Kilcrohane: Loop Walk, Cycling Route and Medieval Church

Explore Kilcrohane through its local history and specific routes. The Funeral Path Loop starts and ends in the village; the Sheep’s Head Cycle Route follows the Goat’s Path west to Kilcrohane and then continues to Tooreen. A medieval roofless church stands in the cemetery. The Seefin Viewpoint is located between Glanlough and Kilcrohane.

Local History in the Cemetery

An old roofless church stands in Kilcrohane’s cemetery. Its stone walls are surrounded by old and modern graves; the church dates from the Middle Ages. Its construction period, building materials and the graves give the site a historical character.

The church may stand on the site of St Crohan’s original cell. According to local tradition, Kilcrohane is named after Saint Crohane (Crócháin). The possible link to the original cell and the tradition about the place name are two distinct clues to the history of the area.

Walking and Cycling

The Funeral Path Loop starts and ends in Kilcrohane. It is 3.5 km long, moderately difficult, and has an estimated walking time of 1.5 hours. The estimated time and route length give you specific details for planning; the moderate difficulty rating adds information about the level of challenge.

The Sheep’s Head Cycle Route offers a different way to navigate: it follows the Goat’s Path west to Kilcrohane and then continues to Tooreen. This order helps you locate Kilcrohane along the route. If you are cycling, check current road conditions before setting out.

The Seefin Viewpoint is nearby, between Glanlough and Kilcrohane. It consists of two informal lay-bys and serves as a starting point for climbing Mount Seefin or walking the Sheep’s Head Way. The organisation behind the long-distance Sheep’s Head Way is based in Kilcrohane village; all walks on the Sheep’s Head Way are marked.

Boat access to Carbery Island is available; the island is home to many seals. If you plan to visit, check the local availability of boat access in advance.

More to Explore in the Wider Cork Destination

The wider Cork destination also offers historic sites from different periods. Timoleague Abbey was built in the 13th century on a monastic settlement. Barryscourt Castle was built between 1392 and 1420 as an Irish tower house. Charles Fort was built between 1677 and 1682 to protect the town and harbour of Kinsale; its walls and ramparts offer views over the harbour. These examples differ both in architectural form and in date.

Gardens and plants are another highlight of Cork. Fota Arboretum covers 11 hectares and is home to rare, delicate trees and shrubs that grow outdoors. Fota’s gardens include an ornamental lake, formal pleasure gardens, an orangery and a sun temple. Ilnacullin is a small island garden in the sheltered coastal harbour of Glengarriff in Bantry Bay, with horticultural and architectural features.

At Mizen Head, the visitor centre covers the geology of the region and the Fastnet Rescue Tide Clock. Visitors can cross the arched bridge; check current access conditions before your visit. Seals, kittiwakes, gannets and jackdaws can be seen below the bridge, though sightings are not guaranteed.

Discover more destinations: Castletown-Bearhaven, Coomhola Bridge, Rosán, Cobh, Cullen, Ballycotton, Dernagree, Ardgroom.

For the wider travel guide: Cork.