Kilcrohane

Kilcrohane (Irish: Cill Crochain) is the last village on the Sheep's Head Peninsula after Durrus and Ahakista, County Cork, Province of Munster, Republic of Ireland. It is a coastal village lying under the 'Shadow of Seefin' - the area's highest mountain and overlooking Dunmanus Bay.

Cill Crochain means the Church of Crochan. Little is known about Crochan, but he is believed to have lived about the time of St. Patrick (mid 5th century). Some say that he came from Kerry, near Caherdaniel, where there are two ruined churches named after him and a village called Kilcrohane. Near Helston in Cornwall, England, there are little ruined churches 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, and it is thought that it was there that Crohan built his cell when he came to the area.

Kilcrohane (townland Cora)is the birthplace of Bardic poet Aongus O'Daly (570-1617).

The US Senator for Wyoming Patrick Joseph Sullivan (1885-1935) was born in Kilcrohane.

The writer J.G. Farrell (1935-1979) lived here.

Denis O'Donovan, one of the current Teachta Dála's of the Cork South West Constituency, was born here.

Oscar winning actor Ralph Fiennes briefly lived here in the 70's and attended the Kilcrohane National School.

Kilcrohane is a lively and vibrant seaside village whose population swells in the busy summer months. It has three pubs, a wine bar, three Bed and Breakfasts (one with restaurant), a hostel, several self-catering accommodations, two shops, a post office, plenty of holiday accommodation, and a summer cafe and restaurant.

The Kilcrohane pier is a good place to swim and there are numerous private coves dotted along the coast. The water is crystal clear although the temperature never seems to rise above 16 degrees Celsius. For angling enthusiasts, there is an abundance of pollock and mackerel in Dunmanus Bay, and a boat trip to Carbery Island and the seals is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon.

The renowned Sheep's Head Way walking route—over 60 miles of marked trail—traverses the village. There are walks for all abilities: young, old, fit, and the not so fit. Guided walks can be arranged. The Sheep's Head Cycle Route loops through the village from Bantry.

Kilcrohane's seaside garden is well worth a visit and has been featured on BBC's 'Flying Gardener' programme and in several gardening magazines.

Kilcrohane has a primary school and a church. There is daily transportation to secondary schools in Bantry and public transportation to Bantry three times per week. There is also a community field and hall and a children's playground with tennis court.

The Sheep's Head Cafe at the very end of the Peninsula is a great place to stop and have a cup of tea, a well deserved treat after navigating the narrow twisting six mile road from the village to the end of the Peninsula. The views here are breath taking.

The Alice West Centre will soon be open: a museum focusing on the life and art of Alice West (deceased) and displaying local artifacts, crafts, and artwork—Alice West bequeathed her estate to the local community and the Muintir Bhaire Community Council is hoping that the museum will be open to the public in 2007.

Kilcrohane is renound for it's traditional music festival known as the Ceoil on the Coast. It takes place on annually on Easter Weekend. The festival draws music enthusiasts from all over the country and abroad. The Village also hosts a Carnival festival annually on the last week of July featuring sports days, dances in the local hall and a fishing competition. The Carnival always draws a large croud who come to enjoy the fine weather and festivaties.