Skibbereen – County Cork
Self Catering Holiday Homes on Heir Island
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About Skibbereen & Heir Island
Skibbereen is a colourful and vibrant town in West Cork with so much to offer holidaymakers. The name Skibbereen, sometimes shortened to ‘Skibb’ means ‘little boat harbour’. This beautiful town has a selection of unique shops, live music, award-winning restaurants, and cosy cafes. This bustling market town is only 5 kms from the nearest beach and 67 km from Cork City. The River Ilen runs through the town entering the sea at Baltimore.
Skibbereen is the most significant town in Ireland in terms of its Famine heritage and it has an important role in commemorating this pivotal period. Every street in the town has its own story and the people of Skibbereen are extremely proud of its unique heritage told through Skibbereen: The Famine Story.
To reach our holiday accommodation on Heir Island you need to park your vehicle at Cunnamore Pier, a 15-minute drive from Skibbereen. The only way to reach the island is by boat, Cunnamore Pier is located on the Skibbereen to Ballydehob Road off the N71.
Heir Island is only a four-minute ferry ride from Cunnamore Pier. The M.V. Thresher is Heir Island’s official passenger ferry and provides crossings every two hours, however please check the ferry timetable in advance.
Holiday Accommodation on Heir Island in West Cork
Heir Island in West Cork is a unique holiday cottage in Ireland. Heir Island or Hare Island is 2.5 km long and 1.5 km wide providing a truly unique holiday experience. It is the fourth largest of Carbery’s Hundred Isles, after Sherkin Island, Clear Island and Long Island.
There is a grocery delivery service available, by prior arrangement, 3 times a week. There are three eating choices on Heir Island, Fuzzy Duck Café, Island Cottage, and PizzHeiria. Opening hours of the island restaurants, local shops and café vary throughout the year so please check in advance.
Heir Island, is one of Carbery’s Hundred Isles located in Roaringwater Bay, surrounded by some of the most idyllic and picturesque sailing waters in Europe. For those who want to take advantage of the area’s ideal sailing conditions, Heir Island Sailing School offers Irish sailing-approved courses.
Heir Island is a wonderful and truly unique holiday destination in Ireland. A wonderful peaceful place with a tremendous amount of flora to be found. For those interested in ornithology, the island is also an ideal home and stopover site for many species of birds.
Heir Island is a magical holiday destination providing an enchanted holiday experience at any time of the year. The perfect choice for a group of friends or large family looking for a memorable self-catering holiday in Ireland.
Holiday Homes on Heir Island
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44 Occupants22 Bedrooms
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77 Occupants44 Bedrooms
Experiences That You Must Have
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Over 35,000 Guests Annually
Over 35,000 domestic and international guests’ holiday with us each year in Ireland.
Established in 1983
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What our guests are
saying about us
Old Court House Holiday Home 4 bed
"Lovely big house that easily accommodated our group. Very comfortable bedrooms, a well-equipped kitchen and a spacious living area with a very welcome stove fireplace. Terryglass, within walking distance, is a lovely village with Paddy's Bar highly recommended for food and drink."
Old Court House Holiday Home 4 bed
Ventry Farm Parlour Cottage
"Authentic cottage with simple and adorable accommodations. Walked to the beach and local pub daily. Far enough out of the bustle of Dingle, but close enough to enjoy all it has to offer and at the peak point of the Slea Head loop. Gracious and cheerful hospitality from our hostess!"
Ventry Farm Parlour Cottage
Castlemartyr Holiday Lodges
"Fantastic, modern designer house. Luxury homes in a luxurious setting, just 20 minutes from Cork. For longer stays of a week or more, it is economical. A house very different from the typical ones in Ireland, which are often quite similar."
Castlemartyr Holiday Lodges
Dingle Harbour Cottages
"I can’t say enough about our stay at the Dingle Harbour Cottages. First, the cottages are clean and well equipped. The location is perfect. But the customer service was/is spectacular! My son hid his passport while we were there. Deirdre, the property manager, was able to locate it and arranged to have it delivered to us before we had to leave Ireland. Dingle Harbour Cottages have a customer for life."
Dingle Harbour Cottages
Comfortable Stay in Dingle overlooking the Bay
Grove Lodge Holiday Home No 2
"This property exceeded our expectations. A beautiful location next to the river. Perfect."
Grove Lodge Holiday Homes (2 Bed)
Heyward Mews
"The property has an excellent location with close proximity to the M50, the airport, and shopping areas, yet it is surrounded by nature and golf courses. The manager, Mr. Mark Hurley, is very helpful and knowledgeable. He made sure our stay was comfortable and was always reachable if needed. The property is well managed and clean. Thanks to the cleaning staff for preparing it for our stay. We would love to stay here again in the future. Kindly maintain the good standards!"
Heyward Mews
Ballybunion Holiday Cottage No 21
"House was very clean, with two recently renovated bathrooms, both with electric showers and wall heaters. Beds were very comfortable. Wifi and a smart TV in the sitting room were brilliant for the showery days. The orientation of the house meant sunshine filled the kitchen and sitting room throughout the day, keeping it warm. There were heaters in the rooms, but we did not need to use them. Lovely walk up and down to the beach every day. Would happily stay here again!"
Ballybunion Holiday Cottage No. 21
Innisfallen Holiday Village No 4
"Nice big house in a quiet neighbourhood with everything you need for a comfortable stay. The location is excellent for exploring Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, Dingle and other places across Kerry. We loved staying here for ten days. Communication with the manager was very good via WhatsApp, and she was always helpful if anything was needed."
Innisfallen Holiday Village No. 4
Waterville Holiday Home No 10
"Perfect stay in a great location. Very comfortable and spacious house."
Waterville Holiday Home No. 10
Glenbeg Point Holiday Homes No 55
"The location and quietness of the house stood out. It was very clean, and Máiréad was responsive and helpful throughout, thank you. The house was more spacious than expected. Glenbeg Point is in a great location for access to beaches, shops, Gorey town, and has play areas and sports grounds for residents, which is a real bonus."
Glenbeg Point Holiday Homes No 55
Forest Haven No 6
"Lovely house, well equipped with an excellent location. Just minutes walk from the beach and shops."
Forest Haven No. 6
Sea View Holiday Home Sheep's Head
"The location is fantastic, and the views from the house are amazing. The house is very comfortable and well equipped. The showers in the double rooms are excellent. The caretaker was very responsive and welcoming."
Sea View Holiday Home Sheep's Head
Dingle Courtyard Cottages
"We did like the easy check-in and check-out process. We enjoyed the 5 Days in Dingle very much and felt like at home at Trident Cottages. Everything you need for a convenient stay ist there. If there are any problems the propriety manager is easy to reach."







