The Water Gate

The arch is often called "Cromwell's Arch" as it was from here he stepped on to his boat to sail back to England, leaving his son-in-law Ireton, in charge in Ireland. The only naval battle in the English Civil War took place on the river outside the Watergate . Cromwell's navy was commanded by William Penn whose son, also William Penn, named Pennsylvania after his father. Penn (son) lived at Shanagarry . There were two Watergates in Youghal - this one for big boats heading out to the Atlantic . The other Watergate was for smaller boats going up and down river. Boats discharged their goods at the Watergates, taxes were paid and the goods sorted out for use in town or for shipment upriver. The Wool Staplers Guild in Youghal gave the large sum of £100 to the Town Corporation in 1637 to help build a new quay at the Watergate.