Clonakilty (Clanna Chaoilte, "O'Keelty's Sept") lies in Clonakilty Bay on the south coast of Ireland. The head of the bay is almost totally enclosed by the Inchadoney Peninsula. There are good sandy beaches and facilities for water sports and sea fishing.
The town of Clonakilty was established in 1614 by the first Earl of Cork for occupation by English settlers. It is now a small market town in a fertile agricultural area with an interesting local museum and a beautiful park, Kennedy Gardens.
The West Cork Model Railway Village opened in 1994 in Clonakilty. It recreates in miniature what life and industry were like in West Cork 50 years ago and the rail model depicts the long-closed West Cork Railway on a scale of 1:24.
The station building will mount exhibits on the railroads and industries for West Cork.
Address: West Cork Model Village Railway, Inchydoney Road, Clonakilty , Ireland
Hours:
February 1 to June 30: 11am-5pm
July 1 to August 31: 10am-6pm
September 1 to October 31: 11am-5pm
Tips: Last admission 4:30 p.m.
Parking: Free
Disability Access: Partial facilities for persons with disabilities.
Picturesquely situated on the northwestern side of Rosscarbery Bay, on a hill by the sea, the little town of Rosscarbery once had a sixth century monastery famous for its school. There are some remains of this near the ancient cathedral (restored in the 17th and 19th century).
6mi/10km east of Clonakilty on the T71 and R600 lies Timoleague, with an abbey founded in 1240 which in its day was an important religious center.
The village of Timoleague is ideally situated for visitors to enjoy many local outdoor activities including walking, sailing, surfing, golf and fishing.
The present ruins (church with south aisle and transepts, tower, remains of conventual buildings) date from later centuries. The castle gardens are open to the public.