Brought to you by West Cork Irish Whiskey. 

There’s nowhere in the world quite like it in autumn.

Picture this: West Cork’s rugged coastline as your backdrop, a seaside town buzzing with energy, and the sweet sounds of guitar mastery filling the air. Yep, the Clonakilty Guitar Festival is all about celebrating the six-string in all its glory, and it’s the perfect escape for music fans.

This year, West Cork Whiskey were thrilled to sponsor the 2024 Clonakilty International Guitar Festival for the first time, supporting a whopper programme that saw more than 140 musicians entertain delighted crowds in a variety of unique and unusual venues and cosy pubs.

“Since it was started in 2005, the Festival has been run by a small not-for-profit organisation of real music lovers and West Cork Whiskey were very proud to lend a hand to the relaxed, artistic environment the festival creates in this beautiful local town,” said Joey Shore of West Cork Distillers Ltd.

“For the event, the town becomes the stage as festival planners reimagine the public spaces and schedule performances in all kinds of venues from the local schools and library to the bars and even a butcher shop, transforming these places from an ordinary place of business, to an evolving up-close and personal stage.”

Watch how this year’s Festival wowed the crowds in this lovely video: 

Clonakilty isn’t just stunning, it’s a foodie haven. Think fresh seafood, local brews, and enough hearty pub grub to fuel your guitar-fuelled adventures.

“The majority of events are free throughout the festival with some select ticketed shows so West Cork Whiskey was on hand with the West Cork Highball, a refreshing long drink of West Cork whiskey, tonic, bitters and a fresh wedge of orange over ice,” added Joey.

“If you haven’t been, our advice is to try and get there next year, you won’t regret it.”

Start planning your visit in 2025 now over a West Cork Highball – music to our ears, that is.