House of the week

It’s a different world, a magical place, on an easy-to-reach doorstep.

Few people know about Carrigillihy, but it leaves an impression, if you’re prepared to roll up your sleeves, or trousers, and immerse yourself in it.

Protected from the Atlantic by the sheer rock Carrig an Stácha, and by the more low-lying Rabbit Island, the cove at Carrigilllihy and its tiny community of a few dozen houses, is one of the most sheltered spots on the west Cork coastline. It’s a hidden cul de sac a couple of miles from Union Hall, 20 minutes or so from Skibbereen and Clonakilty, an hour and a bit from Cork and a few more hours from London. Yet, it’s another world.