Fancy an island in west Cork for Christmas?

Christmas can be a stressful time for those looking around for presents for loved ones. Of course having money helps this particular predicament. With West Cork being such a popular tourist destination, have you considered buying an island there? Irish Country Living previews three islands in the region, one of which is priced at a cool €6.75m.

Horse Island

Location: Roaring Water Bay, West Cork

Acres: 157

Price: €6.75m

Auctioneer: Engel and Volkers and Colliers International

The jewel in the crown of Irish islands is currently for sale. Horse Island is located near the north shore of Roaring Water Bay in West Cork. The estate consists of the main residence – a cut-stone, six-bedroom house with a total floor area of circa 4,500 sq ft with two distinct wings leading off a central living space. This residence is quite simply stunning. Looking through the home, it would remind you of the perfect luxury getaway. Wonderfully finished and decorated, it is spacious, full of light and has wonderful surrounding views of the sea and countryside. If it was decorated for Christmas and you brought supplies with you, the holiday season spent here with friends would almost remind you of the Wham Last Christmas video.

If you get tired of walks on the island or availing of its many sandy beaches, there is the opportunity to use the leisure facilities, which include a gym, a games house and a tennis court.

In addition to the main house there is a “village” of cottages set close to the pier. These consist of two three-bedroom guest houses, a further two two-bedroom guest houses and two one-bedroom cottages, all of which have been lavishly restored and maintained.

This village is a legacy of the island’s mining past. Listed in the 1837 Topographical Dictionary of Ireland, as being three miles from Ballydehob, it contained 81 inhabitants at the time. The land type was described as clay-slate, with a very uneven surface, which is principally under cultivation by the spade.

The dictionary continues: “Here are copper mines which yield very pure ore; they were partially worked by Lord Audley, the proprietor of the island, and by the Irish Mining Company, and have been extensively worked by the West Cork Mining Company. It commenced operations in 1835 and soon discovered a large body of excellent copper ore close to the eastern point of the island, which is sold at Swansea at a high price. About 100 miners are employed, for whom several houses have been erected.”

The off-shore holding has been fully re-developed with self-sufficiency in mind. It has its own electricity grid powered by one of three diesel generators, which at any given time provide electricity to the whole island including all the houses, so the Christmas tree can be on at all times. There are also a number of wind turbines charging batteries, which serve as an emergency backup for electric light.

Water on the island is supplied by an aquifer 400ft below the ocean floor. The water is of excellent quality and is filtered and softened in the pump house before reaching the houses.

There are a number of fields all laid out in pasture and after a venture into Wagyu cattle by the previous owner, the herd has now been reduced. A centrally located farmyard consists of a number of modern buildings surrounding a concrete yard. The cattle shed is a seven-bay, A- frame building divided into a part slatted unit and hard standing area. The shed can be divided up further, allowing for flexibility when handling livestock.

There is also a three-bay, A-frame machinery shed with an internal workshop and a generator. The shed has concrete flooring and part concrete, part stone side walls. There is a 150ft-long pier which caters for those arriving by boat. The harbour has space to moor several boats and there is a separate boathouse complete with large storage space. Horse Island is situated close to the north shore of Roaring Water Bay, so there are a number of local harbours which are generally accessible during most tidal and weather conditions. Alternatively, the island has its own helicopter pad. The guide is €6.75m. But as presents go it would be pretty special.

Goose island

Location: Roaring Water Bay, West Cork

Acres: 0.75

Price: €145,000/ no reasonable offer refused

Auctioneer: Martin Swanton, Ballydehob

Goose island is nestled between the mainland, north of Heir Island and east of the eastern Skeam Island. It is a short boat trip to Cunnamore Pier, with Baltimore and Sherkin Island a little further south.

Mannion’s island

Location: Dunmanus bay, West Cork

Acres: four

Price: €150,000/ no reasonable offer refused

Auctioneer: Martin Swanton, Ballydehob

Mannion’s Island is located in Dunmanus Bay, close to the shoreline, and is accessible all year round. Approximately four acres with most parts being fertile, there is a fresh water supply on the island. There is no infrastructure at present, but it would be easy to erect a small windmill or solar panels which would generate electricity.

There is a small cove on the eastern end which is well sheltered, and is ideal for swimming and boating activities. Within close proximity of the main land – the nearest point being approximately 300m. In a small boat it takes just five to six minutes from the nearest dock to the island.

From the dock it is a five-minute walk to the village of Durrus. The nearest market town of Bantry is a 10-minute car journey away.