Those looking for a quiet place to visit don't need to look further than the UK's closest neighbour. This beautiful seaside town is full of colourful houses and sandy beaches - but despite its award-winning status there are many tourists who don't even know it's there.

Clonakilty, often shortened to Clon, is a town in County Cork on the south coast of Ireland. It has a population of just under 5,000 people and is often overshadowed by nearby Cork. The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland recognised it as the Best Town in Europe and Best Place of the Year in 2017.

But despite these accolades, it can go unnoticed. Clonakilty's streets are lined with brightly coloured houses, bringing life to the area. The town boasts several live music pubs, such as De Barra's Folk Club, Shanley's Music Bar, and O'Donovans. Several annual festivals are also held in the area, including the Clonakilty International Guitar Festival, the Motion Festival, the Clonakilty Street Carnival, and the Waterfront Festival.

The town has a buzzing food scene with shops selling produce from local organic farms, cheesemakers, foragers, fishmongers, coffee roasters and bakers.

Clonakilty is known for its black pudding, the local recipe for which originated in Edward Twomey's butcher shop in 1880. The secret spice mix has been handed down through generations.

The closest Blue Flag beach is at Inchydoney Island, just south of the town. It is known as one of the most family-friendly beaches in County Cork and is popular among surfers.

Seven miles away, and looking out over the Galley Head lighthouse, is Long Strand. This sandy beach is a mile-and-a-half long and bounded by dunes at Castlefreke.

In the surrounding area are Michael Collins House, West Cork Model Railway Village and Clonakilty Distillery. There are also whale sighting tours, Fernhill House and Clonakilty Black Pudding Visitor Centre.

Clonakilty is also on the Wild Atlantic Way, a 1,600-mile road trip along the west coast of Ireland, stretching from Derry to Cork through villages, monuments and nature.

Just 50 minutes away is Cork, Ireland's second-largest city. It is home to a 250-year-old marketplace, a 400-year-old fort, a brewery, St Fin Barre's Cathedral, and the Butter Museum.

Those hoping to visit Clonakilty can get there by car via the N71, by bus from Cork and Skibbereen. There is a bus link to Killarney, Bantry, Glengarriff, and Kenmare during the summer.