Welcome to Discover Clonakilty
Clonakilty (Irish: Cloich na Coillte, Clanna Chaoilte), often referred to by locals simply as Clon, is a small town on the N71 national secondary road in West County Cork, Ireland, approximately 45 minutes away by road to the west of Cork City. The town is on the southern coast of the island, and is surrounded by hilly country devoted primarily to dairy farming. The town's population is 4,154 (3745+409).
The town won the Irish Tidy Towns Competition in 1999 and every year since has gained awards for its environmental efforts. The cleanliness is the result in part of the voluntary efforts of local shopkeepers and staff. In 2003, Clonakilty became Ireland’s first ever official Fair Trade Town. In 2007 it was awarded the status of European Destination of Excellence by the European Commission at a ceremony in Portugal and is Ireland's first recipient of this prestigious title.
Clonakilty's position as a centre of music, both traditional and contemporary, has helped this small town to become a thriving melting pot of musicians. Clonakilty's bars host live music nights throughout the year and it is possible to find live music on most nights. Many famous musicians have found a welcome and a home here, and have contributed much to the energy and vibrancy of the town. The late Noel Redding made Clonakilty his home[9] as did singer-songwriter Roy Harper. Currently, English novelist David Mitchell calls Clonakilty home. Monday Night Trad Sessions, O'Donovans Tuesday Trad and Shanley's Famous Music Bar main venues. Summer afternoon sessions in Scannells beer garden with Dave and Friends, De Barras Folk Club presents famous acts like folk legend Christy Moore and Sharon Shannon, Frances Black and Setmaker play here regularly. Clonakilty hosts several festivals every year, among these are The Clonakilty International Guitar Festival in mid-September ,The Motion festival and The Waterfront Festival in August. The 2010 Waterfront Festival featured Irish acts, The Dublin Gospel Choir, Mundy,Aslan,The Heathers,Setmaker and Spanish Singer Paula Gómez and her band and the 2011 event has even Bigger acts.
Clonakilty is also known for its Blackpudding. The famous Clonakilty Blackpudding originated in Twomey's butcher shop in Pearse Street. The secret spice recipe has been handed down through the generations since the 1880s. To this day, the secret recipe is only known to the Twomey family.
"Irish Yogurts" is a well-known brand produced in the town from local milk.
If you are planning a visit to Clonakilty, we hope that this website will provide you with all the information you need to help you organise your stay. Our comprehensive directory of Hotels, Bed & Breakfast, Guest Houses and Self-Catering facilities means finding suitable accommodation couldn’t be easier.
A long list of restaurants, café’s and bars, all serving the very best of what West Cork has to offer will make sure you are well looked after while the wide range of amenities, leisure activities and attractions will ensure your experience of Clonakilty is truly memorable.
Clonakilty offers a wide range of amenities, leisure activities and attractions ensuring your experience of Clonakilty is a truly memorable one at amazing savings.
Clonakilty is an extraordinary multiple award-winning town positioned on the coast within the heartland of West Cork. The town, with its blue flag beach Inchydoney, has an enviable reputation for itself as a choice tourist destination and a wonderful place at which to live.
You will never be stuck for something to keep you entertained during your stay
in Clonakilty and West Cork.
To get more info contact us on info@discoverclonakilty.com