Ireland’s colorful seaside town has the best rated food in the country

Clonakilty in Co Cork is known for many things, from the colorful beach houses, the breathtaking coastline, to the award-winning food. The town in West Cork has rightfully earned its place in Ireland’s top rated towns.

In fact, Clonakilty was recognised as the Best Town in Europe in 2017, and Best Place of the Year in 2017 by the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland. Each year it proves itself to the thousands of tourists that flock there to experience some of its magic.

Clonakilty Distillery has drawn many to the area. It was founded by the Scully family in 2016, who have gone on to expand their brand to the US. Sean Scully spoke to Irishstar.com earlier this year 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.”

• Irish village near Dublin has a spectacular beach, a breathtaking castle and vibrant pubs

• Eve Hewson has an equally talented brother who bears striking resemblance to their famous father

The beverage industry is matched by the local food industry in Clonakilty. The town is home to some of Ireland’s favorite meat products, including the award-winning Clonakilty Irish sausages and black pudding. The brand launched a visitor center, where people can come and learn about their history and local impact.

The coastal town also boasts incredible seafood, which is served up fresh at the local bars and restaurants , as well as local fishmongers. The buzzing food scene extends to organic farms, cheesemakers, foragers, bakers, and even coffee roasters. At the Camus Farm Field Kitchen, visitors can explore the farm and learn where their food comes from before tucking into an award-winning meal.

If you find yourself full up on all of Clonakilty’s incredible food and drink , there are plenty of activities for the adventurous visitor. There are many beautiful beaches like Inchydoney, Long Strand, and Dunworley Beach to name just a few. Tourists can take Atlantic Whale & Wildlife Tours to catch a glimpse of some of the incredible sea creatures that occupy Cork’s waters.

Overall, it is not difficult to see why Clonakilty is one of Ireland’s top rated towns. It continues to draw visitors from all over the world each year.

For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here .