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Accomadation Ballybutler Cork:
Site.jpg&printer=TRUE&end=html) Farmyard and House. | In April of 2004 Muintir Mhuire purchased 6 acres of land and an old farmhouse at Ballybutler, Ladysbridge, Co.Cork. In Feburary of 2006 we received Planning permission for Muintir Mhuires first purpose built community. It is our view that this development will be the cornerstone and inspiration for many more projects to come. |
Design
 Proposed Description and Site Layout.  Kingpost traditional Design.  Informal Cloistered Hermitages. | Prayer, Study, and Work and a practical working environment was the main considering factor in the design and layout of the site. Linking the traditions of our ancestors with the history of the site it was obvious that the design would have to remain spiritual in nature being enhanced by the many scenic, reflective, social and inspiring aspects it contains. Space, time for reflection, private prayer, community prayer , work, study, sleep, social gatherings, were all areas that were considered in the layout, the positioning and architectural aspect of each building. Some of the older buildings on the site were built of mud and stone construction with traditional slated and corrugated roofs. The positioning of these buildings on site have shown the knowledge of the builders at the time. Some of the buildings are over 100 years old. Consulting with the planning authority the best line of advice was to place new buildings on the site of older buildings, thus giving us the positioning that we now posses. We now have full planning permission for a Christian Community farm holding to incorporate the following:
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Energy Efficiency
  | The Spiritual growth of our members, the natural and reflective setting, the traditional design of our buildings, our prayer gardens, our organic gardens all have one factor in common. They are alive, we are the living body, living breathing elements, growing in peace and grace towards the unbinding love of God our Father. Community coming from the word communion will only grow, if all aspects of it are coherent working together as one. This also works on a larger scale with the local environment. With the aid of Solar Panels we will support and use the Sun to heat the water that we feed and wash with. We'll use the natural spring of water of life for fresh drinking water. The ground and the sun will be used to heat the buildings eliminating the use of Fossil fuels, oils or gas. |
Prayer Garden
 Station Photos taken from Medjugorje  Visitors and Pilgrims are welcome to join us in Prayer.  Descending towards the ocean.  A replica of Gallus Oratory | The woodland across from our Hermitages is being developed to a defined landscaping plan to include ponds, waterfalls, trees, shrubbery and pathways. We feel it important to create, support and maintain an environment that is in balance and also has an aesthetic and healing potential. Ireland which was in the Middle Ages, known as the "Island of Saints and Scholars", has a very rich spiritual heritage. We see a great need to recall and celebrate the outstanding achievements of so many of our fellow country men and women in every age since the Faith first reached our shores. It is fitting that a large portion of our garden should direct our thoughts towards these Saints and their Spirituality especially the local ones St. Coleman, St. Finbarr, St Declan, It was largely their influence on our ancestors that gave us the Faith we have today. A replica of Gallus Oratory, being the oldest standing church in Ireland (over 1300yrs old,) will be built as well as traditional Hermitages the beehive huts, like those found on the shores of Goughganbarra or the Skelligs. The natural springs in the garden area will be developed to recall and revive the tradition of Holy Wells throughout the country. Our Prayer Garden in its natural setting rises gently in direction away from the sea and gives us a beautiful setting to erect the Stations of the Cross. A form of devotion attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, whose companions first set foot on Irish soil during his own lifetime only a few miles from our gardens. In combination with the natural and reflective setting of the gardens pilgrims will have the opportunity to follow Jesus on his Steps to Calvary. Both feeling and contemplating his struggle as they climb the difficult pathway to the 12th station, being the point of death. From the 12th to the 14th Station the terrain changes as the pilgrim moves south, now descending and viewing the Atlantic Ocean, the strand and the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside. In this way we are encouraged to see that life after death is utterly changed and now in its resurrected form is full of beauty, peace, fulfillment, awe and love. We are inspired by God's immense Love for us as shown in his unlimited creation. |
Chapel
 The Chapel is the Centre of our Lives.  A from from inside towards Ballycotton Island. | Christ being in us and we in him describes the Christocentric aspect of our lives. Christ being the centre, the first and the last, the alpha and the omega. True Christian living ascends from this , that Christ is the head and we the people are the body of the church. Architecturally the most important building we have is the chapel. It comes secondary to its purpose that is to house the Living body of Christ and to celebrate the Miracle of Holy Mass . The Chapel for Ballybutler reflects just this. It is designed with the view that Christ is the head of the Church, and we the people are the body. That the Head is Christ himself and dwells within our Chapel. The chapel is located in the centre of our community. The community including the people sourround the chapel representing the living body of the church. The new road that is being built leads directly to the Church and represents new life. The chapel is suitably positioned , with a clear glass front facade viewing the atlantic ocean, the strand, ballycotton and the islands, giving adherence to the Fathers unlimited creation. |
Hermitages
 Each Person Has their Own Space  For Caring or Sharing for Others | The monastic buildings of St. Kevin of Glendalough, St. Finbar of Gouganbarra as well as the traditional beehive huts built on the edge of the Skelligs, were all built and designed over a thousand years ago adorning the scenic beauty of Gods creation. Primarily they were for solitude, a retreat, places where people prayed to God just as we do now, seeing the same sky, moon, stars, sea, all of that which has been there long before us. Our Hermitages are designed in cloister format in a u shape with the front signifying openness to the love and inspiration of God. They signify unity, friendship, communion, the body of the church. Eight of the hermitages are for single occupation with their own entrance, bedroom, and living/study area that boasts superb views. Four of the hermitages are three bedroom which enables sharing, or family occupation. We also have a disabled friendly unit with its own parking and access. In total we plan to accommodate about 25 people. |
Refectory
 Renovated Milking Parlour to Refectory. | The main meals of the day, preperation , serving, bonding and tiding up afterwards is an integral part of community life. It is the time when we all come and join together, to celebrate in thanksgiving to God for all that we have received. It is a time to nourish our bodies, to receive energy to advance with the work we each have to do.The refectory faces south, it sits on the site of an old milking parlor roughly of the same size and shape. It has a capacity to hold about 30 people with superb light, and views to the east, west and south. Breakfast, dinner and supper, will be cooked by the members of the community and each person will have the opportunity to develop new cooking skills. |
Main Dwelling
 Main Dwelling with Hermitages to the rear. |
The main dwelling is of traditional vernacular design and seems to have been extended to on more than one occasion. When we received the house in 2004 it was of livable condition, with limited potential for community use. With renovation and building a new extension the house will now have four ensuite bedrooms, a large community living room and enough space for a private quarter for the spiritual director. |
Farm Building
 General Purpose Farm Building.  Car Parking area for approx 20 cars | Our farm building will act as a general building with a variety of uses, during construction will act as a stores and afterwards a recycling centre with options of having craft works. |
Muintir Mhuire, Muintir Mhuire, | Phone numbers: Mobiles: 086 257 1445, 087 7777970, 086 8247300 |