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Cnoc Buí
Development

Cnoc Bui occupies a one-acre coastal location on the outskirts of the thriving village of Union Hall in West Cork.  The site on Glandore Harbour is idyllic and enjoys a south-facing aspect.  The property consists of an old farmhouse (constructed in 1880) which runs to 2,500 sq.ft., six derelict pre-famine stone outbuildings, a large area for on-site parking and three distinct garden areas.  

Plans for development

Cnoc Buí is a not-for-profit, volunteer-run facility which was recently registered as a charity.  Its five galleries offer affordable exhibition space to artists, with over 150 artists having exhibited by end 2025.  It is currently home to 15 local community groups ranging from Gaelgeoirí Bréan Trá, Union Hall Tidy Towns, Union Hall RNLI, Book Group, Women’s Group, St Brigid’s Parish Council, local Heritage group, Traditional Irish Music group etc. 
 

However, the demand for use of Cnoc Bui facilities has outgrown the space available. Over 40% of the artists who apply to exhibit in Cnoc Bui each year are disappointed, and requests for use of space by community groups now have to be regretfully declined. 

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Cnoc Bui has the potential to almost double the space available for exhibitions and use by community groups, as well as adding an apartment for Artists in Residence, much needed storage space for the permanent collection and an external performance space. To this end we have developed a multi-year building development programme. 

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A detailed master plan for the physical facilities at Cnoc Buí. This takes a phased approach to the development of the site and includes the following elements:

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  • Completion of the refurbishment of the first floor of the farmhouse building to create additional exhibition, administrative, social and storage space.

  • Realignment of the stairway between the ground and first floors of the farmhouse building so that access, safety, and fire regulations are addressed.

  • The installation of an external fire escape from the first-floor spaces of the farmhouse building.

  • The installation of a lift between the ground and first floor of the farmhouse building.

  • Replacement of the existing entrance porch to the farmhouse building with a larger and more inviting entryway.

  • Realignment of the existing ground floor toilet block and storage area of the farmhouse building to allow direct access to the central courtyard.

  • Re-roofing and refurbishment of ‘Cró na gCearc’ to provide self-contained accommodation for an artist-in-residence.

  • Re-roofing and refurbishment of the remaining five outbuildings to provide additional event, exhibition, office, studio, meeting, and storage space.

  • Installation of a new accessible toilet block.

  • Moving and remodelling the existing metal shed to adjoin ‘Cró na gCearc’ and serve as an artist’s studio.

  • Creation of a central canopied courtyard to provide a central focal point for the entire Cnoc Buí facility.

  • Remodelling the existing garden spaces so that they can showcase outdoor sculpture.

 

Significant capital works is critically dependent on resources from public grant-funding bodies and from philanthropic sources.  

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