Colourful and lively, Clonakilty is a town of tall spires, elegant squares
and buildings rich in historical significance. Its past merges seamlessly with
its present in such a way that the town has modernised while losing none of its
charm. The library and council offices are housed in the old corn mill while the
Post Office now occupies what used to be the Presbyterian Church. The industrial
roots of the town are evident and coexist with the signs of one of the dominant
modern day industries - tourism.
One quickly realises that the people of Clonakilty really care about their town.
The great pride they have for their home is evident when you pay a visit. A category
winner in the 1999 Tidy Towns Competition, this picturesque town also picked up
a prize as the tidiest town in County Cork.
Clonakilty is a favourite amongst tourists as it simply offers everything.
An exciting nightlife encompasses a traditional music focus as well as contemporary
entertainment. De Barras is widely acclaimed as synonymous with the best in traditional
and folk music while a whole host of alternatives line most of the main streets
of the town.A short walk from the centre of town is a Model Village Exhibition
which is a reconstruction of Clonakilty in the 1940s. Clonakilty also houses the
West Cork Regional Museum which pays tribute to Clonakilty's industrial past -
especially its linen industry.
Clonakilty is renowned locally for its dish, Clonakilty Blackpudding (a type
of sausage made from oatmeal and pig's blood) - try Twomey's Butchers at 16 Pearse
Street, if you want to sample the delicacy.
The town received its first charter in 1292 but was re-founded in the 1600s
by the first Earl of Cork. He wanted to create an English Protestant town from
which Catholics would be excluded - the plan failed and Clonakilty went on to
blossom into the important country town it is today.
