The secret to Ireland's 'best seaside town' known for colourful houses and award-winning food

Clonakilty, with its iconic beach huts, stunning coastal views, and foodie heaven status, has long been hailed as one of Ireland's treasures.

The Co Cork town clinched the title of Best Town in Europe back in 2017 and also nabbed the Best Place of the Year award from the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland that same year, proving it's a real charmer.

Tourists flock to Clonakilty every year, lured by its magical mix of attractions. Since opening in 2016, the Scully family's Clonakilty Distillery has become a key player in attracting visitors, thanks to its growing reputation across the pond.

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Sean Scully was quoted in the Irish Star saying: "We have a great story to tell. In this day and age, consumers are looking for not just a good spirit but also a story behind it. We're very much a maritime distillery and we try to do things a bit differently and people here are so excited to learn about it."

Clonakilty isn't just about the drinks; it's also a food lover's paradise. Known as the home of famous Irish sausages and black pudding, the town cements its status as a culinary hotspot, even boasting a visitor centre where folks can explore the brand's rich history and its importance to the community.

Beautiful waves at Inchydoney beach
(Image: Getty)





Clonakilty Distillery is a popular attraction
(Image: Supplied)

The seaside town is also famed for its top-notch seafood, served fresh in local pubs and eateries, as well as by local fishmongers. The dynamic food scene extends to organic farms, cheesemakers, foragers, bakers, and even coffee roasters.

At the Camus Farm Field Kitchen, visitors can tour the farm and learn about the origins of their food before enjoying an award-winning meal. If you've had your fill of Clonakilty's amazing food and drink, there are plenty of activities for the adventurous traveller.

There are numerous stunning beaches like Inchydoney, Long Strand, and Dunworley Beach to name a few. Tourists can embark on Atlantic Whale and Wildlife Tours to see some of the remarkable marine life that inhabit Cork's waters.

In conclusion, it's easy to understand why Clonakilty is one of Ireland's top rated towns. It continues to attract visitors from around the globe each year.

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