20 August 2016
By Elaine Murphy
elaine@TheCork.ie
20/08/16 Update: Due to forecast windy and wet weather, Youghal Medieval Festival has been rescheduled to next Saturday instead, 27th August
Celebrating 10 years in 2016
St. Mary’s College Gardens, in the Raleigh Quarter of Youghal, will once again be the venue for Youghal’s prizewinning Medieval Festival. It is one of the country’s largest free events organized to celebrate National Heritage week 2016, attracting over 8,000 visitors to the town for the day. Described by a representative of The Irish Walled Town Network, who fund this event, together with Cork County Council, as “the mother and father of all medieval festivals”, this year’s event will be even more special as we it celebrates a special 10th birthday.
This event is supported by Cork County Council
Commenting on the event now in its 10th year, organiser, Catherine Desmond noted “It’s the combination of exceptional venue and top quality attractions & activities that continues to make Youghal Medieval Festival so unique and attractive for the thousands of visitors who attend the festival annually.
This year the festival will feature a range of activities and attractions, some new and more back by popular demand. Munster Falconry will feature with their interactive Birds of Prey display. Visitors are encouraged to ‘get up close and personal’ and have a picture taken with our feathered brethren! The Archery Display will be truly fascinating, while the While Horse Living History Society will deliver combat re-enactments all set to frighten and intrigue us all.
The Medieval Village is a journey through so many aspects of village life back in the day, with apothecary, wool spinning, medieval recipes, ogham script, coin pressing and the list goes on …You can learn to weave on the hand loom and take your creation home. To get into the medieval style, you can even have your hair braided in the medieval manner – if you come in costume all the better! Once again only top quality artisan food and craft stands will attend.
Youghal Medieval Festival is all about fun and families and is the Last Hurrah of Festivals before the children return to school. With favourites such as the ever popular Balloon Magic, Pottery Making, Paint your own Mask, Make your own Shield and of course the imaginative Cork Puppet Specialists: “Dowtcha Puppets” the children will certainly have tremendous fun.
Free guided tours of the Medieval St. Mary’s Collegiate Church, adjacent to St. Mary’s College Gardens will also be available every half-hour from 1.00pm to 5.00pm and is a true living showcase of the rich heritage in Youghal Heritage Town.
Youghal Medieval Festival is a busy day, a great day and a day for the entire family.
