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10 Best Things to See & Do in Clonakilty This Summer
Clonakilty is a charming seaside town nestled in the heart of West Cork. Home to some of Ireland's most famous beaches, festivals and attractions, it's a fantastic spot to spend a short holiday or weekend away. Thinking of heading south this summer? Be sure to add these unmissable attractions and experiences to your to-do list...
Step back in time at the West Cork Model Railway Village
Listed as one of Clonakilty's top attractions on TripAdvisor, the West Cork Model Railway Village is hugely popular with adults and kids alike. Established in 1994, this attraction boasts a handmade model of 1940s West Cork towns with stunning hand-sculpted figurines and miniature working trains!
The detail, scale, and colourfulness of these models is truly impressive. With a café, play area, craft shop, and road train on-site, there's always loads to do here during a visit.
Walk the sands of Inchydoney Beach
Inchydoney Beach is hands-down one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Cork. Located just a 10-minute drive from Clonakilty town centre, Inchydoney is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing walk under a summer sky. Visitors love the sheer size of the beach as well as its soft, clean sands and pristine waters.
To make the most of the views, be sure to do the short cliff walk on a clear day. Afterwards, pick up a coffee or quick bite at one of the many food vans located around the car park.
Dive into Ireland's turbulent past at Michael Collins House
There's no better place to learn about the life and times of Michael Collins than at Michael Collins House, located right in the heart of Clonakilty. Take a guided/self-guided tour of the museum to learn more about the 'Big Fella' himself and the history of the Irish fight for independence.
Interactive displays, ancient artefacts, audiovisuals and information boards all help to tell the story of an Irish revolutionary hero and the country he fought for. It's a not-to-be-missed attraction for all those history buffs out there.
Get to know the locals at the Clonakilty Black Pudding Visitor Centre
No visit to Clonakilty is really complete without a trip to the Clonakilty Black Pudding Visitor Centre. Learn about the history behind this iconic brand and family-run business, who have been doing what they do best for over 140 years.
Much more than just a museum, a trip to the visitor centre includes a 30-45 minute interactive self-guided tour and glimpses into how they make their delicious products. Don't miss the chance to sample their pudding, rashers, and sausages at the café afterwards!
Catch a live show at DeBarras Folk Club
For over 40 years, DeBarras Folk Club has been a hub for live music in Cork. Associated with the likes of Sharon Shannon and Christy Moore, this music venue/pub is the perfect spot to enjoy a casual pint and a good show. Its charming traditional decor, relaxed atmosphere, and cosy nooks make it unlike any other independent venue in Ireland.
Some of the great Irish acts set to perform here this summer include musician John Spillane and comedian David O'Doherty — book your tickets on Debarras's website.
Explore the town with a Self-Guided Tour
Clonakilty is a town with a fascinating history — one that stretches back almost 700 years. It's home to a good number of historical sites and buildings which have plenty of stories to tell. It's definitely worth taking the time to see them for yourself, so check out the 'Historical Walk of Clonakilty' in the Self-Guided Tours tab of the Xplore Local app.
Kids will also love the 'Jungle City' self-guided tour, which takes you to see all of the brightly painted, life-sized animal sculptures dotted around the town.
Go whale-watching and dolphin-spotting
Fancy getting up close and personal with West Cork's marine residents? The crew at Atlantic Whale & Wildlife Tours in Courtmacsherry (a seaside village located about a 20-minute drive from Clonakilty) are best placed to help you explore the coast.
Take a boat tour with one of their experienced skippers who are famed for knowing the best places to see dolphins, whales and other marine wildlife. Ideal for adults and kids alike, Atlantic Whale & Wildlife Tours are highly-rated and guaranteed to be great craic!
Make your own gin at Clonakilty Distillery
Any gin or whiskey lovers out there? Family-run Clonakilty Distillery is home to a state-of-the-art visitor centre perched along Clonakilty's waterfront. With a wide selection of tours and tasting experiences to choose from, there's so much to see and do here.
Book a session at the Minke Gin School to create your very own bottle of gin to take home, or book an exclusive whiskey tasting with one of their expert guides. Afterwards, head downstairs to the award-winning Whale's Tail Restaurant for an exquisite meal.
Enjoy family time at the Clonakilty Park Adventure Centre
For a fun-filled family day out, don't forget to check out the Clonakilty Park Adventure Centre nestled within the grounds of the Clonakilty Park Hotel. This place is sure to get your adrenaline pumping with the wide variety of activities they have on offer, including a high ropes course, climbing tower, power fan jump, and adventure golf.
A stay at the Clonakilty Park Hotel is also ideal for families; between a 3-screen cinema, an indoor play area, and a teen zone, there's something for everyone!
Visit the famous Drombeg Stone Circle
Dubbed one of Ireland's most famous stone circles, Drombeg is a must-see for anyone with an interest in ancient Irish history. Located about 17km west of Clonakilty, the site is easily accessible by car (there is also a car park nearby).
Incredibly, the stone circle dates back to the Bronze Age/Early Iron Age. The ancient cremated remains of an adolescent were found inside the circle during excavations in 1957, and the ruins of two huts and a Fulacht fiadh can also be found about 40m away. Drombeg is a real historical gem that's definitely worth the detour!
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