Unique Property Portfolio For Sale – Whiddy Island, Ireland

A rare opportunity to own a remarkable slice of Irish island life, steeped in history and natural beauty.

This Unique Property Portfolio is For Sale With Sherry Fitzgerald with an asking price of €4m.

Set within the tranquil waters of Bantry Bay in West Cork, Whiddy Island feels like a world apart — a timeless outpost of Atlantic calm where the pace of life slows to the rhythm of the tides. Now, a rare and significant portion of this storied island is being offered for sale: a remarkable portfolio of homes, land and heritage sites totalling approximately 91.4 hectares (226.2 acres), together with the adjoining Rabbit Island, offered in its entirety.

While not a “village” in name, this extensive holding represents a substantial share of Whiddy Island’s built environment — a self-contained coastal enclave of homes, farmland, history and possibility. For the imaginative buyer, it offers the chance to shape a private island community, a sustainable retreat, or an extraordinary generational legacy in one of Ireland’s most beautiful maritime landscapes.

An Island with Soul and Story

Whiddy Island’s heritage runs deep. Human settlement here dates back to around 4500 BC, and its name — Vod Iy, or “Holy Island” — speaks to a long history of sanctuary and reflection. Monastic settlements flourished here in early Christian times; later, the island became part of the O’Sullivan clan’s stronghold, balancing spiritual life with strategic might.

Centuries of transformation followed — from 18th-century fishing prosperity to 19th-century military fortification, and even a chapter as a U.S. naval air base during the First World War. Each layer of history remains visible in the island’s stone walls, batteries and ruins, all softened by wind, grass and salt air.

Today, Whiddy feels both ancient and immediate: a living landscape of quiet fields, clear waters and distant mountain views — a place where past and present coexist in perfect calm.

The Portfolio: Homes, Heritage and Horizon

This collection of properties forms a rare composite of island life, encompassing seafront residences, farmland, historic structures and development-ready sites. Together, they tell a story of community and continuity — and invite a new chapter to be written.

The Main House, Trawnahaha

Anchored directly on the waterfront, the main residence commands sweeping views across Bantry Bay, with its own private slipway for direct access to the sea — an increasingly coveted feature in coastal Ireland. Surrounded by approximately 75.7 hectares (187 acres) of gently rolling farmland, the property combines pastoral beauty with practical infrastructure, ideal for agriculture, leisure or private estate use.

Heritage Homes Across the Island

Scattered across Whiddy are a series of characterful dwellings, each with its own charm and potential.

• Cotter’s House and Teacher’s House evoke the simplicity of traditional island life, set within small private grounds.
• Gallow’s Hill offers compact living with coastal views, awaiting restoration.
• Kilmore House, with its adjoining one-bedroom apartment, lends itself perfectly to multi-generational living or guest accommodation.
• Kelly’s House, a single-storey cottage with direct sea frontage, captures the quintessential island aesthetic — peaceful, light-filled and immersed in nature.

The Bank House Restaurant and Bar

A cornerstone of island life, the Bank House combines hospitality, heritage and potential. The traditional bar and restaurant, complete with a spacious four-bedroom apartment above, provide an immediate opportunity to revive Whiddy’s social and culinary heart. With views over the bay and historic outbuildings like the old creamery shed, it’s a setting made for gatherings, storytelling and sea air.

The Battery — A Piece of Living History

Perched on the island’s western flank, The Battery stands as a striking circular fortification built in 1804. Once part of a network of coastal defences, it remains one of Whiddy’s most iconic landmarks — a rare example of maritime military architecture now surrounded by 12 hectares (30 acres) of open land. Nearby, a derelict ruin with planning permission offers an evocative opportunity for restoration in this historic corner of the island.

Rabbit Island

Completing the portfolio is Rabbit Island, a 1.19-hectare private islet just off Whiddy’s shore — a secluded gem surrounded by crystalline waters. With its intimacy and isolation, it’s the perfect counterpoint to Whiddy’s broader landscape: a private escape within an island paradise.

A Life Between Land and Sea

Whiddy Island lies just a short ferry ride from the lively market town of Bantry, one of West Cork’s cultural jewels. Here, artisan food producers, galleries and a thriving weekly market create a rich community atmosphere. Beyond Bantry, the wider region of West Cork is celebrated for its rugged coastlines, gourmet scene, and welcoming creative energy.

For those seeking a life defined by natural beauty, privacy and connection — yet still within reach of Ireland’s cultural and culinary heartlands — Whiddy offers something truly rare. It’s a place where you can watch the sunrise over Bantry Bay, walk through centuries of history, and still be home in time for dinner at your own island inn.

A Rare and Remarkable Opportunity

The Whiddy Island Property Portfolio represents not just a collection of holdings, but a tangible share of a living island — an interconnected landscape of homes, heritage and horizon. Offered for sale by private treaty or tender, either in its entirety or in separate lots, it presents an unparalleled opportunity to shape the future of this remarkable place.

In an age of noise and speed, Whiddy stands as a quiet world of its own — an island of peace, history and infinite possibility.