The Black Gate Loft, Kilcrohane

The Black Gate Loft is a self catering accommodation situated in the recently renovated community owned Alice West Centre which is located on the picturesque, peaceful and unspoilt Sheep’s Head peninsula in West Cork. PRICE: €60.00 per night The space A brief history: The “Old Butter House” building at the Blackgate dates from the 1890’s. It was once a busy trading centre for the people from the North and West of the peninsula who were able to sell home produced butter and eggs there. In 1968 English born artist, Alice Moore West bought and restored the building for use as a rural craft museum. For many years the Black gate Museum was her home as well as being open to the public. She encouraged young people to learn craft skills in her basement workshop and was an enthusiastic patron of traditional music. On her death she left the building to the community to continue her work. The Community Council has renamed the Old Butter House the Alice West Centre and today, in the recently renovated building many of Alice West’s paintings are displayed alongside her collection of rural antiquities. The peninsula is home to the Sheep’s Head Way walking route which is justly famous, and the peninsula has been designated as a European Destination of Excellence in recognition of the unspoilt and spectacular nature of the landscape in this beautiful part of West Cork. The area is steeped in history, with an an abundance of interesting sites - stone circles and gallauns; ringforts and castles, holy wells, copper mines and signal towers. The population of the area is approximately 1200 people and the “locals” are a very eclectic and diverse group of farmers, fishermen, musicians, artists and a celebrity or two! The colourful villages of Durrus, Ahakista and Kilcrohane en route provide local amenities including the local farmers market, galleries, cafes, restaurants and bars. Directions to The Black Gate, Kilcrohane on the Sheep’s Head peninsula: Nearest town is Bantry. From Cork take the N71 to Bantry (or at Bandon take the R586 to Dunmanway, Drimoleague, Bantry). Approx 3km outside Bantry on the Cork side turn left onto the R591 - following signs for Sheep’s Head/Durrus. In Durrus take the right hand fork toward Ahakista/Kilcrohane Guest access One bedroom, bathroom, own kitchen/dining room, own sitting room. Other things to note Some times there are meetings held down stairs in the main house.