IRISH HEART, ENGLISH BLOOD: The Making of Youghal - Softcover

Youghal, County Cork, has a long history which predates most other towns in Ireland. The area was settled by Vikings and subsequently fortified by the Normans in the 1100s. For centuries after, the town was a hub of trading activity and a vital port during the early stages of the English Empire's expansion. Irish Heart, English Blood looks at a period which saw all the elements and dynamics of this history come together in Youghal, from the 1569 and 1579 Munster rebellions to the witch-trial of Florence Newton in 1661, taking in en route, Walter Raleigh, Richard Boyle (the first millionaire colonialist), the Civil Wars, the `burnings' by Lord Inchiquin and the invasion of Oliver Cromwell, revealing how its ordinary citizens survived extraordinary social, religious and political change.

Michael Twomey is a journalist, filmmaker, and lecturer in tourism and heritage at Cork VEC. He was a journalist for several years for the Irish Examiner and is currently the director of complete control films. His previous documentary films include Youghal: Town out of Time.