffle held offering a variety of prizes.

The evening will feature a seaside theme, with guests asked to embrace light, bright summer vibes.

With music, dancing, and a strong social element included, the event organisers say the gala is set to be “one of the highlights of the county’s social calendar”.

Tickets, which are priced at €100 per person, for the County Mayor’s charity gala can be purchased online at  https://corkcountycouncil.clr.events/event/140111.