Top 10 Kid Friendly Things To Do and Attractions in Clonakilty

"Charles Fort – Situated on the edge of the water in the scenic village of Summer Cove in the Kinsale harbour of County Cork, lies the impressive and historic Charles Fort. The castle was originally constructed in the year 1682, and it was built as the ‘new fort’, in contrast to the ‘old fort’, or James Fort, which was built in the early 17th century on the other side of the same harbour. The fort played a critical military role throughout the centuries that it was active, until the year 1921, following the Anglo-Irish Treaty."

"Charles Fort in Kinsale is a classic example of a star-shaped fort and has five bastions, constructed in the late 17th century on the site of an earlier coastal fortification. Perhaps the best-known historical attraction in Kinsale, Charles Fort, is on the road just beyond Summercove. It is open all year, and regular guided tours are available."

"One of Europe's best-preserved star-shaped artillery forts, this vast 17th-century fortification would be worth a visit for its spectacular views alone. But there's much more here: the 18th- and 19th-century..."

"Bantry House & Gardens, a great opportunity to visit one of Ireland's renowned stately houses with views out over Bantry Bay. Take a tour of this historic house and gardens. Take in the history that will surround you here in West Cork."

"With its melancholic air of faded gentility, 18th-century Bantry House makes for an intriguing visit. From the Gobelin tapestries in the drawing room to the columned splendour of the library, it conjures up a..."

"One of Ireland's most famed manors is noted for its picture-perfect perch, on a hillock above the south shore of Bantry Bay. The fine…"

"This one is slightly different to the other options on the list but come on who doesn't want to go walking with alpacas?. This special farm allows you take an alpaca for a 40 minute walk while walking along a trail that runs past gorgeous fields, forestry and past the stunning waterfall. As well as the alpacas you can visit the rescued rabbits, donkeys, Shetland ponies, hens, cats and fogs."

"West Cork's adorable alpaca walk is a must for this summer's bucket list. Waterfall Alpaca Farm in Castledonovan, near Drimoleague, is a magical place where you can visit the cutest of furry mammals and even take them out for a hike. The nature-loving owners even rent out cabins for those who want the full wild experience."

"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…"

"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."

"Visit For: Cookery Classes, Sailing Classes, Retreat.Distance: 45 minutes (45KM) from Clonakilty to Cunnamore Pier. Transport to the Island: Short ferry from Cunnamore Pier (Photo: @heirislandretreat). Click here for google maps directions from Clonakilty."

"You’ll find Red Strand Beach a stone’s throw from Clonakilty and Rosscarbery. This is a flat, sandy beach that’s nestled in a small bay near Dunowen Head. As is the case with many beaches in West Cork, this place gets busy during the warmer months, and grabbing a place to park can be tricky."

"Dotted with rock pools, the Red Strand is only minutes from the Long Strand and offers a wonderful tranquil spot for the whole family. Click here for google maps directions from Clonakilty."

"Dunworley Beach is a real hidden gem on the Clonakilty coast. This tidal beach is perfect for a serene swim or walk along the cliffs and is popular with bodyboarders and surfers alike. Click here for google maps directions from Clonakilty."

"Situated next to Kilconman Marsh and the Old Head of Kinsale is this hidden gem. The white sands beach has numerous grassy dunes and rocky cliffs on either side of the beach. A public car park and toilet facilities are close by and during bathing season, there is a lifeguard."

"The Trident Hotel have 75 beautifully modern guestrooms including an executive wing comprising 30 rooms and penthouse floor of 11 luxury suites. Best of all, every room provides breath-taking views of Kinsale’s harbour. Having a prime location that showcases its picturesque surroundings."

"Set in one of West Cork's most desirable locations, the O'Donovan and Barrett familes' immaculately maintained hotel is magnificently situated overlooking the Atlantic Ocean just outside the quaint town of Clonakilty. Now in third generation ow ..."

"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."