Plan to open museums in Cork town with more than 100 empty business premises

A VIEW of sweet Youghal Bay and a walk on the beautiful boardwalk always makes for a memorable visit to the East Cork town.

“We love welcoming people,” says local Cork County Councillor Mary Linehen Foley. “Youghal has so much going for it, the people have fierce pride in their town.”

However, with more than 100 empty business premises in Youghal, a group of community activists have got together and requested that a small niche of museums be created on Main Street to attract more people.

“It is a sad reality but also a real opportunity,” says Chairman of Youghal Heritage, Bryan Mohally, of the vacant premises.

“I’ve lived here for 40 years and the fact that a lot of premises have fallen into decay and shops have closed on Main Street bugs me. Main Street looks sad now.”

But that’s all about to change, as enthusiastic community volunteers prepare to open the doors of the first of the historical museums - Youghal Film and Photography Museum - in what used to be a butcher’s shop.

“People can come here and dive into the rich tapestry of Youghal’s film and photography heritage,” says Michael Hussey, graduate of the BA in Film & Screen Media UCC. 

Here, every image tells a story, and every frame preserves a piece of history.

“We are almost ready to invite people to explore the fascinating world of early Irish film and photography right here in the town known as the cradle of Irish cinema.”

Michael is excited to be involved in the promotion of the town he loves.

“Our museum will be a treasure trove of cinematic and photographic wonders, featuring iconic artifacts such as the famous Youghal Clock Gate, which is one of the earliest animations made in Ireland, by the pioneering Horgan brothers.”

These brothers from Youghal, Jim, Tom, and Phil, were the first filmmakers in Ireland.

“The Horgan brothers left an indelible mark on Youghal’s cultural landscape,” says Michael. 

Now their archive of film and photography will find its rightful place within our museum’s walls.

“The Horgans were innovators, producing the first animation films,” says Ted Horgan, Jim’s grandson, who is busy cleaning, sorting, and arranging his ancestors’ works.

“When filmmaking was in its infancy, Jim Horgan bought the town’s first camera and he began to record everyday life in the area,” says Ted.

“The Horgan brothers ran magic lantern shows in Youghal and now people can go back in time and enjoy the rich history of Youghal’s life and times. I feel very proud.”

Other early film and photography works will be on display at the Youghal Film and Photography Museum.

“Our museum will also house an extensive collection from the Andy Kelly Archive, showcasing the town’s vibrant visual history through the lens of a dedicated local enthusiast,” says Michael. “Additionally, visitors will have the opportunity to explore early cameras and film-related memorabilia from the Patrick McCool Collection, the Bobby Bickerdike Collection, the Mickey Roche Collection, the Billy Matthes Collection, the Owens Collection and many more local, national, and international collections.”

Now that Youghal is her second home, community volunteer Maureen Gilchrist, from North Carolina, is rolling up her sleeves and getting stuck in to get the premises ready for the grand opening.

“I love Youghal,” says Maureen. “My great grandparents, Mary and Jeremiah Kelly, were from here. 

The heritage group needed help and I’m only delighted to help out here along with the others.

Michael says Maureen swept into Youghal and into a new chapter of history.

“We’ve got a dynamo from across the pond!” says Michael laughing. “Hailing all the way from the charming state of North Carolina.”

Maureen was on a mission.

“She landed into our town with a mission to sweep away the cobwebs and breathe new life into the soon-to-be Youghal Film And Photographic Museum on North Main Street,” says Michael.

With a determined glint in her eye, Maureen is taking on the noble task of clearing out remnants of the past, making room for the treasures that will soon grace the museum’s interior.

“Maureen is a key player in turning this space into a central hub that will not only showcase the vibrant history of Youghal, but also bring back some much-needed footfall back to North Main Street,” adds Michael.

The Kathleen & May experience will also attract visitors to Main Street, Youghal, as will the Moby Dick Experience, celebrating Youghal’s maritime history.

“The Kathleen & May is the only remaining three-masted wooden topsail schooner, and her history describes her ‘second’ maiden voyage to Youghal,” says Michael.

The story evokes ion in the people who have worked on her - as the original sailing crew or modern- day restoration crew.

“It is also a personal journey into the past and an exploration of a way of life now long gone which this unique boat represents.”

What’s happening at the gossip shop?

Michael laughs.

“At the other end of town, the electrical radio repair shop was fondly known as the gossip shop! Now it is to be the Youghal Lace Museum.”

Kay’s Flowers is often known as the Tourist Information shop.

“I’m often asked for directions by people ing by,” says Kay, who is a volunteer getting the Youghal Lace Museum ready for opening.

Youghal Lace has its roots in the 19th century. In 1845, Mary Anne Smith, a Presentation sister, unpicked Italian lace to discover techniques used to make it, and she then taught the craft to local women.

“The Lace Museum next to me at 135, Main Street, will be a wonderful addition to the town of Youghal,” says Kay. 

The owners of the premises who do air b&b have been more than generous giving us the front of the premises for the lace museum.

What will be on display there?

“We have old thimbles, old sewing boxes, the first lace umbrella that was crocheted. We have threads, dress pieces that we were gifted from the USA. Some items are on loan to us, others have been gifted to us.”

Kay’s people were lace makers.

“My mother helped my great aunt Kate with making things for lace,” says Kay. “I have an old sea-shell that has worn over time that my mother used to use for flattening the cuffs of judges’ attire. My mother used to steep the lace in tea to give it an antique colour.”

Kay is excited about the premises opening next door.

“The Youghal Lace Museum opening later this year is a wonderful project,” she says. “It is a huge part of Youghal’s history.

Youghal, with so much history, has lots to offer.

“These are but a few of the museums we have in mind,” says Bryan. 

We’re looking at Walter Raleigh and Youghal Carpets as well.

From little acorns, oak trees grow.

“The regeneration of the town is very important to us,” says Bryan. “Youghal should be our Kinsale. We pride ourselves on our town.

“Going forward, we hope to open cafes and souvenir shops in the museums. We are very fortunate to have many interested people on board, including Youghal Active Retirement Association (YARA).

“We reached out to many schools and community groups, including Youghal Creative Writers Group, who wrote about their experiences of going to the cinema in Youghal.”

The massive community effort is bearing fruit to put Youghal firmly on the map.

“We have to pull up our own bootstraps,” says Bryan. “It is a combined community effort. Everybody, young and old, rolled up their sleeves to provide their skills and manpower.”

Bryan is proud of his surroundings where he made his home 40 years ago.

“We’re not west Cork, we are part of the Ancient east - we want to fit in there,” he says.

The journey begins….

“ us on this exciting journey as we celebrate the magic of film and photography, honour the pioneers who paved the way, and invite you to be part of Youghal’s enduring legacy in visual story-telling.”

The Department of Film and Screen Media at UCC are associated with the project opening this summer.