Our Cork Adventure ~ The Model Railway Village!

We started our adventures with the best tourist attraction for children in West Cork, The West Cork Model Railway Village in Clonakilty. As we went early in the morning we had the place to ourselves, it was wonderful to stroll around in the sunshine & let the children explore at their own pace. 

It’s a handmade scale replica of the old West Cork Railway featuring the towns it served back in the 1940s. Cillian thought this was magic as the church bells even ring in the church & as you pass a little road with a pub you can hear the music & revelry going on inside. We loved that there was a raised platform so even the smallest of smallies could oversee the entire village too!

Seamus’ favourite part was the latest addition of Michael Collins’ homestead of Woodfield, Sam’s Cross complete with a uniformed Michael Collins standing at the door. It really is a lovely way to spend a few hours taking in the sights of Clonakilty, Kinsale, Dunmanway & Bandon. Orla loved the scale model of the star shaped Charles Fort with the little soldiers marching.

Inside the main building you’ll find a small cinema with a video on loop detailing the running of railway line of yesteryear. Across the hall is a interpretive centre with images of the history & heritage of West Cork.

There are lots of things to keep children entertained & you can choose from the outdoor playground or the indoor soft play area with a chalkboard wall & mini toy library. You would pay much more than the entrance fee for the soft play area alone so it’s fantastic value for money. 

Facilities are great, they have a baby change area & wheelchair access throughout. The cafe & gift shop are separate from the main building & are housed in authentic train carriages. We had to call into the gift shop to pick up the obligatory pencils for school, not bad at only 75c each.

As we went off season & midweek the Choo Choo road train wasn’t running but during the summer months it runs 5 times a day & brings you on a tour of Clonakilty town & back to the Model Railway Village. 

We paid €20 entrance for a family ticket, you are not restricted by time so you could spend the day if you liked. For an extra €10 you can add the Choo Choo train to your ticket, well worth it at that price! There is ample free parking on site. The Model Railway Village is open 7 days a week from 11am – 5pm. 

Have you been to the Model Railway Village in West Cork? What did you think?