CLONAKILTY

'Clonakilty' (), often referred to by locals simply as ''Clon'', is a small town in West Cork, Ireland, approximately 45 minutes away by road to the west of Cork City. The town is on the southern coast of the island, and is surrounded by hilly country devoted primarily to dairy farming, the region having an impressive dairy yield. It has approximately 4,000 permanent inhabitants.
The centre of the town is considered particularly attractive, with the store fronts of the shops and restaurants painted in bright colours. Many tourists, particularly from the United Kingdom and the United States, are attracted to Clonakilty during the summer months, and the population of the town can swell by as many as 2,000 visitors at this time, with many staying in nearby Inchydoney. Visitors go to several nearby beaches, visit the pubs, walk in the local countryside, or visit local attractions such as The West Cork Model Railway Village and Lios-na-gCon Ringfort
The town was given an award as "Ireland's tidiest town" in 1999. The cleanliness is the result in part of the voluntary efforts of local shopkeepers and staff. In 2003 Clonakilty also became Ireland’s first ever official Fair Trade Town.

Contents

History

Transport & communications

Culture

De Barras Folk Club

Clonakilty today

FairTrade

Sport

Twin towns

See also

External links

History

Michael Collins, who was leader of the IRA and later the Free State movement, which campaigned for independence from Britain 1920-21 period, lived in Clonakilty. He is widely regarded as one of Ireland's leading historical figures. He was killed by republicans during the Civil War. He gave many an oration from O'Donovan's Hotel on the Main Street of Clonakilty. A monumental statue of Michael Collins by local artist Kevin Holland was erected in the centre of Clonakilty and dedicated in 2002.

Transport & communications

★ The nearest airport to the town is Cork Airport

★ Bus Eireann provides coach links from Clonakilty to Cork and Skibbereen, once an hour in each direction.[1]

★ Clonakilty was one of the destinations on the West Cork Railway, an Irish mainline railway from Cork City to various parts of West Cork, shut down in 1961. See Irish railway history.

Culture

Clonakilty's position as a centre of music, both traditional and contemporary, has helped this small town to become a thriving melting pot of musicians. Clonakilty's bars host live music nights throughout the year and it is possible to find quality live music on most nights. Many famous musicians have found a welcome and a home here, and have contributed much to the energy and vibrancy of this small town. The late Noel Redding made Clonakilty his home and was always regarded as an adopted son. Roy Harper, singer-songwriter, is another of those famous people who finds a home here amongst some great local and national stars such as Christy Moore, Bill Shanley, Pete Best, Pat Horgan and bands such as Chucklehead, The Legendary Acoustic Blues Club, Anto, John Cullinane, Gavin Moore, and De Barras. Monday Night Trad Sessions, O'Donovans Tuesday Trad and Shanley's Famous Music Bar a mainstay of Clonakilty's love affair with music.
Clonakilty is also known for its world famous black pudding, which is fried or grilled pig offal in intestine. "Irish Yogurts" is a well-known brand produced in the town from local milk.

De Barras Folk Club

The most famous pub in the town. Famous acts like folk legend Christy Moore play here regularly.

Clonakilty today

Much of Clonakilty's growth from a desolate West Cork town, to thriving business and tourism centre is attributed to the massive community effort and civic pride of the town's people.

FairTrade

Clonakilty is Ireland's first FairTrade town, the second is Kinsale in Co. Cork.

Sport

★ Clonakilty AFC

★ Clonakilty G.A.A. Club

★ Clonakilty Rugby Club

★ Galley Flash Rowing Club

Twin towns

Clonakilty is twinned with:

★ Châteaulin, Communes of the Finistère département, France

★ Waldaschaff, Germany

See also

★ List of towns in the Republic of Ireland

★ List of Irish Towns with a Market House

★ Clonakilty (Parliament of Ireland constituency)

External links

★ Official Web site (Clonakilty town council)

★ Clonakilty.biz

★ Ireland's First Fair Trade Town

★ Clonakilty Town Information Website

★ Clonakilty Macra Club

★ Clonakilty Walking Group

★ Clonakilty History and Pictures