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 close to, but not on, the southern seacoast of the island, and is surrounded by hilly country devoted primarily to dairy farming, the region having an impressive dairy yield. It has approximately 10,000 permanent inhabitants.

The centre of the town is considered particularly attractive, with the storefronts of the shops and restaurants painted in bright colors. 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 Clonakilty was born, and lived, Michael Collins, leader of the IRA and later the Free State movement, which campaigned for independence from the Britain 1900-21 period. He is widely regarded as one of Ireland's leading historical figures. He was killed by republican followers of the IRA movement 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 center of Clonakilty and dedicated in 2002.

Clonakilty is also known for its world famous black pudding, which is fried or grilled pig offal in intestine. "Irish Yogurts", a well-known yogurt brand, is produced in the town from local milk.

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.

See also: List of towns in the Republic of Ireland

External link: Official Web site (Clonakilty town council)