Skibbereen – County Cork

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.