Thousands descend on Cork town for annual street carnival

From its humble beginnings in 2016, as a celebratory event to mark the end of improvement works to the town of Clonakilty, the Irish Yogurts Clonakilty Street Carnival has grown to become West Cork’s hottest meal ticket with award-winning food producers and restaurants showcasing their finest cuisine every year in June.

Celebrating Ireland’s finest food producers and restaurateur’s hailing from Clonakilty and the West Cork region, the Irish Yogurts Clonakilty Street Carnival included street food stalls from 13 food vendors, welcoming new Clonakilty businesses The Little Island Resort, The Pike Deli and Wazzy Woo.

Renowned West Cork hotelier’s Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa, The Emmet Hotel, Clonakilty Park Hotel, O’Donovan’s Hotel and the Celtic Ross Hotel were joined by Clonakilty’s thriving cafes and restaurants to create a dazzling menu that catered for over 2000 diners to create Clonakilty’s biggest ever outdoor dining experience.

Also included on the menu were an array of tantilising dishes from Kirby’s at the Whale’s Tail, Oak Fire Pizza, Scannell’s Bar and Restaurant, The Alley Garden Bistro and Casey’s Bar and Restaurant to tickle those taste buds.

Food ticket holders had the choice of a delicious menu serving up seasonal and home-grown produce as well as vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options.

Renowned chef Kevin Dundon of Dunbrody Country House in Wexford officially opened the carnival ahead of the food service. Mr Dundon said West Cork has always been a ‘haven’ for food lovers. “It’s a real pleasure to be in Clonakilty. This year marks the sixth year of the festival and it’s amazing to see how much this event has grown and how it continues to bring the Clonakilty community together.

“I’d like to thank the organisers, volunteers and sponsors who make this event possible, and to Irish Yogurts Clonakilty and the restaurants who participated. West Cork has always been a haven for food lovers, and the menu certainly showcased the culinary delights of Clonakilty,” he added.

Kevin O’Regan, an organiser of the event said the street carnival highlights the best of Clonakilty’s food scene. “Each year we have a great line up of food, entertainment and activities. The event really highlights the best of Clonakilty’s food scene and brings together everyone to create this unique dining experience. We are thankful to all our volunteers, sponsors and our lead sponsor Irish Yogurts Clonakilty, without whom we wouldn’t be able to pull off such a brilliant event every year.”

The Irish Yogurts Clonakilty Street Carnival provided an eclectic mix of family friendly events and interactive entertainment.

Live music was provided by local bands The Monks, The Water Gypsies, Andrew and Kate Whelton, the Blackapple Bastards and Rebel Brass.

Stilt walkers and jugglers serenaded diners as they tucked into delicious dishes along rows of decorated tables.