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O'Donovan's Hotel is situated in the heart of Clonakilty Town. It is Clonakilty's oldest family run hotel, Originally built in Boyle Street (now Astna Street), in 1853, by Denis O'Donovan, our great, great, great grand father.

Denis passed away in 1886. One of his four sons, Thomas and his wife Catherine, had eighteen children. As the result of an accident, Thomas had one of his legs amputated. His wooden leg and "spare", can be seen in one of the many display boxes around the hotel. A portrait of Thomas now hangs over the fire place in Reception.

In the event of Thomas and his Wife dying he bequeathed the hotel to his son Denis. At the actual time of Thomas' death in 1883, his son Denis had become a priest and served in Rome.

Catherine, who was now the owner of the hotel, purchased property on Sovereign Street (now Pearse Street) and for the sum of one thousand five hundred pounds, had the present Hotel built by Sisk Builders in 1889, who also built the local Catholic Church.

On her death, in 1918, she bequeathed the hotel to her daughter Catherine. Catherine born in 1882, was fondly known as "Miss Katty", or "Aunty Kat". A pioneering spirit, she travelled far and wide, and was considered "ahead of her time". A keen horse woman she has been credited to be the first woman in the area to ride western saddle, wear trousers, and smoke, in public.

On her death in 1954, Catherine, who never married, passed the business on to her nephew Thomas. Thomas and his sister Bernie ran the business for many years. Thomas and his wife Mary had seven children, and now Therese, Tom and Dena carry on the business.

Photographs of our ancestors adorn the main stairs. Many artifacts giving an insight into times gone by, and many old maps and books, are displayed for the historically minded guest.

A Model of O'Donovan's Hotel as it looked in the early 1900's in the West Cork Model Village

Over the years there have been many famous visitors to the Hotel. Below are just a few;

MICHAEL COLLINS (1890 - 1922)

Born near Clonakilty Town, General Michael Collins was to become one of Ireland's greatest statesman, Solider and patriot. A regular visitor to O'Donovan's Hotel he gave many an oration from the first floor window and from in front of the main door. He died during an ambush at Béal na Blath near Clonakilty in 1922.

GUGLIELMO MARCONI (1874 - 1937)

Born of Irish-Italian Parentage, He was an electrical engineer and pioneer of the radio. In 1907 he was an unexpected visitor to Clonakilty when he mistakenly alighted from his train at Clonakilty Junction and took the train to Clonakilty, instead of proceeding directly on the Bantry line to Crookhaven where he was involved in a trans-Atlantic wireless station.  As the train pulled into Clonakilty, he discovered his mistake and was directed to O’Donovans Hotel, where he refreshed himself and was provided with a covered car and driver and a splendid pair of horses with which to continue his journey.

CHARLES STEWART PARNELL (1847 - 1891)

An Irish Nationalist and leader of the Irish Struggle for "Irish Home Rule". On his visit to Clonakilty, he was proceeded into town by the local fife band and Drum band where he made a speech from the first floor window of O'Donovan's Hotel to the people of the town. People came from all the neighbouring towns for this special occasion.

AMERICAN FLYING FORTRESS (1943)

During World War II on April 7th 1943 an US Air Force "Boeing B-17f-25-DL Fortress S 42-3090 U 334/95BG" named "T'aint a Bird" got lost and ran out of fuel, forcing a landing on White's The crew of 10 were "interned" at O'Donovan's Hotel where they remained for 3 days. The Hotel took on a carnival atmosphere and whilst there the crews pet monkey "Tojo" died and was buried with full military honours in the garden where The Venue now stands.