Heir Island

Heir (Hare) Island

Breathtaking landscape, famous restaurant.

Heir (Hare) Island is one of Carbery’s Hundred Isles that lie scattered throughout Roaringwater Bay. The island is beautifully located, surrounded by a panorama of Sherkin Island, Cape Clear, the Calf Islands, the East and West Skeams, and Mount Gabriel to the North. Visitors should be aware that Heir Island is sometimes referred to as "Hare Island" on roadsigns and maps.

The island is easily walked and cycled and there are lots of safe sandy beaches ideal for sailing, windsurfing, swimming and diving. The centre of the island has an extensive marsh with a vibrant reed bed where you'll find many unusual birds as well as over 200 varieties of wild flowers.

Heir (Hare) is also home to many well known artists, who were drawn to the island because of its breathtaking landscape and peaceful atmosphere. Food lovers travel from far and wide to get a table at the famous Island Cottage Restaurant. With no pubs, but quality B&Bs and self-catering homes,
Heir is a great place to get away from it all.

Highlights

Sandy beaches; angling and boat trips around neighbouring islands; cookery classes.

Activities

Art classes, bird watching, diving, walking, cycling, sailing and sailing courses.

Address

Fáilte Ireland South West Region
Aras Fáilte, Grand Parade
Cork
Cork
Republic Of Ireland

Telephone

+353 ((0)28) 21766

Web

www.discoverireland.ie/southwest

Old church and graveyard, Heir Island

Key Facts and Information

Directions

Located in Roaring Water Bay, Co. Cork, a 5 minute ferry journey from Cunnamore, on the Skibbereen to Ballydehob Road, or a 20 minute journey from Baltimore.

Accommodation

B&Bs, holiday homes, restaurant, coffee shop, shop.

Population

25.

Size

Approx 2.5 km long & 1.5 km wide.

When to visit

Visitors welcome all year. Busiest time is Mid-July and August.

Take me to the Island

The MV Thresher ferry departs from Cunnamore Pier between Ballydehob and Skibbereen, Co. Cork. Daily, year-round.
MV Thresher Ferry
+353 (0)86 8092447

Did You Know?

Houses on the island fit in with the traditional cottage design that dates back to the 1920s and which has been uniquely preserved to this day.