luxury seaside house for sale Skibbereen, Ireland

Set in the heart of the spectacular Cork coastline between Crosshaven and Kinsale, this remarkable semi-detached home—once a Coast Guard station dating back to the 1860s—offers a rare fusion of historic character and refined modern coastal living. Positioned on approximately half an acre of beautifully landscaped grounds, the property has been meticulously and thoughtfully renovated by its current owners, transforming it into a serene and distinctive retreat in one of Ireland’s most desirable seaside settings. Originally built to house the Coast Guard personnel who safeguarded the shoreline and deterred smuggling throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, the home retains a deep sense of heritage while embracing a contemporary, open-plan design. The ground floor is centred around a bright and welcoming kitchen, where natural light pours in and flows effortlessly into a generous dining area. Large windows frame views of the west-facing front garden, creating an inviting space that is equally suited to relaxed family living and stylish entertaining. To the rear, a spacious double reception room enjoys panoramic views across the sea and the verdant garden beyond, offering a calm and ever-changing backdrop shaped by the tides and seasons. Upstairs, three beautifully appointed double bedrooms provide peaceful sanctuaries. The principal suite is particularly impressive, featuring an en suite bathroom, a dedicated dressing room, and direct access to a private balcony—an idyllic vantage point from which to take in the dramatic coastal scenery. A well-appointed family bathroom, complete with a classic roll-top bath, adds a touch of timeless elegance to the upper level. The outdoor spaces are equally captivating. The west-facing front garden has been carefully designed as a traditional ‘pottage’ or kitchen garden, enclosed by stone walls and sheltered by an Elaeagnus hedge. A charming archway draped in wisteria and climbing roses leads to a sunset patio, while vegetable beds, flowering shrubs, and espalier plum and cherry trees create both beauty and productivity. To the rear, the garden unfolds in a series of gently sloping, naturalistic layers. Tall grasses sway in the coastal breeze, while gravel pathways wind through fragrant plantings of rosemary, thyme, and sage. A robust greenhouse yields strawberries, tomatoes, and seasonal salad vegetables, while generous flower beds offer year-round interest through a thoughtful mix of herbaceous perennials, grasses, and shrubs. Mature olive trees and established hedging lend structure and privacy, while early spring rosemary blossoms give way to bulbs and cottage garden planting that attract pollinators throughout the seasons. Further along, a nature-friendly rewilding area introduces a small orchard of apple and pear trees, complemented by blueberries, rhubarb, and both summer and autumn raspberries. Bursts of lavender and poppies bring vibrant colour and attract birds and butterflies, all accompanied by the soothing, ever-present sound of the sea. Located less than 25km from Cork City, the property benefits from proximity to a selection of quiet beaches, including the sheltered sands of Robert’s Cove, known for its year-round sea swimming community and opportunities for kayaking just beyond the garden. Scenic coastal walks along the nearby headland offer breathtaking views stretching to Ballycotton Lighthouse, the Old Head of Kinsale, and Roche’s Point while Tracton Woods lies close by for further exploration. The vibrant towns of Kinsale and Carrigaline are easily accessible via picturesque country roads. This is a truly exceptional opportunity to acquire a coastal home rich in history, beautifully reimagined for modern living, and immersed in the natural beauty of Ireland’s rugged southern shoreline.

Set in the heart of the stunning coastal area of Dooks, Glenbeigh, this exceptional detached residence offers a rare opportunity to acquire a spacious family home in one of County Kerry’s most sought-after seaside locations. Extending to just under 2,300 sq. ft. on a site of approximately half an acre, the property enjoys breathtaking views of the beach, Atlantic coastline, and surrounding landscape. Designed to maximise light, space, and comfort, the home blends contemporary family living with its spectacular coastal setting. A magnificent open-plan kitchen and dining area forms the heart of the home, featuring dramatic double-height vaulted ceilings, an impressive stone-clad central chimney with double-sided wood burner, and large windows that frame the sea views while flooding the interior with natural light. Adjacent to the kitchen is a welcoming living room overlooking the rear garden and coastline, creating a relaxing space to unwind throughout the year. A cosy den provides additional flexibility and is ideal as a snug, home office, reading room, or informal lounge. The ground floor accommodation includes four generously sized bedrooms, one of which is en-suite, together with a family bathroom and practical utility room. Upstairs, a superb games room occupies its own private retreat away from the main living accommodation. Exceptionally spacious and beautifully presented, this versatile area is ideal for relaxation, entertainment, and family enjoyment. Its elevated position enhances the sense of privacy while allowing the surrounding scenery to be enjoyed from the comfort of this inviting space. Outside, the property is equally impressive. Ample private parking is available to the front, while the large rear garden provides excellent space for outdoor entertaining, gardening, or family activities. Mature surroundings and open lawns create a wonderful extension of the living space. A truly outstanding feature is the direct beach access from the rear garden, allowing residents to step straight onto the sand and enjoy swimming, walking, water sports, or simply the tranquillity of the shoreline. This rare attribute makes the property an exceptional coastal home. Dooks is renowned for its spectacular scenery along the Wild Atlantic Way and is home to the famous Dooks Golf Club, just a short walk along the beach. Killorglin is approximately 10 minutes away, while Killarney can be reached in under 40 minutes. Kerry Airport is within an hour’s drive, with Cork and Shannon Airports also easily accessible. Nearby Glenbeigh and Cahersiveen offer a range of cafés, pubs, and local amenities, making this an ideal location for both permanent living and holiday use.

Set in the heart of the charming coastal village of Knightstown on the beautiful Valentia Island, this exceptional detached four-bedroom home offers a rare combination of space, comfort, and breathtaking scenery. Positioned in a peaceful yet central location, the property provides an ideal base for enjoying island life while remaining close to the many attractions and activities that make this part of southwest Ireland so special. The house itself is thoughtfully designed with modern living in mind. It features four generously sized bedrooms, three of which are ensuite, providing both privacy and convenience for family members or visiting guests. Two of the bedrooms are further enhanced with spacious walk-in wardrobes, offering excellent storage while adding a touch of luxury to the living experience. To the rear of the home lies the true heart of the property: a spectacular open-plan kitchen and living space designed to maximize light, comfort, and connection with the surrounding landscape. The large living room boasts dramatic double-height ceilings that create an impressive sense of space and openness. Large windows and doors allow natural light to flood the room throughout the day while framing stunning views across Valentia Island. From here, sliding doors lead directly onto a sunny outdoor terrace—an ideal place to relax, dine, or entertain while taking in the peaceful island scenery. Despite its tranquil setting, the house is wonderfully close to the vibrant centre of Knightstown. It is just a ten-minute walk to the scenic Knightstown Pier and the new marina, where visitors and residents can enjoy a range of water-based activities with Valentia Island Sea Sports. Alternatively, you may simply stroll along the waterfront and enjoy a coffee or lunch in one of the village’s welcoming cafés or traditional pubs. Nature lovers will appreciate that the sandy shores of Glanleam Beach are also within a ten-minute walk, alongside the beautiful subtropical Glanleam Gardens. The surrounding area offers countless opportunities for outdoor adventure, including excellent fishing, golf, scuba diving, scenic coastal walks, and spectacular hill hikes. During the summer months, children can take part in a variety of water-based camps and activities. The property is also perfectly positioned for exploring some of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks. Within a ten-minute drive you can visit the Skellig Experience and the nearby departure point for boat trips to the world-famous Skellig Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its dramatic beauty and ancient monastic settlement. Golf enthusiasts will find themselves ideally located for some of Ireland’s finest championship courses, including Dooks Golf Club, Waterville Golf Links, Killarney Golf & Fishing Club, Ballybunion Golf Club, and Tralee Golf Club. Valentia Island itself is approximately seven miles long and three miles wide and is home to two welcoming villages, endless scenic viewpoints, and a wealth of local attractions. The island is accessible year-round via a land bridge from Portmagee, and during the summer months by car ferry from Renard's Point to Knightstown. Travel connections are also excellent. Abbey Road House is easily reached via both Kerry Airport and Cork Airport, while Killarney railway station is approximately an hour’s drive away, making the property both a peaceful island retreat and an accessible destination.