Clonakilty, a town in County Cork, is a sprawling rural countryside that reminds you of the endless, polychromatic fields of tulips in Amsterdam, with an Irish twist. The town is the melting pot of traditional and contemporary Irish musicians.
Spending a week or more in Clonakilty will renew and reinforce your love for Irish culture and traditions. If you’re looking for a quiet downtown stroll amidst Irish greenery or a place to enjoy fresh ale, then Clonakilty is a must for your itinerary.
Without further adieu, here are the top 10 things to do in Clonakilty, Ireland.
Things you'll find in this article
- 10 Things To Do In Clonakilty, Ireland (For 2023)
10 Things To Do In Clonakilty, Ireland (For 2023)
1.Inchydoney Beach
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One of the Blue Flag beaches in Ireland, Inchydoney beach is perfect for a family picnic, a van getaway, or just a soulful adventure for a lost self. The beach is one of the cleanest beaches and with the vista of the cool Atlantic. Your sunset strolls will never be the same.
2. Rainbow Therapies
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Voted as number one of the three spas and wellness in Clonakilty, and only 3.7 km away from Inchydoney Beach, lies a relaxation haven for all ages. Offering the best deep-tissue massages around the county is Rainbow Therapies.
Their amenities include relaxing services such as an aromatherapy massage to rejuvenate your skin and senses, reiki massage, hot stone, Indian Head, Swedish, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, pregnancy massage, and reflexology treatments are their most recommended services.
All of these will alleviate your most deep-seated stresses. They also offer organic skincare products to help you enjoy your stay.
Opening Hours
Tuesday-Friday- 10 am-6pm
Saturday- 10 am-4pm
Sunday- closed
Contact Information
Address: 19 Western Road, Clonakilty, Co. Cork, Ireland.
Phone: 0851119271
Email: rainbowtherapies@icloud.com
3. Fernhill House Hotel and Gardens
Looking for a Swan-Lake-inspired place to stay? Look no more. The luxurious family-owned, Georgian style mansion is the best place for you, your family, and friends’ lodging. The Fernhill House Hotel is the dreamiest lodging where your family or friends can stay.
Amenities include free parking, a myriad of fine-dining experiences, topnotch room services, bar and lounges, free high-speed internet, unlimited access to banquet rooms, free breakfast, and babysitting services!
Now, you don’t have to worry who will take off your munchkins on your next date.
Contact Information
Address: Fernhill House Hotel & Gardens Clonakilty West Cork Ireland P85x322
Phone: +353 23 8833258
Email: info@fernhillhousehotel.com
4. Clonakilty Brewing Company
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The Clonakilty Brewing Company boasts delicious crafts and brews in all of Ireland, with brewers carefully handcrafting the best beer that the Emerald Isle can experience.
The company offers limited edition brews and personalized beers for weddings and other special occasions. Their topnotch refreshing pale ale, the TOJO American Pale Ale, is perfect for any meal.
Other brands include the Smuggler Irish Porter, a dark and rich porter for any coffee or chocolate fanatic. Or try the Inchydoney Blond Belgian Wit, which provides a citrus aftertaste, perfect for light dishes such as salads and fish.
Contact Information
Address: Unit 1 Clogheen Business Park, Clogheen, Clonakilty, Co. Cork, Ireland
Phone: 087 130 2307 / 087 924 6105
Email: info@clonakiltybrew.ie
5. Michael Collins Centre
Mícheál Ó Coileáin, or commonly known as Michael Collins, was an Irish leading figure who led the independence of the Irish people. He was awarded the Chairman of the Provisional Government of the Irish Free Estate on January 1922, until he was assassinated on August 1922.
The life, times, and memorabilia of the said Irish leader are comprehensively presented in the prestige of the Michael Collins Center.
Learning more about the Irish wars in the early 20th century and their struggle for freedom is delivered by expert guides thrice a day. It is a wonderful takeaway from Clonakilty.
When you go outside the farmhouse, you will see the replica of a Rolls Royce armored car and other wartime vehicles Michael Collins used during his service.
All of this knowledge, with an overlooking backdrop of the calming Argideen Valley, will make you appreciate the history of Ireland and its love for freedom.
Opening Hours
Open all year for groups, by appointment
(min 15 adults).
Mid-June – Mid Sept: Open for off-road visitors, (no need to book)
Monday to Friday: 10:30am – 5pm
Saturday: 11am – 2pm
Contact Information
Address: Michael Collins Centre, Castleview, Clonakilty, West Cork. Ireland
Phone: +353 23 8846107
Email: michaelcollinscentre@gmail.com
6. West Cork Model Railway Village
With its warm pastel colors, the West Cork Model Railway Village is considered as one of the most interesting places to visit in Clonakilty. The landmark contains the only handmade and fully-scaled model of the once West Cork Railway Line.
Fascinated children can be seen frolicking near the model. If you’re an urban planner or an Irish architecture fanatic by heart, then this place is definitely for you!
Opening Hours
Daily- 10 am -5pm
Admission Fee
Adult – € 8.50
Senior – € 6.00
Student- € 6.00
Child ( 6 years and over) – € 5. 00
Infant ( 2-5 years ) – € 3.50
Under 2 years old – Free
Family- € 27
Contact Information
Address: West Cork Model Railway Village Inchydoney Road, Clonakilty, Co. Cork
Phone: 0238833224
Email: marketing@modelvillage.ie
7. Clonakilty Park Adventure Centre
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If you are a fan of zip lines, high ropes course, climbing towers, and power fan jumps, then this spot is sure to hit your thrill-seeking self. Be ready for countless of screams and jumps. But don’t worry.
The highly and fully-trained staff is happy to assist you in your adrenaline craving. They will even demonstrate how to appropriately execute an obstacle course for your safety!
No matter what age or skill level you have in terms of these crazy activities, the staff will ensure your safety and enjoyment.
Opening Hours
(Current Opening Times)
March Opening Times
Every Saturday & Sunday
Sessions at 12pm & 3pm
April Opening Times
April 6th & 7th Sessions at 12pm & 3pm
Easter Holidays April 13th- 28th
Sessions at 12pm , 3pm & 5pm
May & June Opening Times
Every Saturday & Sunday
Open May Bank Holiday Monday – May 6th
Open June Bank Holiday Monday – June 3rd
Sessions at 12pm , 3pm & 5pm
July and August Opening Times
Open daily with sessions at 12pm, 3pm & 5pm
Admission Fee
All activities €20 pp
Family of 4 €50
Family of 5 €60
Contact Information
Address: Clogheen Road, Clonakilty, Co. Cork, Ireland
Phone: +353 (0)23 88 34141
Email: info@clonadventurecentre.ie
8. DeBarras Folk Club
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For live vocal performance enthusiasts, the DeBarras Folk Club is the best place to dine with the best traditional and modern Irish music.
Have a sip of the best Guinness in the county and enjoy the live performances of locals. From the harmonica-tuning players to the Irish classic rock lovers.
Fun activities in the pub include the opportunity to socialize and have fun with the locals while enjoying the ingrained Irish atmosphere that the Club famously holds.
Contact Information
Address: 55 Pearse St. Clonakilty West Cork Ireland
Phone: (023) 883 3381
Email: eolas@debarra.ie
9. Glenview Gardens & Hobbit House
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In a time of Game of Thrones and Westeros, are you still stuck in the Land of Hobbiton, or the Shire? No need to go to New Zealand if you are around the European nations.
A visit in the Glenview Gardens & Hobbit House will remind you of the lulling and serene tones of the Shire. Bring your kids and hunt for fairies in the Fairies Woods. Or enjoy viewing the Italianate canal and Japanese gardens!
You can even have yourself a cup of tea at a Mediterranean-inspired tea house in the garden. After which, wandering over meadows and small gardens where they grew vegetables of weird country names will surely tickle your green-thumb and tastebuds.
Opening Hours
10 am to 5 pm
Easter – April 19th to 29th
May & June – 5 days. Closed Tues, Wed
July & Aug – 6 days, Closed Tues
Sep & Oct – 5 days. Closed Tues, Wed
Admission Fee
Adults €6
Children €3 (age 4 to 16)
Contact Information
Address: Desert, Enniskeane, Co Cork 2.5km from Enniskeane
Phone: 023 8847230
Email: glenviewgardens@hotmail.com
10. Etain Hickey Collections
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If you are spending more time in Clonakilty, be sure to drop by Etain Hickey Collections. A quirky, little store where you can avail handcrafted memorabilia and giftware.
Varieties of jewelry, porcelain, crafts, and trinkets that perfectly embodies your stay in Clonakilty are found in this mini-emporium.
Bringing their indigenous crafts as gifts for her and gifts for him and any of your friends back home will definitely help you remember the magical beauty that Clonakilty, Ireland possesses.
Contact Information
Address: 40 Ashe Street, Clonakilty, West Cork
Phone: 023 8821479
Email: etainhickey@eircom.net