In 1845 Mother Mary Ann Smith (d.1872), one of the Presentation Sisters, unpicked some Italian lace to discover the techniques used to make it, and then taught them to local women.

[2] Youghal lace was made to a high standard and employed a wide variety of motifs.

The designs are primarily of flowers such as roses, anemones and fuchsia, with spiky shaped leaves.

[6] Among the finest pieces of lace made in Youghal was a train for Queen Mary worn on her visit to India in 1911.

In 1888, a Rocket and Altar trimming created in Youghal for the Bishops of Ireland as a gift to Pope Leo XIII was awarded a gold medal at the Vatican Exhibition.