Things to do in Clonakilty
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An Teach Beag
This intriguing pub, out back from O'Donovan's Hotel, has all the atmosphere necessary for good traditional music sessions. You might even catch a scríocht (a session by storytellers and poets) in full flow. There's music nightly during July and August, and on weekends for the rest of the year. Check out the historical plaque at the start of the alley – times have changed…
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De Barra's
A marvellous atmosphere, walls splattered with photos, press cuttings, masks and musical instruments, plus the cream of live music every night of the week (starting around 9.30pm) make this a busy pub.
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An Súgán
A traditional bar with a national reputation for excellent seafood. You dine in a room crammed with knick-knacks – jugs dangle from the ceiling, patrons' business cards are stuffed beneath the rafters, and lanterns and even ancient fire-extinguishers dot the walls. But there's nothing idiosyncratic about the food – the seafood chowder is great for a light meal, the crab cakes are memorable and there's a choice of around 10 different kinds of fish, depending on the daily catch.
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Malt House Granary
You'll be able to check out the Clonakilty black pudding, Boilie goat's cheese, Gubbeen chorizo and Bantry Bay mussels among other ingredients on the menu at the Malt House, as everything on your plate originates from West Cork. The interior design is a hotchpotch of stylish and kitsch. The seafood platter is a classic.
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Betty Brosnan
A prime place for lunch, this historic cafe offers lots of breakfast choices (including a 14-inch cooked Irish feast for the ‘very hungry’), sandwiches, lasagne, smoothies and puddings. The upstairs gallery displays black-and-white travel photography by owner Dermot Brosnan.
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Gleesons
Gleesons is a temple of fine dining that melds Irish produce with continental technique. The surrounds are nicely understated, with a wood and slate decor. The seafood, not surprisingly, is tasty. Early diners can enjoy a good value three-course set menu (€35).
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Swimming
The bay is good for swimming, albeit in a bracing sort of way. The sandy Blue Flag beach at Inchydoney Island, 4km from town, is good too, but watch out for the dangerous riptide; when lifeguards are on duty a red flag indicates danger.
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West Cork Model Railway Village
You can’t help but smile at the West Cork Model Railway Village. It features a vast outdoor recreation of the West Cork Railway as it was during the 1940s and superb miniature models of the main towns in western Cork.
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Asna Sq
Roads converge on Asna Sq, dominated by a monument commemorating the 1798 Rising. Also in the square is the Kilty Stone, a piece of the original castle that gave Clonakilty (Clogh na Kylte, meaning 'castle of the woods') its name.
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Courtyard Bar & Bistro
Tables out back overlook the brook, out front they are sheltered from the rain and have heaters. Inside a fire burns and you’ll enjoy the scents of excellent baked goods, fine sandwiches and other comfort foods. Superb coffees.
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Harts
Always busy, this classic city-centre caff surprises with creative takes on standards. Ciabatta sandwiches, fine baked goods, local cheese plates and homemade preserves set the tone.
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Inchydoney Island
The sandy Blue Flag beach at Inchydoney Island, 4km from town, is good for swimming, but watch out for the dangerous riptide; when lifeguards are on duty a red flag indicates danger.
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West Cork Surf School
The West Cork Surf School is based at the sandy Blue Flag beach at Inchydoney Island, 4km from town, should you fancy a ride on the waves.
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Richy's Bar & Bistro
And now for something completely different - a modern bistro serving 'West Cork fusion' (eg sushi with black pudding).
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Road Train
A road train leaves from the West Cork Model Railway Village on a 20-minute commentated circuit of Clonakilty.
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Edward Twomey
You can buy varieties of black pudding based on 19th-century recipes from Edward Twomey.
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Lisnagun
Of the more than 30,000 ring forts scattered across Ireland, Lisnagun is the only one that’s been reconstructed on its original site. Complete with souterrain and central thatched hut, it gives a vivid impression of life in a 10th-century farmstead. To get there, take the turn signposted to Bay View House B&B at the roundabout at the end of Strand Rd. Follow the road uphill to the T-junction, turn right, then continue for about 800m before turning right again (signposted).
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