Clonakilty is a colourful little town located in the beautiful West Cork just 45-minute drive from Cork City. Often referred to by locals as Clon, Clonakilty is a popular tourist destination with much to offer. For further details on this West Cork town please read on…

The population of Clonakilty is just over 4,000 people but this expands greatly during the summer months. The population of Clonakilty can swell by as many as 3,000 visitors during the summer months and with so much to see and do here it is easy to see why.

Clonakilty is home to the world-renowned Inchydoney Beach and many neighbouring beaches, for this alone Clonakilty is a popular place for those who enjoy all forms of watersports, walking or to simply relax. Inchydoney is a beautiful ‘Blue Flag’ beach popular among locals and its many visitors.

In 1991 Clonakilty won the award for ‘Ireland’s Tidiest Town‘ and continues to achieve awards for its environmental efforts thanks to the efforts of the local people. In 2007 Clonakilty was awarded the status of ‘European Destination of Excellence’ by the European Commission at a ceremony that took place in Portugal, it was Ireland’s first recipient of this prestigious award.

Michael Collins, leader of the IRA and the Free State was a native of Clonakilty, he grew up and went to school in Clonakilty and later went on to be a leading historical figure of Ireland. Today a monumental statue stands in Emmet Square in the centre of Clonakilty town in honour of Michael Collins.

Clonakilty offers a great nightlife scene with its host of pubs and clubs, it is also home to many restaurants offering fine dining that are peppered throughout the town. Most of Clonakilty’s bars host live music at weekends and some during weeknights. With popular venue like O’Donovan’s, Scannell’s beer garden and De Barras to name a few, you won’t be disappointed when it comes to evening entertainment. With famous Irish acts like Christy Moore, John Spillane, Sharon Shannon and Frances Black playing here regularly, if you are lucky you may even catch a gig from one of these Irish folk legends.

The town of Clonakilty is very well known for its world renowned and popular product ‘Clonakilty Black Pudding’. Clonakilty’s Black Pudding is made of fried or grilled pig’s offal intestines, this is just one of the many ingredients that make a tasty traditional Irish Breakfast.

Clonakilty is home to many visitor attractions like The West Cork Model Railway Village. A visit here will take you back in time to The West Cork Model Railway Village. Follow the route of the amazing miniaturised version of the old 1940′s West Cork Railway. This is an attraction not to miss and is suitable to people of all ages. Guided tours are available and pre-bookings for school and visitor groups are also available.

Lios-na-gCon Ringfort meaning ‘The Ringfort of the Hound’, was an excavation that took place in Clonakilty during 1987 to 1989. Organised by Clonakilty Macra na Feirme the aim of the excavation was to restore this wonderful find, and restore it to its original glory for tourism and educational purposes.

The site of Lios-na-gCon is located on the property of Clonakilty’s Agricultural College run by Teagasc. Tours are available and a visit here comes highly recommended.

Clonakilty is home to many top visitor attractions, fine beaches, restaurants, pubs, interesting galleries, craft shops and boutiques to name a few. You are assured of a wonderful time when you visit Clonakilty. So make Clonakilty your next holiday destination and discover the beauty of West Cork.

Feel the freedom and independence of the open road when you hire a car. Check out our car hire in Cork page and start planning your holiday itinerary today.

For further details on the picturesque seaside town of Clonakilty check out the official Clonakilty Town website.

Need accommodation? Check out our Clonakilty Accommodation pages and book your accommodation securely online today.

If you wish to stay in the surrounding areas why not check out our Hotels Cork Ireland page.

Have you visited Clonakilty before? Perhaps you have other holiday suggestions you would like to share with our readers? Please feel free to leave your comments in the comment box below. Thank you.