The chimney of Youghal Brickworks

The old chimney of Youghal Brickworks is a familiar landmark for travellers along the N25 Youghal bypass. It is the only visible remnant of a once thriving enterprise which flourished here on the estuary of the River Tourig over a century ago.

Standing over 120 feet high, the chimney is itself constructed of red brick. This tall structure was instrumental in Youghal Brickworks being declared the most modern brick plant in the British Isles in 1913. The chimney and kiln were built using up-to-date methods that halved fuel consumption. A fine photograph of the plant in its heyday can be viewed on the Cork Local Studies archive here https://www.corklocalstudies.ie/items/show/1960.
For those who wish to delve further into the story of brick-making at this site and around Youghal, they can consult the ‘The Claymen of Youghal‘ by local man Tony Breslin.