Clonakilty

Clonakilty is a destination in Munster, Ireland.

Clonakilty (Cloich na Coillte) is a vibrant market town in West Cork, known for its colourful streets, independent shops, and strong music tradition. It was the birthplace of Irish revolutionary Michael Collins, who is commemorated in the local museum and a memorial garden. The town has excellent restaurants and pubs, and is close to the beautiful beaches of Inchydoney and the Ring of West Cork.

The most practical way to reach Clonakilty is by car, with good road connections from the surrounding area. Regional bus services may also serve the town, though schedules can be limited on weekends. The nearest airport is typically Shannon (SNN) or Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC), depending on the specific location.

Clonakilty is compact enough to explore on foot. For exploring the surrounding countryside and nearby attractions, a car or bicycle is recommended.

Michael Collins House ,

7 Emmet Square P85 D235 ,

☏

+353 23 885 8676 .

Tu-Sa 9AM-5PM .

Museum about the life of Michael Collins (1890-1922). He was born at nearby Woodfield but aged 13-15 he stayed with his older sister in Emmet Square; it's not known at which address. He was prominent in the Easter Rising, the War of Independence to 1921, the treaty negotiations, and the Irish civil war between pro and anti-treaty factions. On 22 Aug 1922 his convoy was ambushed in west Cork and he was shot dead.

Adult €6, conc €4, child €2 .   ( updated Aug 2025 )

West Cork Model Railway Village ,

Inchydoney Rd P85 HR26 ,

☏

+353 23 883 3224 ,

[email protected] .

Daily 11AM-5PM .

1:24 scale model village and railway styled for the 1940s. Assistance dogs only.

Adult €12.50, conc €8.50, child €7.50 .   ( updated Aug 2025 )

Michael Collins birthplace at Woodfield is a reconstructed farmstead, there's little left of the original. Free.

Lios-na-gCon or Lisnagun hill fort: good luck finding this in the back lanes near Darrara Agricultural College. It's an authentic hill fort which in modern times was reconstructed as a late Iron Age farmstead, with souterrain a

Go easy on the drink, Tojo

Tojo, named for the wartime Japanese prime minister, was a mascot monkey aboard a US B17 Flying Fortress bomber. On 4 April 1943 this was heading from Morocco towards German-occupied Norway, but became lost and made an emergency landing in marshland. The crew and monkey squelched out of the marsh to surrender, only to learn they were in Clonakilty in neutral Ireland. They were taken to Donovan's Hotel and plied with drink, since the whole town wanted to get in on this event. After a few days of boozing Tojo was found dead. Maybe it was the cold or the black puddings he'd gorged on, but the little fellow had imbibed quite a skinful. Even more was drunk at his Wake and military funeral. He's buried beneath the dance floor of the hotel.

Park Cinema is on the industrial estate south side of town.

Golf:

Clonakilty GC is 3 km northeast of town on N71. It's 14 holes plus 4 repeated, blue tees 5413 yards par 69. In 2025 work is under way to extend it to 18 holes.

Wild Atlantic Way is a motoring route from Old Head of Kinsale to Timoleague, Clonakilty, Rosscarbery and on west to Skibbereen, eventually all the way to Donegal. There's no set route so eith

Clonakilty black pudding is a pork blood-sausage, usually fried or grilled. No Irish breakfast is complete without a slice.

Maya Asian Street Food ,

20 Pearse St P85 DX60 ,

☏

+353 23 883 3388 .

W-M 1-10:30PM .

Offers Thai, Malaysian and Chinese specialties, bento box and so on.   ( updated Aug 2025 )

Rossa Grill ,

1 Rossa St P85 DR67 ,

☏

+353 23 882 1747 .

Su-Th 4-10PM, F Sa 4PM-1AM .

Fast food takeaway: burgers, fish & chips, pizza.   ( updated Aug 2025 )

Oak Fire Pizza is at 14 Rossa St P85 T938, open Su-Th 3-10PM, F Sa noon-10PM.

Mirch Masala is at 3 Connolly St P85 XC53, open daily 4-10PM.

The Whale's Tail is on The Waterfront P85 EW82 next to the distillery, open W-F 3:30-9PM, Sa 12:30-9PM, Su noon-7PM.

Sea Palace serves Chinese in the Old Town Hall at 4 Pearse St P85 X092, open daily 4:30-11:30PM.

Daily Dose is a cafe and restaurant at 58 Pearse St P85 XK49, open Sa-Th 10AM-10PM, F 2-10PM.

Layla's is an Indian restaurant at 30 Ashe St P85 NP37, open daily 4-10PM.

An Súgán ,

41 Wolfe Tone St P85 DY95 ,

☏

+353 23 883 3719 .

M Tu 3-9:30PM, W-Sa 1-9:30PM, Su 1-8PM .

Great seafood, they also do steaks. Has rooms for B&B.   ( upda

De Barras Folk Club ,

55 Pearse St P85 RH95 ,

☏

+353 23 883 3381 .

Tu-Th 6-11:30PM, F Sa noon-midnight, Su 1-11PM .

Great crowd in this buzzing pub. Often live music in the back room.   ( updated Aug 2025 )

Oodles more pubs: take your pick from Molly's, Mick Finn's, Shanley's , Scanell's , The Courtyard, Aris Cafe , Fiddlers Green, GG's Gin Bar, Con and Maura's, Fahey's, Casey's and Brewery Bar.

Clonakilty Distillery on the Waterfront produces whiskey and gin. Standard tour €24.

Desert Camping ,

Desert House, Coast Rd P85 XE29 ,

☏

+353 862 679650 .

Clean simple campsite, less than 500 m to town.

2-person tent €24, caravan €30 .   ( updated Aug 2025 )

Emmet Hotel ,

2/3 Emmet Square P85 PC89 ,

☏

+353 23 883 3394 ,

[email protected] .

Good central mid-range hotel, dog-friendly.

B&B double €160 .   ( updated Aug 2025 )

Clonakilty Hotel ,

Wolfe Tone St P85 KN30 ,

☏

+353 23 885 8866 .

Simple friendly hotel in town centre.

B&B double €120 .   ( updated Aug 2025 )

O'Donovans Hotel ,

Pearse St P85 V205 ,

☏

+353 23 883 3250 ,

[email protected] .

Welcoming hotel with great bar, nice bar food and huge baths in the rooms. Dog and motorcycle friendly, has secure parking.

B&B double €160 .   ( updated Aug 2025 )

Clonakilty Park Hotel ,

Park Rd P85 RD23 ,

☏

+353 23 883 6400 .

Value-for-money hotel by an amusement park.

B&B double €140 .   ( updated Aug 2025 )

Bay View House is a B&B on Old Timoleague Rd.

Fernhill House Hotel ,

Clonakilty P85 X322 ,

☏

+353 23 883 3258 ,

[email protected] .

Upscale family-run hotel in landscaped gardens.

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Aldi and Lidl are just south of the distillery, both open M-Sa to 10PM, Su to 9PM.

Farmers Market is every Friday 9AM-2PM in Emmet Square.

Nearby towns and natural attractions are within easy reach by car. Public transport connections are available to major cities in the region.