In the town of Clonakilty, County Cork, this visitor centre is dedicated to a true Irish food hero: Clonakilty Black Pudding. It all started with a secret recipe created in the late 1800s at Edward Twomey's family butcher shop on Pearse Street. That recipe, carefully guarded and passed down through the family (who took over in the 1980s), hasn't changed. It uses local ingredients to create the unique savoury flavour that has made Clonakilty Black Pudding Ireland's favourite, now enjoyed across Europe and even further afield.
Your visit is a self-guided audio tour that takes you through the story of this famous food. You'll learn how black pudding was part of everyday life in rural West Cork and follow its journey to international fame, intertwined with the story of the Twomey family. You can see a recreation of the original butcher shop and look down into the factory to watch the pudding being made (viewing available weekdays before 12 pm, booking needed; no production on weekends). Holographic displays and other exhibits (some currently paused) bring the story of family, heritage, and Clonakilty pride to life.
The tour finishes in the café, where you get to taste the famous black pudding, along with other products like their vegetarian and white puddings. The centre tells its story well and is designed to be enjoyable for everyone. To see the production floor in action, visit on a weekday morning (but book ahead!). The visitor centre shows how a simple, traditional food became a symbol of Clonakilty, representing craftsmanship, resilience, and a family's dedication to preserving a piece of Ireland's food heritage.
Getting There
Driving Directions:
- From Cork City: Take the N71 south toward Clonakilty. Upon entering the town, follow signs for the R588 toward Western Road, where the visitor centre is located.
- From Dublin: Travel southwest on the M7/N7 towards Waterford, then follow the N8 and N20 to Cork. Continue south on the N71 to Clonakilty, following R588 into the town.
- From Limerick: Head east on the N20 to Cork, then continue south on the N71 towards Clonakilty, taking the R588 into the town centre.
Public Transport: Bus Éireann operates regular services from Cork to Clonakilty (Route 240), with buses stopping near the town centre. From there, a short 10-minute walk or taxi ride will take you to Western Road. Check schedules at Bus Éireann for real-time updates.
Local Transport: Taxis are readily available in Clonakilty for those arriving by bus or train. Pre-booked tour groups can arrange a coach drop-off point at the visitor centre.
For precise directions, use the EIRCODE P85 V966 in navigation systems. For further assistance, contact the centre directly at +353 (0)23 8834835 or [email protected].
Parking
Visitors to the Clonakilty Black Pudding Visitor Centre benefit from plentiful, secure on-site parking, conveniently located directly adjacent to the entrance. Parking is free of charge, with no payment methods required. Coaches are accommodated with a dedicated drop-off point and parking space for pre-booked group tours.
Peak Times: During busy periods, if on-site parking fills, visitors may need to seek alternatives in nearby areas of Clonakilty. However, no official recommendations or restrictions for overflow parking are specified.
The on-site parking is walking distance of zero meters to the entrance, ensuring hassle-free access. No time restrictions on parking duration are mentioned.
Pricing
Pricing - Admission Fees (in euros and approximate USD): - Adults: €10 (~$10.85) - Seniors/Students: €7.50 (~$8.15) - Children (5-18 years): €5 (~$5.42) - Under 5 years: Free
- Family & Group Discounts:
- Family ticket (2 adults + up to 3 children): €25 (~$27.10)
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Groups of 10+ people qualify for a discounted rate (contact the centre directly to arrange).
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Guided Tours & Special Access:
- Guided tours are available for groups of 10+, with advance booking required.
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To witness live pudding production, reserve a ticket before 12:00 PM on weekdays (Monday-Thursday).
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Additional Notes:
- No free admission days or seasonal passes are mentioned.
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The standard tour includes samples of products in the on-site café, included in the admission price.
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Payment Methods: While not explicitly detailed on official websites, standard payment methods like cash and major credit/debit cards are typically accepted. Group bookings may require advance payment arrangements.
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