Island Cottage - Skibbereen

Our trip to Heir on the 2pm ferry was delightful. The weather was lovely and added to the experience. After a 10-15 minute walk up from the pier, we were greeted by Ellmary at Island Cottage. The menu had no choices, but there were some nice French red and white wines available. We sat at a communal table with friendly guests and enjoyed a delicious meal of medium rare steak with mashed potatoes and red pepper jus, followed by a light lemon soufflé. The meal ended with tea/coffee and homemade biscuits. Although we didn't see the chef, John, we could hear and smell the delicious aromas coming from the kitchen. We look forward to returning in the future.

A fantastic dining experience at this intimate restaurant. There is no menu choice, but the set meal includes starters, mains, and dessert with tea or coffee for €25. Wine is available by the glass or bottle. The atmosphere is cozy, and we had the pleasure of engaging in conversations with new friends at our table, including an actor and his partner from Kazakhstan. The husband was in the kitchen preparing our delicious steak and mashed potatoes with a savory sauce, followed by a mouth-watering soufflé. We even offered to give some fellow diners a ride back to their ferry boat. If you're looking for a unique dining experience with great company and delicious food, make sure to book a table at this restaurant. Reservations open at 10am on Tuesdays.

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.

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.

We had dinner to mark a big birthday so we were seated in a big table with 2 sets of strangers . It was like having dinner in a friends house with a fantastic vibe . The food was excellent . The brown bread should be produced all over the world with a Heir island bag of ingredients . We had salmon to start then local West cork duck in a delicious sauce . We then had gubeen cheese with beetroot . Choc mousse to finish Service by Elmary was excellent . The banter at the table was fantastic . Edgy Katie was celebrating a birthday along with fab Frank so we had great craic . Anna at our table had organised the tiniest of birthday cakes with the kitchen so we had a wonderful evening . This restaurant seats 20 so book well in advance . There is a special ferry service from the mainland so very well organised .