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Whiddy Island, Bantry, County Cork, P75 EF25, Ireland

€4,000,000
Sherry FitzGerald, Country Homes, Farms and Estates
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Description

A collection of properties and land extending to approx. 91.4 hectares/ 226.2 acres on Whiddy Island, including the adjoining Rabbit Island.

FOR SALE BY PRIVATE TREATY OR TENDER AT A LATER DATE

Maps and brochure available on request

Whiddy Island's storied past reaches back into the depths of prehistory, with archaeological estimates suggesting early human habitation as far back as 4500 BC. By the 6th century AD, the island had earned the name Vod Iy, meaning "Holy Island," in reference to its spiritual significance. At that time, at least two monasteries and a priory were established here, marking it as a place of quiet religious devotion. In 1171, the High King of Ireland granted land on the island to displaced monks from Cong, further enhancing its ecclesiastical status. The island was also home to the O'Sullivan clan, who came to control the bay and inner harbour. Together with the monastic community, they rebuilt a stone castle remnants of which still stand today cementing Whiddy's dual role as both a sanctuary and a stronghold.

By the late 17th century, the island transitioned to new ownership when Captain Richard White, an English settler, acquired the land. His son, later known as Counsellor Richard White, was born on the island in 1701 and would go on to purchase the grand estate now known as Bantry House. During the 1700s, Whiddy Island became a major hub for the pilchard fishing industry, supporting a fleet of 186 boats and housing three large curing facilities known as Fish Palaces. At its peak, the island's population rose to over 800 residents, drawn by its thriving maritime economy.

Whiddy's strategic location made it a valuable military asset. In 1796, in response to the looming threat of a French invasion under Wolfe Tone, the English constructed three fortified gun batteries on the island. These mounted 18 large cannons to defend Bantry Bay, though the batteries were decommissioned by 1807. The Great Famine of the mid-19th century saw the island's population decline to around 250, after which Lord Bantry converted portions of the land for deer farming.
In 1918, the eastern end of Whiddy became home to a U.S. Naval Air Station part of America's World War I presence in Ireland. The base included a seaplane patrol and a high-powered radio station capable of receiving transatlantic signals from as far afield as the United States and Russia. A tragic plane crash killed an American airman just one month after opening, and the base was closed in 1919.
Whiddy's final major chapter in industrial history came in the modern era. In 1966, Gulf Oil selected the island as the site for a major oil terminal, with construction completed in 1969. The facility was a key piece of national energy infrastructure until disaster struck on January 8th, 1979. The French oil tanker Betelgeuse exploded while unloading crude oil, resulting in a catastrophic fire that destroyed much of the jetty. Fifty men and one woman lost their lives in what remains Ireland's worst maritime disaster known today as the Whiddy Island Disaster or the Betelgeuse Incident. The terminal has since been repurposed for the storage of part of Ireland's strategic oil reserves.

Despite its complex and at times dramatic history, Whiddy Island retains its quiet dignity and natural grace. Its layered past spanning early Christianity, Gaelic lordships, imperial conflicts, and modern industry lends a profound sense of place to this remarkable island, where historical echoes sit gently amid tranquil landscapes and coastal beauty.

THIS HOLDING IS BEING OFFERED FOR SALE BY PRIVATE TREAY OR TENDER AT A LATER DATE EITHER IN ITS ENTIRETY OR IN SEPARATE LOTS BELOW

Main House, Outbuildings, and approximately 75.7 hectares / 187.1 acres, Trawnahaha, Whiddy Island, Bantry Bay, P75 EF25

This exceptional island holding features a two-storey detached main house, occupying a prime seafront position on Whiddy Island. Set against the spectacular backdrop of Bantry Bay, the property enjoys uninterrupted coastal views and direct water access via its own private slipway an increasingly rare amenity that greatly enhances both lifestyle appeal and practical value.

The main house offers a solid structure and a versatile layout, positioned to take full advantage of its coastal outlook. Its elevated setting captures natural light throughout the day and provides commanding views over the bay and the surrounding landscape, offering a peaceful and private place to enjoy the tranquillity of island life.

This exceptional estate of approximately 75.7 hectares / 187.1 acres is located directly on the water and combines fertile, gently rolling farmland with outstanding development potential. Currently laid out mainly as pasture and supported by well-maintained agricultural out buildings, it is highly suitable for livestock farming - yet is possibilities extend far beyond.
With is generous acreage, private slipway, and existing residence, the property offers ample scope for various uses: tourism, recreation, wellness, water sports, or an exclusive private retreat. A unique opportunity for investors, entrepreneurs, or those seeking peace and vision in one of the most idyllic and sought-after areas of West Cork.

BER:D2
BER Number:
EPI: 284.09 kWh/m²/yr

Cotter's House, Kilmore, Whiddy Island, Bantry Bay, P75 V180

A two-storey dwelling situated on its own grounds of approximately 0.176 hectares / 0.440 acres featuring a hall, sitting room, kitchen, four bedrooms, and two bathrooms. The property also includes a detached storage shed and has a total floor area of approximately 115m². The property require some modernisation and upgrades.

BER:C3
BER Number:
EPI: 210.52 kWh/m²/yr

Gallow's Hill, Trawnahaha, Whiddy Island, Bantry Bay, P75 T254

A single-storey dwelling situated on its own grounds of approximately 0.207 hectares / 0.511 acres comprising a sitting room, kitchen, conservatory, two bedrooms, and a bathroom, with a total floor area of approximately 64m². The property will require renovations and upgrades.

BER: F
BER Number:
EPI: 409.04 kWh/m²/yr

Teacher's House, Kilmore, Whiddy Island, Bantry Bay, P75 XW57

A charming two-storey dwelling set on its own grounds of approximately 0.212 hectares / 0.524 acres offering a blend of character and traditional design. The property features a sitting room, kitchen, conservatory, two bedrooms, and a bathroom, with a total floor area of approximately 72m². The home provides a comfortable living space but may require some renovations and modernisation to meet contemporary standards.

BER:F
BER Number:
EPI: 409.67 kWh/m²/yr

Kilmore House with adjoining 1 bedroom apartment, Kilmore, Whiddy Island, Bantry Bay, P75 VK77

A two-storey dwelling with an adjoining one-bedroom apartment, set on approximately 0.388 hectares / 0.959 acres. The main house features a porch, sitting room/dining room, kitchen, three bedrooms, and two bathrooms, with a total floor area of approximately 122m². The adjoining apartment offers an open-plan kitchen, sitting room/dining area, one bedroom, and a bathroom, covering approximately 34m². both properties will require upgrades.

Kilmore House BER: E2
BER Number:
EPI: 351.29 kWh/m²/yr

1 bedroom apartment BER: G
BER Number:
EPI: 450.24 kWh/m²/yr

Kelly's House, Trawnahaha, Whiddy Island, Bantry Bay, P75 A008

A charming single-storey dwelling set on approximately 0.592 hectares / 1.463 acres benefiting from direct sea frontage. The property offers lovely views and there is a pathway which leads down to the sea. The property features an open-plan kitchen, sitting room, and dining area, along with three bedrooms, a bathroom, and a storage shed. With a total floor area of approximately 69m², the home is fully furnished.

BER: E2
BER Number:
EPI: 359.74 kWh/m²/yr


Bank House Restaurant & Bar & 4 bedroom apartment, Trawnahaha, P75 FN77

A traditional-style restaurant and bar extending to approximately 105m², set on approximately 0.516 hectares / 1.384 acres featuring a spacious dining area, two toilet facilities and a fully equipped kitchen. The property also incorporates the historic old creamery shed, adding to its character and charm. Adjacent is a one bedroom apartment with a bathroom extending to approx. 22m². The four bedroom apartment is directly over the bank house restaurant and offers spacious accommodation extending to approximately 106m² including a sitting room, kitchen, WC, two bathrooms and three bedrooms.

Restaurant BER: D1
BER Number
EPI: 255.73 kWh/m²/yr

Apartment BER: C3
BER Number:
EPI: 204.61 kWh/m²/yr

The Battery on approx. 12.130 hectares / 29.973 acres, Crowkingle, Whiddy Island
A historic freestanding circular-plan battery, built in 1804, featuring military barracks, a magazine, and a cast-iron water pump within its interior. This site is part of a significant defensive network constructed by the British Government following the 1796 attempted French invasion of Ireland. Although abandoned in 1807, it remains an imposing structure, offering a striking visual reminder of the strategic importance of this remote location in Ireland's military history.

Derelict Ruin Near Middle Battery, Whiddy Island

A derelict ruin set on approximately 0.371 hectares / 0.917 acres with planning permission, subject to renewal. Planning permission on this to be extended. Ideally positioned in close proximity to the historic Middle Battery, this site offers a unique opportunity for restoration in a historically significant and scenic location.

Rabbit Island, Whiddy Island
Rabbit Island is a private island extending to approximately 1.196 hectares / 2.955 acres, located within close reach of Whiddy Island. Offering a unique and secluded setting.

LOCATION

Whiddy Island lies peacefully in the sheltered waters of Bantry Bay, just a short and scenic ferry journey from the historic market town of Bantry, in West Cork. The island measures approximately 5.6 kilometres in length and 2.4 kilometres in width, with softly undulating pastures, glacially sculpted terrain, and fertile soils that continue to support small-scale farming today. Its elevated points offer sweeping views across the bay toward the Caha Mountains, the Beara Peninsula, and the rugged Atlantic beyond. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters, the island remains delightfully unspoiled, with a timeless sense of remoteness that feels far removed from the demands of modern life yet remains wonderfully connected.
Bantry is a lively and characterful town that provides every practical amenity, including independent shops, cafés, restaurants, medical services, supermarkets, and schools. At its heart is the 18th-century Bantry House and Gardens, one of Ireland's finest stately homes, overlooking the bay and hosting a calendar of cultural events, from classical music festivals to garden tours. A bustling weekly market, artisan food producers, and a thriving arts scene reflect the creative spirit for which West Cork is renowned.

More broadly, West Cork is one of Ireland's most celebrated regions known for its dramatic coastlines, Blue Flag beaches, gourmet food culture, and easy-going lifestyle. From sailing in Schull and exploring the Sheep's Head Way to discovering the culinary scene in nearby towns like Skibbereen and Clonakilty, the area offers a balance of outdoor adventure and refined living. For those in search of a slower, richer rhythm of life without sacrificing access to community and culture Whiddy Island represents a rare and exceptional offering in one of Ireland's most desirable coastal enclaves.

DISTANCES
2 km / 10-15 minutes (including ferry) to Bantry Town
21 km / 25 minutes to Skibbereen
50 km / 50 minutes to Clonakilty
45 km / 1 hour to Kenmare
93 km / 1 hour 40 minutes to Killarney
89 km / 1 hour 45 minutes to Cork City
340 km / 4 hours 15 minutes to Dublin City Centre
350 km / 4 hours 30 minutes to Dublin Airport

All distances/times are approximate.

FERRY SERVICE
The island is served by a reliable, year-round ferry. Two fully licensed and insured vessels the Lantern II and the Ocean Star III carry passengers comfortably to and from Bantry, with subsidised fares supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development (�8 return for adults, �4 for children, free travel pass holders included).

CONTACT
Roseanne De Vere Hunt
Director
And Head of Sherry FitzGerald Country Homes, Farms & Estates
176 Pembroke Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
T: +353 (0)1 237 6402
E: roseanne.

Ray O'Neill
Principal
Sherry FitzGerald O'Neill
2 Western Road, Tawnies Upper,
Clonakilty, Co. Cork
T: +
E:

Olivia Hanafin
Negotiator
Sherry FitzGerald O'Neill
2 Western Road, Tawnies Upper,
Clonakilty, Co. Cork
T: +
E:

PSRA No. 001628 & 004158

Solicitor Details
Flor Murphy
O'Donovan Murphy & Partners Solicitors,
The Quay,
Town Lots,
Bantry, Co. Cork
T: (027) 50808

FIXTURES & FITTINGS
The rented properties are sold as viewed, subject to the furnishings and contents that remain in situ at the end of the lease. The main house and the outbuildings are sold fully furnished, including all contents as present at the time of viewing.

Whiddy Island, Bantry, County Cork, P75 EF25, Ireland

NEAREST AIRPORTS

Distances are straight line measurements
  • Kerry(International)
    34.4 miles
  • Cork(International)
    44.1 miles
  • Shannon(International)
    74.4 miles

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About Sherry FitzGerald, Country Homes, Farms and Estates

176 Pembroke Road Ballsbridge Dublin D04 EN80

Looking at the company today and thinking back to its’ origins, it’s interesting to see how, in the 30 or so years since its formation, the business has now grown to become Ireland’s largest, fully diversified property advisory firm servicing the residential and commercial property markets. Sherry FitzGerald was founded in 1982 as a result of the amalgamation of 2 companies – FitzGerald & Partners (founded 1972) and Sherry & Sons (founded in 1949). Back in 1982 we had just one residential office on Merrion Row in Dublin 2 with a second office in Terenure not opening until 1989.

Despite the economic difficulties of the 1980’s, the company recruited for the future by forming a team of young property professionals who shared a common vision of a new type of auctioneering company. From the start, we practiced a strong gender balance philosophy, a philosophy we have continued to practice to this day. We understood the absolute prerequisite to have a strong ethical foundation, combined with a sense of unparalleled customer service. That is why, back then, we introduced a non-negotiable rule of not allowing anyone in the company to buy a second-hand house off our own books, coupled with introducing opening 7 days a week into what had traditionally been a ‘9.30 – 5.30 & closed for lunch’ industry. Our strap line in those early days was ‘the new generation of estate agents’ which subsequently evolved into ‘the agent you’d recommend to a friend’.

In 1992 we were the first organisation in the history of the State, outside the Department of the Environment, to provide coherent house price information to the general public and subsequently launched our Dublin house price index in 1996. Today we employ 4 economists and, through all the challenges of the greatest property crash in Europe, we kept our commitment to research and transparent information by not only retaining this function, but by further resourcing it. Our national property index, launched in 1999, is a benchmark in terms of accurate reporting of house price trends. Every 3 months, over the last 15 years, this national index has been published without fear or favour.

In 1998 we opened our first office outside Dublin in Galway. In the same year we launched one of Ireland’s first property websites – www.sherryfitz.ie.

1998 also saw us consolidate our growing commercial presence by forming a joint venture company with the global property advisory firm DTZ Holdings – DTZ Sherry FitzGerald. Today DTZ Sherry FitzGerald is Ireland’s most successful and only nationwide commercial property advisor with offices in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick and an associated office in Belfast.

In 1999 we launched Ireland’s first ever national property franchise organisation. Today there are 66 Sherry FitzGerald franchise offices, providing property advice in every corner of Ireland.

In the same year the Group acquired the Ross McParland New Homes business which was subsequently rebranded Sherry FitzGerald New Homes.

The new century kicked off with the acquisition of Cork’s leading residential estate agency, Burton Crowley O’Flynn, later rebranded Sherry FitzGerald and now occupying a flagship office, housing both our Commercial and Residential business on Lapps Quay in the heart of Cork city.

The year 2000 also saw the launch of Mortgage Insight, later rebranded Sherry FitzGerald Financial Services, providing independent mortgage and financial advice.

In 2000 our Chief Executive, Mark FitzGerald, came up with the idea of launching a national property portal and led the process of putting together the team, the partners and the investors that made it happen, with the subsequent successful launch of MyHome.ie in 2001. MyHome.ie quickly became Ireland’s largest and most innovative property website and, 5 years after its launch, was acquired by the Irish Times.

Meanwhile, DTZ Sherry FitzGerald was growing rapidly. In 2004 the company acquired the niche commercial practice of CS Tierney O’Neill as well as further strengthening the Cork commercial business by acquiring the former Collier Jackson Stops office.

In 2005 Sherry FitzGerald successfully diversified into the U.K. market with the acquisition of the 150 year old, central and West London estate agency of Marsh & Parsons. In the following year, Marsh & Parsons acquired another London estate agency, Vanstons, which was rebranded Marsh & Parsons, and in the subsequent 5 years we grew this network to 14 London offices employing over 200 people. In 2011 we successfully sold the Marsh & Parsons business leaving the business debt free.

The timing of the Marsh & Parsons acquisition also helped to protect the Sherry FitzGerald parent business during the depths of the property crash, enabling us to keep all our own offices open and 200 people directly employed. This made us the largest Irish property business to emerge from the crash.

In 2006 we launched two community initiatives supported by the Sherry FitzGerald Foundation. Firstly, the "Your Home Away From Home" which saw us underwrite the purchase of 5 Fontenoy Street, Phibsboro for Temple Street Children´s Hospital to use as parents’ accommodation for two families 365 days a year. We subsequently arranged two successful 10km Walkathons to raise funds for the project. Secondly, we were instrumental in the establishment of Amawele - a new national charity which now twins 85 schools in Ireland with schools in the Eastern and West Cape of South Africa.

In 2008 we were chosen by Christie’s International Real Estate to be their exclusive affiliate in Ireland. This partnership gives sellers of prestige homes in Ireland access to international markets. Likewise we can also offer the owners of luxury property abroad access to local expertise when they come to sell, via the global Christie’s International Real Estate network.

In 2013, we acquired our two residential franchise offices in Galway and Limerick and opened our first Blackrock office in 2014. Since its foundation in August 1982, the Sherry FitzGerald Group has grown from a small fledgling company in one location to a nationwide, diversified business operating in 88 different locations. Currently we employ 315 people directly in our 22 owned offices across a diversified residential and commercial property business (18 residential, 4 commercial), alongside our franchise business with an additional 69 offices throughout Ireland, separately employing over 200 people. Sherry FitzGerald Group remains an Irish privately owned business and committed to leading the marketplace as we have done over the last 32 years.

Notes

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This is a property advertisement provided and maintained by Sherry FitzGerald, Country Homes, Farms and Estates (reference 138851_CHF250015) and does not constitute property particulars. Whilst we require advertisers to act with best practice and provide accurate information, we can only publish advertisements in good faith and have not verified any claims or statements or inspected any of the properties, locations or opportunities promoted. Rightmove does not own or control and is not responsible for the properties, opportunities, website content, products or services provided or promoted by third parties and makes no warranties or representations as to the accuracy, completeness, legality, performance or suitability of any of the foregoing. We therefore accept no liability arising from any reliance made by any reader or person to whom this information is made available to. You must perform your own research and seek independent professional advice before making any decision to purchase or invest in overseas property.

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