When you enter the church you are walking in the footsteps of some of the most prominent people of Youghal, such as Sir Walter Raleigh, Sir Richard Boyle, world renowned poet Edmund Spencer and hundreds of years of Mayors, Alderman, Merchants and assorted influential figures. St. Mary’s Collegiate Church has been in use for over 800 years.

The beautiful St. Mary’s is the medieval parish church of the historic walled town of Youghal, and the second largest of its type on the island of Ireland. It sits imposingly at the top of Church Street, just west of the town’s medieval market place. From its thirteenth century foundation, Youghal became one of the most prosperous towns in Medieval Ireland, and the building of Saint Mary’s in the fashionable Gothic style, through the support of its citizens, reflected the status of this new Anglo-Norman seaport town that had wide-ranging trade contacts across Europe.

Voices of St. Mary’s

Officially opened in 2021, ‘Voices of St. Mary’s’ includes a brand-new state of the art Audio Tour. It is like no other, Part tour, part theatre, you will be brought on a remarkable journey through time in the company of the fictional Roe family. Sharing in their emotional reunion and their conversations about the history of the church and their own family memories. Interactive touchscreens will allow you to explore the past, with fascinating insight into what the church looked like in different periods since early Christian times. A visitor experience not to be missed. Available in English, Irish, German and French.

Guided Tours

Join our professionally delivered Guided Tours which can give an in-depth social history of the church and the town itself. Follow 800 years of history and heritage and remember to ask questions. One of Ireland’s oldest churches in continuous use, St. Mary’s Collegiate Church in Youghal, has many a great story to tell.