An ambitious events space in Ballycotton, East Cork, Sea Church is a multidisciplinary venue housed in a fully refurbished Church of Ireland church.
Sea Church maintains its distinctive design attributes. This project has required attention to detail and the reuse of existing fixtures & features, including the pointed arch stained-glass windows, the slate roof, wrought-iron gates and oak panels.
As St Colman’s was a protected building, conservation of the building was a key element. It has been an arduous process, respecting the historic site while trying to build a restaurant and music venue. The Sea Church project brings St. Colman’s church alive once again and eager with excitement and hope for what is to come for this special venue.
Sea Church is the former St Colman’s Church of Ireland, built in 1835 for £330 which was raised by subscription. The church suffered over the years due to a dwindling local Church of Ireland population, and gradually the church fell into disuse and was finally closed.
In 2018, Ballycotton-born Pearse Flynn set out to realise a dream of his own when he purchased the church from American vendors.
A multi-million euro revamp began to take this diamond in the rough from decline and into restoration. Special care was taken in the renovation of the church and a huge amount of time, energy and passion have been dedicated over a two-year restoration programme.
Sea Church restaurant is located in the building adjacent St Colman’s church, which was originally a small local schoolhouse.
A contemporary glass atrium has been built to adjoin the former schoolhouse to the church. The contrast of glass and the historic church building marries perfectly as the extension’s floor-to-ceiling glass and glass roof brings nature’s rugged elements beautifully into play.
The restaurant’s calming interior absorbs its surroundings, the Irish Sea, sun and sky and reflects it back into the design and function of the space.
The Ireland’s Ancient East initiative allows visitors peel back the layers of time and to go off the beaten track to experience thousands of years of history. Built in the late 1840s, Ballycotton Lighthouse sits atop the unspoilt Ballycotton Island, across the bay from the foodie haven of East Cork.
A black lighthouse (one of only two in Ireland) it is only accessible by boat. Trips are arranged by Ballycotton Sea Adventures.
All their guides are local and will tell you the factual history of the lighthouse and picturesque Ballycotton as well as sharing some of the more fanciful local myths and legends. Ballycotton Lighthouse is proudly part of Ireland’s Ancient East.
The Sea Church venue has a defined access route & turning space for wheelchair users. We have a dedicated platform for accessible seating.
If you require special seating just drop us an email once you have purchased your ticket. For more information: reception@seachurch.ie
Whether you are coming to a show at Sea Church, please see below for our best accommodation recommendations:
Our car park is located opposite the venue and has 51 spaces in total.
Please send your resume to:
reception@seachurch.ie
We are not currently hiring, however we may be looking for servers in the coming months. Keep an eye out on our social media for job vacancies as they arise.
