The beautiful seaside town full of sandy beaches but most tourists don't know it's there
Clonakilty is a beautiful seaside town in southern Ireland and is only a short journey for many from mainland Britain.
Brightly coloured houses line the streets of Clonakilty on the south coast of Ireland in a quiet town home to just under 5,000 people. Clonakilty, often shortened to Clon, is a town in County Cork and has a couple of impressive accolades under its belt.
It was recognised as the Best Town in Europe in 2017, and Best Place of the Year in 2017 by the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland.
But despite these awards, it often goes unnoticed. Clonakilty’s streets are lined with brightly coloured houses, bringing life to the area. And it boasts a number of live music pubs, such as De Barra's Folk Club, Shanley's Music Bar, and O'Donovans.
There are also several annual festivals, including the Clonakilty International Guitar Festival, the Motion Festival, Clonakilty Street Carnival and the Waterfront Festival.
Clonakilty is known for its blackpudding, with the local recipe originating in Edward Twomey’s butcher shop in 1880. The secret spice mix has been handed down through generations.
The town has a buzzing food scene with shops selling produce from local organic farms, cheesemakers, foragers, fishmongers, coffee roasters and bakers.
The closest Blue Flag beach is at Inchydoney Island, just south of the town. It is known as one of the most family-friendly beaches in County Cork and is popular among surfers.
Seven miles away, and looking out over the Galley Head lighthouse, is Long Strand. This sandy beach is a mile and a half long, and bounded by dunes at Castlefreke.
In the surrounding area are Michael Collins House, West Cork Model Railway Village and Clonakilty Distillery. There are also whale sighting tours, Fernhill House and Clonakilty Blackpudding Visitor Centre.
DON'T MISS
Unique building in charming UK village named new UNESCO World Heritage Site [LATEST]
City named 'friendliest place on earth' where tourists met with same three words [REPORT]
Best seasides in every part of the UK as quaint village takes top spot [INSIGHT]
And 50 minutes away is Cork, Ireland’s second-largest city. It is home to a 250-year-old marketplace, a 400-year-old fort, a brewery, St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, and the Butter Museum.
Those hoping to visit Clonakilty can get there by car via the N71, by bus from Cork, Killarney and Skibberdeen, and by plane or train to nearby Cork.
