History buffs and curious Corkonians have a new reason to visit Youghal.

A new museum celebrating some of the town’s most remarkable women is set to open its doors this Saturday, June 20th, shining a light on the trailblazers, creatives and changemakers who helped shape history both at home and abroad.

The Pioneering Women of Youghal museum on South Main Street will tell the stories of extraordinary women connected to the East Cork town, showcasing their achievements through artwork, historical displays and fascinating insights into their lives.

Among those featured are artist and explorer Edith Blake, women’s rights campaigner Anna Fisher Haslam, writer Patricia Cockburn, Irish-language activist Bréid Ní Fhoghlu, bookstore owner and literary patron May O’Flaherty, and the Princess of Capua, alongside several other influential figures whose contributions often don’t get the attention they deserve.

May O’Flaherty, seen here on the left of the photo, born Mary Angela Flaherty, 14 May 1904  in Youghal, was an Irish book store proprietor, known as the owner of Parsons Bookshop at Baggot Street Bridge in Dublin’s southside. Through the shop’s writer-in-residence schemes and general environment, she patronised and befriended prominent Irish writers such as Patrick Kavanagh, Brendan Behan, and Seamus Heaney.

The new attraction aims to celebrate the impact these women had on society, while giving visitors the chance to discover some lesser-known stories from Youghal’s rich past.

“This museum is about giving these women the recognition they deserve and ensuring their stories continue to inspire,” said Deirdre McSweeney-Kelly, Curator.

“We hope it will become a valuable cultural and educational resource for the community and visitors alike.”