Free use of West Cork holiday homes in return for helping Church during summer
Two picturesque holiday homes are being offered for use free of charge by the Church of Ireland in two scenic areas of West Cork - but there's a catch.
In return, occupants must be willing to help in the parish churches over the summer in either Baltimore or Schull.
The Church of Ireland says some of the churches in the Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross only open in summer months to cater to tourists and increased numbers of churchgoers.
The small cottage being offered in Baltimore is known as Tullagh Lodge. It is beside the Church of Saint Matthew.
The cottage has a main living room with the kitchen to the left of the front door. A small hallway with bathroom leads into the main bedroom. On the right of the hallway is a small bunk-room, which sleeps two. There is also a double sofa bed in the living area.
Tullagh Lodge is less than 200m from the ferry port, the pub, shops and restaurants.
Meanwhile, a two-storey house overlooking the magnificent harbour is on offer in Schull village.
The house, which is suitable for a family, has recently been extensively modernised and refurbished to a very high standard. There is a large open-plan sitting room and dining area with a fully equipped kitchen and sunroom downstairs overlooking the harbour, while upstairs there three bedrooms and a bathroom.
The position is not open to just anyone, however. The offer is open to clergy and licensed readers of the Church of Ireland, or of Anglican/Episcopal Churches in communion with the Church of Ireland, who are in good standing in their own diocese.
Interested? The rector of the Parish, the Reverend John Ardis, can be contacted about the Baltimore holiday home at abbeystrewryunion@gmail.com while Canon Paul Willoughby can be contacted about the Schull house at canonpmw@gmail.com.
