St Mary’s Collegiate Church Youghal
St. Mary’s Collegiate Church (Anglican/Episcopalian) was founded as a religious site by followers of St. Declan some time in the 7th century.
The nave of the church (completed in 1220) now forms the main part of the present cruciform building, housing a Tudor chantry chapel and a chancel and sanctuary (reconstructed in the 1800s).
St. Mary’s is a national monument of Ireland and is the oldest church in continuous use since its foundation in Ireland. The extensive graveyard is surrounded by the original town walls, complete with walkways, cannons and viewing points and they are thought to be the best preserved medieval town walls in Ireland.
It has a fascinating history which is fully illustrated in the church. There is a long history of fine music in the church.
The church is currently available for concerts, exhibitions and recitals.
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