The Old Barn on 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.
To reach Heir Island you need to park your vehicle at Cunnamore Pier and 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. The Old Barn on Heir Island is a 15 to 20-minute walk from the pier. By prior arrangement you can arrange to be collected at the pier and driven to your holiday cottage.
Heir Island Holiday Homes Description – The Old Barn
The Old Barn on Heir Island is a pretty holiday cottage which provides wonderful sea views in a magical setting. This unique holiday cottage is a bungalow therefore all rooms are laid out over one floor. This holiday cottage has 2 bedrooms and sleeps 4 guests:
Property layout – Ground floor:
-Cosy sitting room with woodburning stove and satellite TV (basic package)
-Bright kitchen with all the essentials and large dining room table seating 4 guests.
-Bedroom 1: double sleeping 2
-Bedroom 2: twin sleeping 2
-Separate wet room with toilet
-Utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer, providing extra storage
This unique holiday cottage in Ireland has tiled floors throughout.
Outside this pretty holiday cottage there is a terraced area with outside furniture ideal for outside dining and relaxing.
Towels are provided.
Heir Island Holiday Cottages – The Old Barn & Timmy’s Cottage
We also have a second holiday cottage you can rent on this island called, Timmy’s Cottage. This large cottage sleeps a maximum of 8 guest comfortably. If you are looking for a unique holiday experience in Ireland for a large family or group gathering then renting these two holiday cottages would be the perfect solution.
Wheelchair Friendly Holiday Accommodation
We want to ensure that you and your guests have a memorable and relaxing holiday at Heir Island Holiday Homes therefore before making an online booking please contact the reservation team to discuss the exact layout of this holiday accommodation.
Local area & Tourist Attractions
These unique holiday cottages are located in Roaring Water Bay in West Cork. Their unique setting on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way provides the perfect base for people seeking a unique holiday experience in Ireland.
Things to do in the local area:
-Grocery delivery service available (3 times a week).
-Local cafes: Fuzzy Duck Café, Island Cottage & PizzHeiria
-Swimming
-Sailing
-Roaringwater Bay
-Practice Yoga and meditation
-Fishing
-Cycling
-Walking
IMPORTANT NOTES
1. Heating and Electricity:
This is an extra charge which is mostly payable to the Property Manager/Owner. In some cases, energy is charged at a fixed daily rate or a rate per unit on the units consumed or you are required to top up a Pre-Paid Meter while in others, energy charges are included in the rate you have paid. We advise you to check with the local Owner/ Property Manager prior to arrival how this is calculated or prior to making the booking.
2. Security Deposit:
A minimum refundable security deposit of €200 (per property) must be paid prior to check-in to your holiday home to the local Property Manager/ Owner. This is either taken over the phone by pre-authorising your credit card when you call the Property Manager to arrange your arrival time 48 hours in advance of arrival or at others it is taken on arrival. In some locations and at certain times of year this can increase to €500 per property.
3. Access to the holiday home:
To reach Heir Island you need to park your vehicle at Cunnamore Pier and 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.
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No guest under the age of 25 can book a Holiday Home. Guests under the age of 25 must be accompanied by at least one person over 25
Cancellation policy
On all reservations:The non-refundable booking deposit is withheld.
Cancel within 8 weeks of arrival all monies paid are retained
Important information
Fees
You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:
Management fee: EUR 0.6
We have included all charges provided to us by the property.
You need to know
Property # 10719915
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
About the area
Heir Island
Located in Heir Island, this cottage is in a rural area. Dun Na Sead and Baltimore Beacon are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Lough Hyne and Lough Errul. Liss Ard Gardens and Schull Planetarium are also worth visiting.
Skibbereen Heritage Centre - 59 min drive - 22.0 km
West Cork Arts Centre - 60 min drive - 22.6 km
St. Patrick's Cathedral - 60 min drive - 22.7 km
Restaurants
The Bunratty Inn - 87 min drive
L'Escale Fish & Chips - 87 min drive
The Townhouse O D's - 86 min drive
Budd' S Of Ballydehob
Jacob's Bar
Frequently asked questions
Is Heir Island Holiday Homes - The Old Barn pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Heir Island Holiday Homes - The Old Barn?
As of 30 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Heir Island Holiday Homes - The Old Barn on 10 June 2026 start from NZ$308, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Heir Island Holiday Homes - The Old Barn?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Heir Island Holiday Homes - The Old Barn?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Heir Island Holiday Homes - The Old Barn?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Heir Island Holiday Homes - The Old Barn located?
Situated in a rural location, this cottage is steps from Island Cottage and within 6 mi (10 km) of Dun Na Sead and Baltimore Beacon. Cape Clear Heritage Centre and Lough Hyne are also within 9 miles (15 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
A breathtaking view in all weathers, a super welcoming island.
This is a house with an extraordinary view and a certain old-fashioned charm for a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation in the heart of nature. Everything is there to help you forget the time.
Marie-Helene B.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 7 August 2025
Thank you for your your wonderful review. We are delighted you enjoyed your stay. We look forward to welcoming you back again in the future.
Die Abgelegenheit der Insel Heir ist super für Erholung und Naturerlebnisse. Das Haus erlaubt es, Meer und Wetter unmittelbar zu erleben - auch die vielseitigen Wandermöglichkeiten das. Aber auch der Kontakt mit den Inselbewohner*innen ist uns in guter Erinnerung.
Urs W.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 1 August 2023
Many thanks for your feedback Urs! We are delighted you were happy with your stay & the location. We hope to welcome you back again soon.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Anne
14 September 2021
A relaxing week on Heir Island
The Old Barn is perfectly located on Heir Island, just a 4 minute boat trip from mainland West Cork. We were blessed with good weather. The views from the house are spectacular. The beach is only 10 minutes away, where we enjoyed our swims twice a day with the beach to ourselves. Everyone we met were friendly and welcoming
The bathroom needs updating
Anne
Response from VrboOwner on 12 May 2022
Hi Anne
Many thanks for your great review of the Old Barn, Heir Island, Co. Cork.
We are delighted you had an "relaxing" stay and greatly appreciate your time, comments, scores and business.
We hope to welcome you again to Trident Holiday Homes in Ireland or Spain.
About the host
Hosted by Trident Holiday Homes
Languages:
English, Spanish
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests