Explore a medieval village complete with Viking warriors this weekend in East Cork
Youghal is going full medieval this weekend.
The town’s immersive Medieval Festival returns to St. Mary’s College Gardens & Collegiate Church on Sunday, August 3rd, from 11am to 5pm, promising a magical day of medieval adventure, family fun and cultural celebration.
The best bit? It’s all completely free of charge.
Visitors can explore a medieval village complete with Viking warriors from the White Horse Living Society, who will recreate everyday life in the Viking camp, including live cooking demonstrations and battle re-enactments.
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The School of Irish Archaeology invites children to try their hand at an archaeological excavation in “The Big Dig”, mint their own Viking coins, craft medieval beads and pouches, and personalise a Viking dagger with ancient runic inscriptions, all through hands-on bookable workshops.
The day will be packed with family-friendly entertainment, from puppet shows and balloon art, to birds of prey demonstrations and a petting zoo by Nore Valley Farm. Face painters will also available and young visitors can paint their own medieval shield to bring home as a keepsake.
Stay for lunch
Grown-ups will enjoy live music and organ recitals within the 13th-century walls of St. Mary’s Collegiate Church, browse an artisan food and craft market, and admire a special photography exhibition curated by Youghal Camera Club.
Pic: Brian Lougheed
Those keen to delve deeper into the town’s story can take a free 30-minute ‘Voices of St. Mary’s’ audio tour, discovering centuries of local history through powerful storytelling and immersive sound.
With a free mobile hydration station on-site (just bring a refillable bottle), the Youghal Medieval Festival offers a sustainable, accessible, and fun day out for the whole gang.
