Exclusive Coastal Estate With Private Slipway Access
Updated: Yesterday
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About the Property
A collection of properties and land extending to approximately ninety-one point four hectares / two hundred twenty-six point two 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 archaeolog
A collection of properties and land extending to approximately ninety-one point four hectares / two hundred twenty-six point two 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 four thousand five hundred BC. By the sixth 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 seventeenth 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 pilchard fishing industry, supporting a fleet of one hundred eighty-six boats and housing three large curing facilities known as Fish Palaces. At its peak, the island’s population rose to over eight hundred residents drawn by its thriving maritime economy.
Whiddy’s strategic location made it a valuable military asset. In 1796, in response to looming threat of French invasion under Wolfe Tone, the English constructed three fortified gun batteries on the island. These mounted eighteen large cannons to defend Bantry Bay though batteries were decommissioned by 1807. The Great Famine of mid-nineteenth century saw island’s population decline to around two hundred fifty after which Lord Bantry converted portions of land for deer farming. In 1918 eastern end of Whiddy became home to U. S. Naval Air Station part of America’s World War I presence in Ireland. Base included seaplane patrol and high-powered radio station capable of receiving transatlantic signals from far afield as United States and Russia. A tragic plane crash killed an American airman just one month after opening and base was closed in 1919. Whiddy’s final major chapter in industrial history came in modern era. In 1966 Gulf Oil selected island as site for major oil terminal with construction completed in 1969. Facility was key piece national energy infrastructure until disaster struck on January eighth ,1979 . French oil tanker Betelgeuse exploded while unloading crude oil resulting in catastrophic fire that destroyed much jetty. Fifty men and one woman lost their lives what remains Ireland’s worst maritime disaster known today as Whiddy Island Disaster or Betelgeuse Incident . Terminal has since been repurposed for storage part 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 modern industry lends profound sense place this remarkable island where historical echoes sit gently amid tranquil landscapes coastal beauty.
THIS HOLDING IS BEING OFFERED FOR SALE BY PRIVATE TREATY OR TENDER AT A LATER DATE EITHER IN ITS ENTIRETY OR IN SEPARATE LOTS BELOW
Main House Outbuildings approximately seventy-five point seven hectares / one hundred eighty-seven point one acres Trawnahaha Whiddy Island Bantry Bay P75 EF25
This exceptional island holding features a two-storey detached main house occupying prime seafront position on Whiddy Island. Set against spectacular backdrop Bantry Bay property enjoys uninterrupted coastal views direct water access via its own private slipway an increasingly rare amenity that greatly enhances both lifestyle appeal practical value.
The main house offers solid structure versatile layout positioned take full advantage coastal outlook. Its elevated setting captures natural light throughout day provides commanding views over bay surrounding landscape offering peaceful private place enjoy tranquillity island life.
This exceptional estate approximately seventy-five point seven hectares / one hundred eighty-seven point one acres is located directly water combines fertile gently rolling farmland outstanding development potential. Currently laid out mainly pasture supported well-maintained agricultural out buildings it is highly suitable livestock farming - yet possibilities extend far beyond. With generous acreage private slipway existing residence property offers ample scope various uses: tourism recreation wellness water sports exclusive private retreat. A unique opportunity investors entrepreneurs those seeking peace vision one most idyllic sought-after areas West Cork.
BER:D2 BER Number:118566520 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 approximately zero point one seven six hectares / zero point four four zero acres featuring hall sitting room kitchen four bedrooms two bathrooms. The property also includes detached storage shed has total floor area approximately one hundred fifteen m². The property requires some modernization upgrades.
BER:C3 BER Number:116733759 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 approximately zero point two oh seven hectares / zero point five eleven acres comprising sitting room kitchen conservatory two bedrooms bathroom with total floor area approximately sixty-four m². The property will require renovations upgrades.
BER:F BER Number:118566579 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 approximately zero point two twelve hectares /zero point five twenty-four acres offering blend character traditional design. The property features sitting room kitchen conservatory two bedrooms bathroom with total floor area approximately seventy-two m². The home provides comfortable living space but may require some renovations modernization meet contemporary standards.
BER:F BER Number:118566835 EPI:409.67 kWh/m²/yr
Kilmore House with adjoining one-bedroom apartment Kilmore Whiddy Island Bantry Bay P75 VK77
A two-storey dwelling with adjoining one-bedroom apartment set on approximately zero point three eight eight hectares /[hidden information] nine fifty-nine acres. The main house features porch sitting room/dining room kitchen three bedrooms two bathrooms total floor area approximatelyone hundred twenty-two m². Adjoining apartment offers open-plan kitchen sitting room/dining area bedroom bathroom coveringapproximately thirty-four m².both properties will require upgrades.
Kilmore House BER:E2 BER Number :118571918 EPI :351kwh/m²/yr
One bedroom apartment BER:G BER Number :118571405 EPI :450kwh/m²/yr
Kelly’s House Trawnahaha W h i d d y I s l a n d B a n t r y B ay P7 5 A008
Bank H o us e R e s t aurant & Bar & f o ur-bedro om apartmen t ,T raw nahah,P7 5 FN77
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Sherry FitzGerald Limited is Ireland’s leading property advisory firm, with a nationwide network of over 100 office
Sherry FitzGerald Limited is Ireland’s leading property advisory firm, with a nationwide network of over 100 offices and a team of more than 650 professionals delivering expert guidance across residential sales, new homes and lettings. Our scale combines deep local market knowledge with the strength of a national platform, delivering consistently strong outcomes for buyers and sellers. We have a particular strength in the premium segment through our Fine Homes & Country Homes division, specialising in the sale of Ireland’s most distinctive properties, from period homes and country estates to contemporary residences. Renowned for our research-led approach and trusted advice, we connect exceptional Irish homes with a global audience.
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Last updated
Yesterday
First listed
Aug 21
Listing reference
e84b2841-9b88-11f1-831f-6045bdd61ac4
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