Best Museums in Clonakilty

"Big Little Lies may have given model train lovers a bad name, but we adore the Model Railway Village in the town of Clonakilty. About an hour from Cork proper, this unique site features a handsome, handmade scale model of all the adorable villages along the old West Cork Railway line (closed in 1961). Watching the trains traverse a miniature Cork County is mesmerizing, and all the building details are really fantastic."

"The West Cork Model Railway Village, Ireland's only Model Village, is a fully scaled handmade model of the historic West Cork Railway Line with fully working trains and the towns that the railway served during the 1940's. Take a spin on the iconic Choo Choo through beautiful Clonakilty. Indoor and outdoor play areas."

"Kinsale's roots in the wine trade are on display at this early-16th-century fortified house that was occupied by the Spanish in 1601. Since then it has served as a customs house, a prison for French and American..."

"Desmond Castle Kinsale Cork has had a colourful history, ranging from Spanish occupation in 1601 to use as a prison for captured American sailors during the American War of Independence."

"The centre consists of The Great Famine Commemoration Exhibition and The Lough Hyne Visitor Centre. The Famine Exhibition commemorates the tragic period in the 1840s that is known in Irish History as the Great Hunger. The Lough Hyne Centre explores the unique nature of this salt-water marine lake, Ireland’s first Marine Nature Reserve."

"Kinsale Regional Museum in the town centre of Kinsale was built about 1600, with additions in 1706 that included the frontage with the loggia on the ground floor. The courthouse was used for the inquest into the sinking of the liner Lusitania on Monday May 10th 1915. It was in this building that the Kinsale Town Corporation conducted their affairs and the Courthouse was also used for ceremonial occasions in the 18th century."

"The Michael Collins Centre, located at Castleview, Clonakilty, West Cork displays an audio/ visual of Michael Collins (the Big Fella’s) childhood, his family history, his school days and the important Collins’ sites around Clonakilty. A guide then continues the presentation, using slides, large photographs or film clips, the visitor is taken through the 1916 rebellion, War of Independence, Treaty talks and the Civil War. The tragic death of Michael Collins at Beal Na Blath and his Legacy are also discussed."

"This Heritage Centre contains photographs and a military exhibition in a cottage theatre. Outside the centre, an ambush trail is laid out, a one hundred meter section of road designed to look like a War of Independence/Civil War ambush site. For the visitor who wants to stand on the spot where history was made, they also offer the Michael Collins Tour, visiting all the important sites in the area."

"The centre consists of The Great Famine Commemoration Exhibition and The Lough Hyne Visitor Centre. The Famine Exhibition commemorates the tragic period in the 1840s that is known in Irish History as the Great Hunger. The Lough Hyne Centre explores the unique nature of this salt-water marine lake, Ireland’s first Marine Nature Reserve."

"On Heir Island—a four-minute ferry ride—this unlikely venture is a pilgrimage spot for food lovers, who praise the high standard of cooking...Read More"

"Michael Collins House Michael Collins House, Clonakilty is a new museum dedicated to Michael Collins. Offering an insight into the life of ‘The Big Fella’ and bringing the history of Irish…"

"Fernhill House and Gardens - The gardens at Fernhill are the perfect place to relax and unwind. There are many quiet corners for you to enjoy a book, chat or reflect on the beauty of the gardens. There are many stunning features including a heart shaped flower bed, rose walk, geyser and many more."

"Fernhill House is a beautiful family run country house set on acres of gorgeous gardens in wonderful West Cork. Address: Clonakilty, West Cork"

"Located on the outskirts of Kealkill village, the castle played a dramatic role in one of Irish History’s most exciting stories. In 1602, the castle’s owner, Donal Cam O’Sullivan Bere, led his followers past its gates on a march to Leitrim that would see him join the Flight of Earls from Ireland; that flight itself marked the end of Gaelic civilisation in Ireland. During the summer, the castle is open every day from 9am until 5pm."