Fondly known as “Clon", Clonakilty’s bustling main street is lined with colourful traditional shop and pubs. In 2018, Clonakilty was awarded the accolade as Ireland’s first autistic-friendly town. The town boasts many awards including Tidy Towns, Entente Florale and the Best Town in Europe (2017). It is also one of Ireland’s most popular wedding venues.
Designated as West Cork’s Heritage town, it is easy to see why, with the Post Office housed in an old church and the Town Council and Library in the old Corn Mill, the river flowing right under it. It is a town of narrow windy streets and quaint squares, with so much to offer in the way of shops, pubs, cafés and restaurants. The streets are lined with floral displays in the summer and the shop and pub fronts are all maintained beautifully, making Clonakilty a pleasure to walk through.
Historically, Clonakilty has in industrial heritage, especially brewing and linen, which you can still see evidence of in the form of the many industrial buildings, such as brewery buildings, mills and quayside warehouses which have mostly been repurposed and modernised.
People settled in the area almost 1000 years ago, and the town and surrounding area has a vast array of historical sites to pique your interest. As the birthplace of Michael Collins, and the townspeople instrumental in the fight against the English, the town’s museum is well worth a visit.
Places to Stay
1. Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa
2. Dunmore House hotel
3. Clonakilty Park Hotel
4. Emmet Hotel
5. O’Donovan’s Hotel
6. An Sugan Guesthouse
7. The Clonakilty Hotel
