Clonakilty is a multi-award winning & lively seaside town located at the heart of West Cork, in the South of Ireland. Known for its beautiful beaches, award winning food producers and restaurants as well as being referred to as the music capital of Ireland thanks to DeBarra’s folk club. We are proud to be a part of this buzzing community which is well worth the visit. We encourage everyone to spend a day in our vibrant little town and to help you we have put together a guide on 5 attractions to see during your stay to get the fully Clonakilty experience.
1.THE WEST CORK MODEL RAILWAY VILLAGE
The West Cork Model Railway Village, Ireland’s only Model Village is a treat for all ages. It is a fully scaled handmade model of the historic West Cork Railway Line including fully working miniature trains and the towns that the railway served during the 1940’s. Interactive elements include the remote-control boats and mini diggers. Kids can also enjoy themselves in the outdoor play area. Carefully handcrafted model buildings and figurines tell the story of how people worked and lived in the days gone by. You can even take a spin on the iconic Choo Choo through Clonakilty Town. Visit www.modelvillage.ie for more information.
2. MICHAEL COLLINS
Michael Collins is one of the most significant figures in Clonakilty and Ireland’s history. Known as Clonakilty’s most important son, Michael Collins played an important role in the creation of the modern Irish State. Visit the Michael Collins Heritage Centre at Castleview Clonakilty and enjoy a comprehensive presentation on the life and times of Michael Collins. The centre also houses one of the top collections in Ireland of his personal items including artefacts and memorabilia. You can also visit Michael Collins House in Clonakilty town to learn more about his life story intertwined with the history of the fight for Irish independence. Michael Collins died on 22nd August 1922 during Ireland’s Civil War in the same place he was born, Béal na mBláth – near Woodfield, Clonakilty, Co. Cork. Visit www.michaelcollinshouse.ie or www.michaelcollinscentre.com for more information.
3.CLONAKILTY DISTILLERY & VISITOR EXPERIENCE
Experience the touch, sounds and smell of a real working distillery. Immerse yourself in this unique hands-on experience and book a behind the scenes tour of Clonakilty Distillery. Clonakilty distillery opened its doors in 2019 with a state-of-the-art distillery building overlooking Clonakilty town. Visitors can learn all about the distillation processes and the unique provenance of these award-winning spirits. The tours are fully guided and include tutored tastings of premium whiskeys and gin. You can also take home a bottle of premium quality whiskey from the gift shop including a selection of limited cask collaboration releases, which are available nowhere else. Pre-booking is advised. For more information visit www.clonakiltydistillery.ie
4.CLONAKILTY BLACKPUDDING VISITOR CENTRE
Clonakilty Food Co. is a family run business making Ireland’s favourite black pudding using a secret recipe that dates back to the 1800’s and was handed down through the generations in the family butcher shop, Edward Twomey’s, in Clonakilty. Take this opportunity to come and discover the story of Clonakilty Blackpudding by taking the interactive, self-guided audio tour around the visitor centre. The family friendly experience involves getting an insight into the history of black pudding and the town of Clonakilty, learning how the secret recipe was passed down to the Twomey family and how the business expanded. There is also a viewing gallery which allows people a unique chance to see how Clonakilty Blackpudding is made today. Of course, no tour here would be complete without tasting some delicious Clonakilty products in the café. Booking is essential and can be done online through the website. www.clonakiltyvisitorcentre.ie
5.CLONAKILTY PARK ADVENTURE CENTRE
If you’re looking to keep the kids busy and give those little bundles of energy a chance to let off some steam, take a trip to the Clonakilty Park Adventure Centre and Adventure Golf, Clonakilty’s newest family activity centre in the heart of West Cork. The Adventure Centre is open Saturday & Sunday with sessions at 12pm, 2:30pm & 5pm. Adventure Golf is open 7 days a week. (2pm Mon – Fri, 10am Sat & Sun).
Located on the grounds of the Clonakilty Park Hotel, this superb adventure centre offers a host of exciting activities including:
- Aerial Trekking High Ropes Course
- Climbing Tower
- Zip Line
- Power Fan Jump
- Adventure Golf
Visit www.clonakiltyparkhotel.ie for more information.
