Future Developments in Youghal

Youghal is entering an exciting new chapter, with a range of projects that aim to enhance tourism, community life, health services, sustainability, and local heritage. Here’s a look at what’s on the horizon:

Tourism & Outdoor Recreation

Midleton–Youghal Greenway
The new 23km greenway connecting Youghal to Midleton is opening in stages, providing a scenic, safe route for walkers and cyclists. It’s expected to bring a major tourism boost and support local businesses along the route.

Youghal–Dungarvan Cycle Route
Plans are progressing for a new coastal cycle link between Youghal and Dungarvan. This project will further connect Youghal to the National Cycle Network, encouraging eco-friendly travel and regional tourism.

Eco-Boardwalk Extension
The iconic Youghal boardwalk is being extended 1.5km from Claycastle to Redbarn Beach. The new section will be fully accessible and offer a stunning walking experience while protecting Ballyvergan Marsh.

New Water-Based Activity Centre – Claycastle Beach
A state-of-the-art outdoor facility is coming to Claycastle, with changing rooms, hot showers, and secure equipment storage to support kayaking, paddleboarding, and open-water swimming.

Youghal Lighthouse Viewing Platform
A new viewing area is being built at the lighthouse, offering an enhanced and wheelchair-accessible visitor experience with panoramic views of Youghal Bay.

Community & Health Services

St Raphael’s Community Nursing Unit
A new 60-bed nursing facility will soon replace the existing unit, with dementia care services, activity rooms, and modern healthcare amenities. Construction is due to begin in late 2024.

Youghal Primary Care Centre
A new three-storey healthcare centre is planned near Youghal Business Park. It will house GP surgeries and HSE services, improving local access to essential health services.

Sustainability & Resilience

Flood Resilience Planning – Pathways Project
Led by the Youghal Blue & Green Community Network, this project helps prepare the town for climate-related flooding through local workshops and expert guidance.

Celtic Interconnector
Youghal plays a key role in the Celtic Interconnector – Ireland’s energy link with France. This underground cable project supports a more sustainable electricity grid and strengthens energy security.

Heritage & Town Centre Enhancements

Barry’s Lane Heritage-Led Revitalisation
This historic laneway is being upgraded with heritage materials and improved access, celebrating Youghal’s medieval past as part of a national initiative to revive town centres.

Cultural Initiatives from Youghal Chamber
Exciting plans are underway for cultural experiences including the Kathleen and May heritage project, a new Film and Photography Museum, and the continuation of the Youghal Lace Project.

Youghal is growing – and these developments are just the beginning. Whether you’re a resident, visitor, or business owner, there are plenty of reasons to get excited about what’s next.

Historic Youghal Lighthouse Set to Welcome Visitors in 2026

Major Development Project Finally Begins

Great news for Youghal and East Cork tourism! After years of anticipation, major construction works are set to begin on transforming Youghal’s iconic lighthouse into a proper visitor attraction. The project, which starts this Monday, will finally open this historic landmark to the public for the 2026 tourism season.

What’s Being Built:

️ New Viewing Platform – Offering spectacular views of Youghal Bay and the coastline
️ Visitor Centre – Showcasing the rich maritime heritage of this medieval port town
Central Courtyard – Providing safe, accessible visitor areas
Complete Restoration – Fresh paint and demolition of unused structures

Why This Matters for Youghal

Built in 1848, Youghal Lighthouse is perhaps the most photographed landmark in East Cork and unique in Ireland as a lighthouse located close to a town centre. Local tourism businesses have long felt this should be the focal point of the hugely popular Youghal Eco Boardwalk – Ireland’s longest boardwalk.
The lighthouse sits perfectly positioned for walks to:
  • Pretty Claycastle Beach
  • Front Strand Beach
  • Redbarn Beach
  • Just 10 minutes stroll from Youghal town centre

Local Support & Timeline

Local Councillor Patrick Mulcahy confirmed that Cork City Council will lead the works with support from local business groups who have campaigned tirelessly for this development.
“This is very welcome news and I look forward to the works taking place from next Monday for the new viewing platform which will add a whole new dimension to the Lighthouse for the 2026 Tourism season,”said Cllr Mulcahy.

Part of Youghal’s Renaissance

This lighthouse development represents another positive step in Youghal’s ongoing transformation as both a place to live and visit. Combined with the boardwalk and other recent developments, the opening of the lighthouse as a visitor attraction is expected to accelerate positive change throughout East Cork.
The project signals that this historic port town is truly coming back to life – and 2026 can’t come soon enough!
Planning to visit Youghal? Check out our directory of local businesses, restaurants, and accommodation options to make the most of your trip to this beautiful East Cork destination.

What’s Being Built in Youghal

Stay updated on the latest developments shaping our community. Below you’ll find all the ongoing and upcoming projects across Youghal and East Cork.

Tourism & Outdoor Recreation

Midleton–Youghal Greenway

Status: Opening in Stages

Location: Connecting Youghal to Midleton

A brand new 23km greenway is opening in stages, providing a scenic, safe route for walkers and cyclists. This is expected to bring a major tourism boost and support local businesses along the route. It’s a brilliant addition to our region’s cycling infrastructure.

Timeline: Phased opening

More Info: Check back for updates on specific opening dates

Youghal–Dungarvan Cycle Route

Status: In Planning

Location: Coastal route between Youghal and Dungarvan

Plans are progressing for a new coastal cycle link between Youghal and Dungarvan. This project will further connect Youghal to the National Cycle Network, encouraging eco-friendly travel and regional tourism.

Timeline: To be confirmed

More Info: More details coming soon

Eco-Boardwalk Extension

Status: In Development

Location: Claycastle to Redbarn Beach

The iconic Youghal boardwalk is being extended 1.5km from Claycastle to Redbarn Beach. The new section will be fully accessible and offer a stunning walking experience whilst protecting Ballyvergan Marsh. This is a fantastic enhancement to our seafront.

Timeline: Development underway

More Info: Updates on completion coming soon

Water-Based Activity Centre – Claycastle Beach

Status: In Development

Location: Claycastle Beach

A state-of-the-art outdoor facility is coming to Claycastle, with changing rooms, hot showers, and secure equipment storage to support kayaking, paddleboarding, and open-water swimming. This will be brilliant for our growing water sports community.

Timeline: Development underway

More Info: Facility details and opening date coming soon

Youghal Lighthouse Viewing Platform

Status: In Development

Location: Youghal Lighthouse

A new viewing area is being built at the lighthouse, offering an enhanced and wheelchair-accessible visitor experience with panoramic views of Youghal Bay. Expected to welcome visitors in 2026.

Timeline: Expected opening 2026

More Info: This is going to be a stunning tourist attraction

Community & Health Services

St Raphael’s Community Nursing Unit

Status: Under Construction

Location: Youghal

A new 60-bed nursing facility will soon replace the existing unit, with dementia care services, activity rooms, and modern healthcare amenities. This is a significant investment in our community’s care services.

Timeline: Construction due to begin late 2024

More Info: Watch for construction updates

Youghal Primary Care Centre

Status: Planned

Location: Near Youghal Business Park

A new three-storey healthcare centre is planned near Youghal Business Park. It will house GP surgeries and HSE services, improving local access to essential health services for residents and visitors.

Timeline: To be confirmed

More Info: Details on construction timeline coming soon

Sustainability & Resilience

Flood Resilience Planning – Pathways Project

Status: Ongoing

Location: Youghal

Led by the Youghal Blue & Green Community Network, this project helps prepare the town for climate-related flooding through local workshops and expert guidance. It’s an important initiative for our future resilience.

Timeline: Ongoing community engagement

More Info: Get involved in local workshops and planning sessions

Celtic Interconnector

Status: In Progress

Location: Youghal and beyond

Youghal plays a key role in the Celtic Interconnector – Ireland’s energy link with France. This underground cable project supports a more sustainable electricity grid and strengthens energy security for the nation.

Timeline: Project ongoing

More Info: Follow local news for project updates

Heritage & Town Centre Enhancements

Barry’s Lane Heritage-Led Revitalisation

Status: In Development

Location: Barry’s Lane, Youghal Town Centre

This historic laneway is being upgraded with heritage materials and improved access, celebrating Youghal’s medieval past as part of a national initiative to revive town centres. A brilliant project to preserve our heritage.

Timeline: Development underway

More Info: Updates on completion coming soon

Cultural Initiatives from Youghal Chamber

Status: In Development

Location: Youghal Town Centre

Exciting plans are underway for cultural experiences including the Kathleen and May heritage project, a new Film and Photography Museum, and the continuation of the Youghal Lace Project. These initiatives will enhance our town’s cultural offering.

Timeline: Various projects ongoing

More Info: Follow Youghal Chamber for announcements on opening dates and events

Transport & Connectivity

East Cork Rail Alliance

Status: Ongoing Advocacy

Location: East Cork Region

Continued efforts are underway to restore and improve rail connectivity for East Cork. This long-term initiative aims to reconnect our region with the national rail network.

Timeline: Ongoing campaign

More Info: Follow local news for updates on this important initiative

Want to Stay Updated?

Check back regularly for the latest news on these developments. We update this page regularly with new information and progress updates. You can also follow us on Facebook for announcements and community news.

Have questions about a specific project? Contact us via email or Facebook, and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the Midleton–Youghal Greenway be fully open?

The greenway is opening in stages. Check back here for updates on each section’s opening date.

What’s happening with the lighthouse viewing platform?

It’s expected to open in 2026 and will offer stunning panoramic views of Youghal Bay with full accessibility.

When will St Raphael’s new nursing unit be ready?

Construction was due to begin in late 2024. We’ll share progress updates as the project moves forward.

How can I get involved in the Flood Resilience project?

The Youghal Blue & Green Community Network runs local workshops. Check their announcements for upcoming sessions.

Who do I contact with questions about developments?

For council-related projects, contact Cork County Council. For other enquiries, reach out to us via email or Facebook, and we’ll help where we can.