Time zone WET (UTC+0) Local time Monday 6:25 PM | Population 90 (2011) | |
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Weather 10°C, Wind SW at 13 km/h, 93% Humidity | ||
Kilcrohane (Irish: Cill Chrócháin) is a village in County Cork, Ireland. The last coastal village on the Sheep's Head Peninsula after Durrus and Ahakista, it lies under the 'Shadow of Seefin' - the area's highest hill and overlooking Dunmanus Bay and not far from Caher Mountain. Kilcrohane is renowned for its beautiful coastline, idyllic views and scenic hill walking routes.
Contents
- Map of Kilcrohane Co Cork Ireland
- Cill Crochain
- Unspoiled Irish Holiday Destination
- The Sheeps Head Way
- Sheeps Head Cycling Route
- Alice West Museum
- The WhiteHouse Gallery
- Festivals in Kilcrohane
- Craic on the Coast Traditional Music Festival
- The Kilcrohane Carnival
- Notable people
- References
Map of Kilcrohane, Co. Cork, Ireland
Cill Crochain
Cill Crochain is Gaeilge (Irish) for Church of Crochan. Little is known about Crochan except that he is believed to have lived about the time of St. Patrick (mid 5th century). Some believe he was from Kerry near Caherdaniel where there are two ruined churches named after him and a village called Kilcrohane. Near Helston, Cornwall there are small church ruins believed to be founded by a St. Crochan but there is nothing to confirm that it is the same person.
There is a ruined church in the grounds of the cemetery in Kilcrohane, thought to be where Crohan built his cell.
Unspoiled Irish Holiday Destination
Kilcrohane is a lively and vibrant seaside village whose population swells in the busy summer months. It has two pubs, an all year round Cafe Gallery 3 restaurants and a coffee shop (open in July and August). The local shop is a post office and Filling station. There is also a local co-operative shop (open year round) selling local produce, arts and crafts. There are three Bed and Breakfasts (two with restaurants), several self-catering holiday accommodations, and a garage/repair shop that also rents out bicycles. There is a cafe at the very end of the Peninsula - open from March through October.
The Kilcrohane pier is popular swimming place and there are numerous private coves dotted along the coast. The water is clear and a beautiful place for swimming. There is an abundance of pollock and mackerel in Dunmanus Bay.
Kilcrohane has a primary school and a church. There is daily transportation to secondary schools in Bantry and public transportation to Bantry twice a week. There is also a community field and hall and a children's playground with tennis court.
The Sheep's Head Way
Kilcrohane is base for the world-famous hill walking route The Sheep's Head Way. The Sheep's Head way features over 60 miles of marked maintained hill and road walking routes with breathtaking views of Bantry and Dunmanus Bays. Kilcrohane is a perfect base for walking tours as it offers a wide range of accommodation to meet any budget to set out for a days walking.
Sheep's Head Cycling Route
The area also has marked road cycling route for leisurely cycles over hilly roads with amaxing views of the surrounding countryside, the bays and the Atlantic Ocean
Alice West Museum
The Alice West Centre, a museum focusing on the life and art of the late Alice West, is open during the summer months and is run by the Muintir Bhaire Community Council. Alice West kindly bequeathed her estate to the community. The museum displays local artifacts, crafts, and artwork
The WhiteHouse Gallery
The WhiteHouse Gallery and coffee shop is an unusual gallery space in that it retains the essence and a few fixtures of the legendary White House Bar. Situated 1 mile west of Kilcrohane, it lays at an ancient ceile crossroads where folk would travel across the water from Beara and the Mizen to meet, play music, sing and dance. The site of the old dancing square is a perfect setting for Thorn, a visual artist in love with music and dance. The Gallery is intimate, atmospheric and relaxing within the bar-themed artisan coffee shop, “like Paris in the 1950’s” – you will often find artists and entertainers hanging out. The Art Gallery shows Thorn, Sioban O'Leary, Aoifa Doolan and other accomplished artists' work throughout the year.
Festivals in Kilcrohane
Kilcrohane has a number of festivals throughout the year that attract many visitors to the area.
Craic on the Coast - Traditional Music Festival
Kilcrohane is renowned for its traditional music festival known as the Craic on the Coast which takes place annually on Easter weekend.
The Kilcrohane Carnival
The Kilcrohane carnival is held every year on the third week of July (depending on the weather!). The carnival attracts tourists from all over Ireland, Europe and further afield to enjoy lively and fun events such as the duck races, wheel-barrow races, lovely girls competition, chair of doom, spider baby, and fancy dress tractor parade. There is also a track and field event day and a fishing competition for the more competitive visitors.