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Things to do in Clonakilty

A vibrant town, Clonakilty also boasts beautiful beaches, green surrounds and a mix of activities for everyone from water sports and adventure to golf, and our proud heritage. 

BEACHES

INCHYDONEY

The Blue Flag beach at Inchydoney Island, just a few miles from Clonakilty, is renowned not only as one of the most familyfriendly beaches in West Cork but also as one of the most beautiful. Vast expanses of sand and dunes provide excellent surfing conditions. Click here for google directions from Clonakilty.

LONG STRAND

About 15 minutes from Clonakilty and looking out over the Galley Head lighthouse is the aptly named Long Strand. A mile and a half of sand bounded by waves of dunes this is the perfect place to stretch your legs and breath in the fresh Atlantic air. The top end is a haven for surfers. Click here for google directions from Clonakilty.

RED STRAND

Dotted with rock pools, the Red Strand is only minutes from the Long Strand and offers a wonderful tranquil spot for the whole family.

Click here for google maps directions from Clonakilty.

THE WARREN

The Blue Flag beach at The Warren, Rosscarbery is a wonderfully sheltered family beach with safe bathing and numerous rock pools. Try a round of Pitch and Putt on the 18-hole championship course located in the adjacent dunes or perhaps a spot of fishing off the pier. Click here for google directions from Clonakilty.

OWENAHINCHA

Owenahincha is a popular family beach backing onto sand dunes and located approximately 7 miles from Clonakilty. Owenahincha is only minutes away from Castlefreke woods and the ‘TidyVillage’ of Rathbarry with shop, pub, water wheel and pot bellied pig! Click here for google maps directions from Clonakilty.

Dunworley Beach

Dunworley Beach

Dunworley Beach is a real hidden gem on the Clonakilty coast. This tidal beach is perfect for a serene swim or walk along the cliffs and is popular with bodyboarders and surfers alike.  Click here for google maps directions from Clonakilty.

(Photo: @tobinio43_)

Duneen Beach

duneen Beach

Yet another of Clonakilty’s small and secluded beaches, Duneen is located just 15 minutes from the town. The beach is superb for short walk or family picnic. Click here for google maps directions from Clonakilty.  (Photo: @neisycronin)

 

Activities & Outdoors

The West Cork Model Railway Village

The West Cork Model Railway Village, Ireland's only Model Village, is a fully scaled handmade model of the historic West Cork Railway Line with fully working trains and the towns that the railway served during the 1940's. Take a spin on the iconic Choo Choo through beautiful Clonakilty. Indoor and outdoor play areas. Try out the new remote control boats! Relax and enjoy a cup of coffee/tea in the Café. Click here for directions. 

Michael Collins

Michael Collins, Clonakilty's most important son, is one of the most significant figures in the creation of the modern Irish State. Visit the Michael Collins Heritage Centre and Michael Collins House in Clonakilty town to learn more. Michael Collins died during Ireland's Civil War at a place called Béal na mBláth - not far from Woodfield, Clonakilty, Co. Cork where he was born just over 31 year earlier.

 

CLONAKILTY GOLF CLUB

In 2004 Lisselan Golf Club was with the now extended 9-Hole course open to green fees and members, seven days a week. The new par 72 layout (9-Holes played from different tee boxes) consists of 4 par 5's 4 par 3's and 10 par 4 holes. The course is one of the most challenging and picturesque courses to be played anywhere in the country. Well worth a visit.

Lisselan has gained a wonderful reputation as one of the most challenging and picturesque courses in the country since it opened in 1994. The course meanders around and through the world renowned Lisselan Gardens giving the golfer "another world" experience and challenges their ability to concentrate on the task in hand rather than "smell the roses".

CLONAKILTY DISTILLERY VISITOR EXPERIENCE & GIFT SHOP

Immerse yourself in a multi-sensory experience on a tour of our working distillery. Combining world-class visitor facilities, the very best in multi-media presentation and expert guides, visitors will experience first-hand the smell, sound, feel and taste of a distillery producing whiskey, gin & vodka. Visitors will learn all about this farm to glass processes and the unique provenance of these award-winning spirits, while admiring the state-of-the-art distillery building overlooking Clonakilty town. The Distillery Tour finishes with a guided tasting of your choice in our speakeasy bar.

The Minke Gin School offers a hands-on experience for gin lovers.

An expert guide will teach visitors all about the gin making process from selecting their own unique botanical recipe, to the actual distilling of your own bespoke bottle of Gin using one of the mini copper pot stills.

Pre-booking is essential for the Minke Gin School and booking is advised for Distillery Tours.

For more information call +353 (0) 23 887 8020 or visit https://www.visitclonakiltydistillery.ie/

Atlantic Whale & wildlife tours

Atlantic Whale & Wildlife Tours - When it comes to unique wildlife encounters there are few things as breath-taking and humbling as coming face to face with the world’s largest creatures. Whale watching is one of those activities that comes close to the top of every “100 things to do before you die” bucket list ever compiled. Click here for directions from Clonakilty. 

 

CLONAKILTY BLACKPUDDING VISITOR CENTRE

Clonakilty Blackpudding make Ireland’s favourite Blackpudding using a secret recipe that dates back to the late 1800s and remains the same to this day.  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 the viewing gallery allows people a unique chance to see how Clonakilty Blackpudding is made today.

And of course, no tour here would be complete without tasting some of our delicious award-winning products in the café.  On the way out of the visitor centre you have an opportunity to buy the products and a range of merchandise. Booking is essential and can be done online through the website.    www.clonakiltyvisitorcentre.ie

 

Camus Farm Field Kitchen

The Field Kitchen is a Family-run, on-Farm, Organic, Licensed Restaurant in West Cork serving home-grown and locally-sourced fresh food from the land. The Restaurant offers spacious indoor, outdoor and covered area seating.

Beyond the Restaurant, the Farm can be explored via several Nature Trails with panoramic Viewing Points of Clonakilty Bay. Get up close to our herd of Ireland’s native Dexter cattle, descended from the predominantly black livestock of the early Celts.

 

Fernhill House & Gardens

Fernhill House and Gardens - The gardens at Fernhill are the perfect place to relax and unwind. There are many quiet corners for you to enjoy a book, chat or reflect on the beauty of the gardens. There are many stunning features including a heart shaped flower bed, rose walk, geyser and many more. Click here for google maps directions.

 

Inchydoney Surf School

Inchydoney Surf School have been in business for 16 years in Inchydoney. For ages 8-108 anyone can enjoy the thrilling experience of surfing in Irelands number 1 beach as voted by Tripadvisor, which is only 10 minutes from the vibrant festival town of Clonakilty. At Inchydoney Surf School wetsuits, surfboards, boots, hoods and gloves are all provided.Click here for directions from Clonakilty.

 

Sprigging School

Sprigging School 

Rathbarry was well known in the early 19th century for its lace making. The lace especially associated with the area was known as sprigging lace because it was shaped like a sprig or spray. In 1825, Lady Carbery initiated this school to teach the art of lace making. In recent times, the building had fallen into dereliction but in 2000, the Tidy Towns Committee restored the building to its original condition using traditional building methods resulting in an award in the Green Town 2000 competition. Click here for directions from Clonakilty.

 

Clonakilty Park Adventure Centre

Clonakilty Park Adventure Centre & Adventure Golf, located on the grounds of Clonakilty Park Hotel, is the perfect way to spend an afternoon in the heart of West Cork. Be prepared to swing, climb, jump, scream, laugh, drop around our exciting Aerial Trekking High Ropes, Zip-Line, Climbing Tower and Power Fan Jump at up to 40ft above the ground! Prepare to keep your feet on the ground? Our Maritime Themed Adventure Golf Course offers perfect fun for all ages. Sail and surf through sharks, surfboards, lighthouses, boats and more as you golf. Then finish off the day with a pizza from our on-site food truck and covered seating area. Click here for more info.

Clonakilty GAA Sports Complex

Clonakilty GAA pitch and track is the place to go if you would like a run or walk on a secure path.  Click here for google maps directions from Clonakilty.

 

 

8 beautiful ISLANDS OF WEST CORK

Clonakilty is the perfect base from which to plan your daily island excursions. The town offers a wide and varied selection of accommodation to include hotels, B&Bs, self catering, guesthouses and camping grounds. 

The majority of islands are within a 60 minute drive of Clonakilty and this allows visitors to enjoy some of West Cork’s outstanding country scenery along the way.

Inchydoney Island

Visit For: Food/Drink, Scenery, Surfing Lessons, Walks. Distance: 10 minutes (6.5KM) from Clonakilty to Inchydoney Island

Transport to the Island: Inchydoney Island is connected by road from Clonakilty. (Photo: @sea_bar92)

Click here for google maps directions from Clonakilty.

sherkin island

Visit For: Art, Walking Trails, Retreat.
Distance: 40 Minutes (43KM) From Clonakilty to Baltimore Pier.

Transport to the Island: 10 Minute Ferry from Baltimore Pier. (Photo: @sallyannewade)

Click here for google maps directions from Clonakilty.

bere island

Visit For: Historic Sites, Whale Watching, Walking Trails.
Distance: 1.5 Hours (95KM) from Clonakilty to Castletown - Bearhaven.

Transport to the Island: 30 minute ferry from the Pontoon. (Photo: @angelatbyrne)

Click here for google maps directions from Clonakilty.

 

cape clear island

Visit For: Bird Watching, Whale Watching, Culture.
Distance: 40 Minutes (43KM) From Clonakilty to Baltimore Pier 

Transport to the Island: 40 minutes ferry from Baltimore Pier. (Photo: @cape_clear_island)

Click here for google maps directions from Clonakilty.

 

dursey island

Visit For: Bird Watching, Walking Trails, Relaxation.

Distance: 2 hours (120KM) From Clonakilty to Ballaghboy Cable Car

Transport to the Island: Short cable car ride from Ballaghbo.(Photo: @kiwi_exploring_ireland)

Click here for google maps directions from Clonakilty.

garnish island

 

Visit For: Horticulture, Scenery, Wildlife.
Distance: 1 Hour (64KM) From Clonakilty to Ballaghboy Cable Car. 

Transport to the Island: Short ferry from Glengarrif Pier. (Photo: @marblesbanana)

Click here for google maps directions from Clonakilty.


 

heir island

Visit For: Cookery Classes, Sailing Classes, Retreat.
Distance: 45 minutes (45KM) from Clonakilty to Cunnamore Pier

Transport to the Island: Short ferry from Cunnamore Pier (Photo:  @heirislandretreat)

Click here for google maps directions from Clonakilty.

Sprigging School

whiddy Island 

Visit For: Historical Sites, Birdwatching, Water Activities.

Distance: 50 minutes (50KM) from Clonakilty to Bantry Harbour

Transport to the Island: 15 minutes ferry from Bantry Harbour

(Photo: @rhodadullea)

 

Click here for google maps directions from Clonakilty

 

   

 

Reviews

We stayed in Clonakilty for 4 nights and loved it. So much to do. Beautiful beaches. Lovely pubs and such friendly people! Can't wait to come back!

Denise Lemmon Brown

A charming, yet cosmopolitan little gem, set in a stunningly beautiful part of the Emerals Isle. Great food, friendly people with immense sense of civic responsibility. Do not miss the music scene.

Jim Shine

I love Clonakility! Whenever we visit the Cork area we can't resit a stop off! Great Cafes & Restaurants. Very Pretty Town, bustling with life and Activity!!!!

Mary Sheridan Galway

A great town vibrant and pretty. Always plenty to do. Always clean and with the most friendly people. A must visit for both visitors to Ireland and native Irish. Great pubs, cafes and restaurants.

Michael McKenna

The most vibrant small town in Ireland. Always something happening. Great food, great atmosphere, lovely people.

Alison Wickham

We found Clonakilty to be one of if not the friendliest place we've ever visited. The people of "Clon " treated us like we had lived there our whole lives.They welcomed us into their lives like we were family.

Mitch Eveleth Iowa, USA

Great town ."The people are Splendid" to use a quote of the towns most Famous famous residence Michael Collins. The food and choice of food is excellent, the layout of the town with it meanderingĀ streets creates an intimacy with this place.

Michael McManus

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