This Pretty Town Has Just Won ‘Place Of The Year’ In Ireland

Clonakilty in west Cork has just been named the “Place of the Year” for 2017 - pretty impressive for such a small town.

It was awarded the top spot by the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI) awards, which judge the best development of Irish towns.

The award marks the second phase of Cork County Council’s Clonakilty 400 Urban Design Master Plan where safety, inclusive design and place making were crucial principles to make the town more pedestrian friendly.

Clonakilty native Councillr Christopher O’Sullivan spoke of the success:

This award is the icing on the cake for what has been an award winning year for Clonakilty. Following on from our success at the “Great Town” award in London last November, this award is further recognition for our incredible new streetscape.

“Clonakilty’s popularity as a tourism destination is growing quickly and we are seeing tourism figures grow year after year.”

Cllr O’Sullivan continued:

“Clonakilty is now a far more pedestrian friendly town. It is a town for people. Much of this can be attributed to the fantastic work of Cork County Councils Architects Department who have created spaces that the community use for events and gatherings, as was seen at the hugely successful Clonakilty street carnival last weekend.”

The now-completed Clonakilty Masterplan project has resulted in an increase in footfall and economic development of the town.

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