Ireland's only model village — a 1:24 scale recreation of 1940s West Cork towns with working miniature trains, set beside Clonakilty Bay.
Walk among handcrafted 1:24 scale replicas of Clonakilty, Kinsale, Bandon and Dunmanway as they appeared in the 1940s. Every building is an exact replica, built on site from resin and fibreglass, with storyboards telling the history of each.
Eight G-scale trains run all day on 500 metres of live track, meandering through tunnels, over viaducts and past the miniature towns. The computer-controlled locomotives are typical 1940s style and have been running since 1994.
Climb aboard the green-and-red 'Choo Choo' Road Train for a narrated 30-minute tour through Clonakilty's streets. Spot the real buildings recreated in miniature, and learn about Michael Collins, Tadhg an Asna, and the town's trading past. Runs daily mid-May to mid-September; weekends and school holidays in winter.
Steer one of four coin-operated boats around miniature Kinsale Harbour, watched over by tiny soldiers at Charles Fort. Next to the café, two yellow mini diggers offer hands-on fun for all ages.
An outdoor playground with a wooden train climbing frame and picnic benches overlooking Clonakilty Bay. Inside, a soft-play room (€5 per child) keeps youngsters entertained while parents use the free WiFi.
The Village Café serves Fairtrade barista coffee, Barry's tea, cakes and ice-cream — open to all, no ticket needed. The gift shop stocks souvenirs, miniature trains, postcards, and a collection of West Cork Railway books and DVDs.
Step into the audiovisual room to watch film footage and see artefacts from the original Cork, Bandon and South Coast Railway, which served West Cork until the last train ran in 1961.
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