Ghosts and ghouls to roam streets of seaside community
Headless horsemen, damsels in distress and troublesome witches will vie for attention in the heritage town of Youghal in east Cork.
The narrow and charming streets that boast the historic Clock Tower will echo to the ghostly refrains of a ‘Youghaloween Spooktacular’.
It’s the first time the town will embrace Halloween, with a major programme of festival events.
The event is being organised by the Youghal Concerned Citizens group which is encouraging the community to get into the spirit of the weekend.
The events include a headless horseman riding through Youghal on the Friday night along with a medieval torture machines display in the town centre.
Other attractions include a presentation on the trial of Florence Newton, the subject of a Youghal witchcraft trial in 1661.
There will also be ‘ghoulish’ fancy dress parades, fortune telling, best-carved pumpkin competition, a presentation on paranormal investigations, treasure hunt, storytelling and historic tours.
The festival is the latest in a series of events organised by Youghal Concerned Citizens group and aimed at boosting the town’s marketing and economic profile.
Drawn from all sectors of the community, the YCC was formed last February and conducted successful summer ventures, including a mackerel festival, a teddy bears’ picnic, the Youghal Gold Label Fish Pie contest and a meet-and-greet initiative that has seen an increase in international bus tours visiting the town.
YCC secretary, local estate agent Adrian Hyde said the planned festival “is part of continuing efforts to establish Youghal, not just as a summer attraction, but as a vibrant, family-friend, resort all year round”.
