Island Cottage - Skibbereen

I must say, dining at this restaurant was an unforgettable experience. The food was outstanding and the staff was incredibly friendly. It was a fantastic day that I will always cherish in my memory.

On a rainy day, we sought refuge in a charming café and discovered delicious food, especially the seafood chowder and vegetable soup. The atmosphere was pleasant and the prices were reasonable. Highly recommendable!

This popular restaurant, which only accommodates 21 guests, requires reservations to secure your spot. With 30 years of expertise, the set menu is a highlight for those lucky enough to attend. Accessible via the Heir Island Ferry (book separately with John Moore for €7 return), the journey adds a unique touch to the dining experience with a departure at 7.30pm and return at 11.30pm to Cunnamore. Allergies cannot be accommodated specifically, as guests take what they are served with enthusiasm. Before dinner, guests can explore the adjacent Art Gallery. Wine options start at €25, and we enjoyed a mackerel pate on soda bread as an appetizer. Guests are seated in rotation, creating an opportunity to mingle with others. The hake starter was served with plenty of soda bread, and the fillet steak main course impressed with pureed potatoes and red pepper coulis. Local Gubeen cheese followed, along with a palate-cleansing red cabbage and beetroot veg in a vinaigrette sauce. Dessert consisted of two crepe souffles in cointreau, which were light and delicious. Coffee was the perfect end to a fantastic evening. While some guests stayed overnight on the island, we headed back to the mainland on the ferry. At €45 per person, this unique dining experience is well worth it.

I first read about Island Cottage many years ago,and have wanted to come try it ever since,and several times since it crossed my path either in conversation or in reviews,so I finally got here.From the ferry over,the little ramble up the island to the restaurant,meeting the others who were going to be sharing the restaurant and tables with us,he pre dinner drinks in the conservatory,being seated table by table,being told what was on our menu for the night,and it arriving course by course,I must say a thoroughly enjoyable and memorable evening,both from the point of view of the food-a fish carpaccio for starter,duck with mash for main,cheese and local beetroot,followed by tarts tatin with fresh cream,and coffee-and the company,we had an eclectic crowd and it was wonderful.i will be back,and would highly recommend it as a totally unique experience,particularly if like me,you are a foodie.

We had great expectations of this place, but our excitement was quashed by a cool welcome and being ushered into a characterless, cold 'sun ' room with no furniture, decorations or atmosphere with a load of people feeling awkward. The tables were unready and the wine we bought had to be drunk out of beakers. It felt like being back at school. The dinner was unimpressive, but adequate I suppose. €40 a head without wine rather steep.