St Mary's Collegiate Church
A historic church in Youghal, Ireland, offering a blend of medieval history, stunning architecture, and vibrant live music.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
St Mary's Collegiate Church
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic church in Youghal, Ireland, offering a blend of medieval history, stunning architecture, and vibrant live music.
"A beautiful venue with amazing sound, perfect for history and music lovers alike."
Utilize Audio Tours
Enhance your visit with insightful audio guides and interactive screens. :iphone:
Check for Events
The church hosts amazing gigs and festivals; check schedules for live music! :musical_note:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Medieval Ducking Stool
Crypt
See a chilling relic of medieval justice – a ducking stool used for punishment.
Interactive Screens & Audio Tours
Throughout the church
Engage with the church's history through modern technology and guided narratives.
Stained Glass Windows
Main sanctuary
Admire the intricate beauty and storytelling within the vibrant stained glass.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Exploring the History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Utilize Audio Tours
Enhance your visit with insightful audio guides and interactive screens. :iphone:
Check for Events
The church hosts amazing gigs and festivals; check schedules for live music! :musical_note:
Explore the Crypt
Discover fascinating historical artifacts, including a medieval ducking stool. :mag:
Relax in the Gardens
Enjoy the pleasant seating area outside for a moment of calm. :seedling:
Tips
from all over the internet
Utilize Audio Tours
Enhance your visit with insightful audio guides and interactive screens. :iphone:
Check for Events
The church hosts amazing gigs and festivals; check schedules for live music! :musical_note:
Explore the Crypt
Discover fascinating historical artifacts, including a medieval ducking stool. :mag:
Relax in the Gardens
Enjoy the pleasant seating area outside for a moment of calm. :seedling:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise St. Mary's Collegiate Church for its historical significance and beautiful architecture, with many highlighting the engaging audio tours and interactive screens. The church also serves as a fantastic venue for live music, with attendees frequently commenting on the excellent acoustics and atmosphere. While generally a positive experience, some visitors note that certain areas, like the crypt, might present accessibility challenges.
"A very nice church in the center of the town. A nice area outside with seating is ideal for relaxing.
The church is only a few minutes away from the station. Would highly recommend a visit if in the area"
Rob (Bharat) Yates
"Wonderful experience, We went for the Christmas tree festival, wish it was on for longer especially with all the hard work and very helpful volunteers"
Colin staples
"Wonderful!!! Great Special Celebration and culmination FINALE of the Stafford Passion Play 2023...a progressive, outdoor, interactive dramatisation...four presentations over Good Friday and Easter Saturday...all leading to the finale scenes in the Church with music, dancing and chance to chat with the performers, too! KUDOS 👏 to the Saltmine Trust Team that organised the volunteer stewards and actors...VERY VERY GOOD!!!👏😎"
Mel Angier
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. Mary's Collegiate Church is conveniently located in the center of Youghal, County Cork, Ireland. It's just a few minutes' walk from the train station, making it easily accessible for visitors arriving by public transport.
While specific parking details can vary, the church's central location means there are likely public parking options nearby in Youghal town. It's advisable to check local signage or ask at your accommodation for the most convenient spots.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to St. Mary's Collegiate Church is generally free, though donations are appreciated. Special events or concerts held within the church may require separate ticket purchases.
Opening hours can vary, especially depending on the season and any ongoing events. It's recommended to check the official website or local listings for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
While the church itself is often free to enter, donations are welcomed to help with its upkeep.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find beautiful stained glass windows, historical artifacts, and the crypt which houses a medieval ducking stool. Interactive screens and an audio tour are available to enhance your understanding of its rich history.
Yes, St. Mary's Collegiate Church offers audio tours and interactive screens that provide a guided experience of its history and architecture.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's always a good idea to be respectful of ongoing services or events.
While the main areas of the church are generally accessible, the crypt might present challenges. It's best to inquire directly about specific accessibility needs.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Being in the center of Youghal, you'll find numerous cafes, pubs, and restaurants within easy walking distance of the church, offering a variety of dining options.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior architecture, the intricate stained glass windows, and the atmospheric crypt offer excellent photographic opportunities. The surrounding town also provides charming backdrops. 
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The unique sight of the ducking stool in the crypt is likely to capture their imagination, albeit with a touch of historical spookiness. 🎶 Music Lovers
to folk and contemporary artists. +3 The unique atmosphere of a historic church enhances the listening experience, creating memorable evenings for both performers and audiences. Check local listings for upcoming gigs and festivals to catch a performance in this stunning setting. 🏛️ History Buffs
Exploring the architecture and imagining the lives of those who worshipped and were laid to rest here provides a tangible connection to bygone eras.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
The church is not just a historical monument but also a vibrant community space. It frequently hosts a variety of events, including music festivals and concerts. The acoustics within the church are often praised by musicians, making it a sought-after venue for performances.
+1 Visitors can experience its history through interactive screens and audio tours, which provide engaging narratives about the church's past and its significance to the local area. The beautiful stained glass windows are another highlight, adding to the serene and awe-inspiring atmosphere of the building. St. Mary's as a Venue
+1 Artists and audiences alike have lauded the experience of attending events here. For instance, the Irish Chamber Orchestra has performed to an 'amazing audience' in this 'beautiful venue', highlighting its appeal to classical music enthusiasts. Numerous musicians have shared their positive experiences performing at St. Mary's. Sinead and Kevin Music noted the 'awesome' sound, while Fiachna Ó Braonáin described it as a 'beautiful place to wake up after a wonderful gig'.
+1 The venue has hosted a range of artists, from folk singers like Jackie Oates This active use of the church for events ensures it remains a dynamic and engaging part of the Youghal community.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit