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Redbarn Ballroom, Youghal, Co. Cork
The Redbarn Holiday Camp in Youghal broke
ground in 1958 as far as our research shows, but
was in financial trouble a year later when court cases were held to "wind up"
the company. However dancing started in the ballroom
on July 6th, 1958 when the ballroom first opened its doors to the sounds of
Johnny Butler.
They often featured big bands like the Dixielanders (soon to be
the Dixies) and the Clipper Carlton. Owned by the
Lucey Brothers (Murt and Jerry) the ballroom underwent a £20,000 facelift and
extension in late 1964, reopening on December 20th, 1964
to the sounds of the Jim Farley Bandshow. It was reported that the ballroom
could then accommodate 3,000 dancers "whether they were
shaking, twisting, or even fox-trotting." For the next 13 years the ballroom was
like so many seaside resorts, packed with dancers during
the summer season and still doing well in the winter. Sadly, on the night of
January 4th, 1978, the ballroom and much of the holiday
was burned down by a fire set by a sixteen year old teenage. Although partially
rebuilt, the holiday camp was listed as being
for sale in June, 1979.
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