Clonakilty

Old Linen Hall

Clonakilty (Irish: Cloich na Coillte, Clanna Chaoilte) is a small town in West Cork, Ireland, about 45 minutes drive 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 much 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 streets of Clonakilty are strikingly clean, and 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. That this has come about after only an eight month campaign is a testament to the dedication of the five-person committee, and in particular its Chairperson and the people of the town and surrounding areas.

Easter Proclamation nailed to the door of Clonakilty Post Office, Easter Sunday 2006.

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.

'This monument is dedicated to the memory of Michael Collins and all those who contributed to the struggle for Irish national self-determination during the Easter Rising, the War of Independence and the Civil War 1916 to 1923.'

Transport & communications

• Nearest airport Cork International Airport
• 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.

File:Iarthair Chorcaí 117.jpg

Statue to Clonakilty's greatest hero, Michael Collins.

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.

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

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