Youghal town received its first Royal Charter in the year 1209. Similar charters were granted to form corporations in Cork, Kinsale and Clonakilty and other towns across Ireland. The charters enabled the institution of a town government or corporation, regulated free trade, the levying of taxes, and the operation of trade guilds. Youghal became a major trading port and was a base for the colonial plantation of Munster. Youghal's ancient corporation was in operation until 1840, when all the the ancient corporations in Ireland, except for those in very large towns such as Cork and Dublin, were abolished.
