House in County Cork
8 guests · 4 bedrooms · 1 bath
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Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Top-tier experienceA high end property in this area
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About this house rental
There are two parts to the property but they are one unit. In 1843 the Lighthouse Commissioners, responsible for the safety of those at sea, built Crookhaven lighthouse and the adjoining cottage. Perched over the entrance to the natural harbour of Crookhaven, for over 160 years the cottage sheltered the Lightkeepers' families. When the Lighthouse was first automated (it is still fully operational) the Commissioners no longer needed the accommodation provided by the cottage and ownership changed hands.
The new owners have fully refurbished the 1843 cottage and this part of the property now comprises 2 double bedrooms with an additional room containing a double pull-out bed and a stairway to a large living space converted from what had been the quarters of three families. This large living room contains extensive seating, satellite TV, DVD, and views in all directions. Also downstairs is a shower room, kitchen and dining area. The structural integrity of the 1843 cottage has been preserved with the layout of the downstairs rooms reflecting the original plan.
Across the small yard is the extraordinary light filled space that is the 'longhouse'. In 2008 the owners completed a radical design consisting of a rectangular glass walled cuboid resting on two new bedrooms and a second bathroom. This wonderful addition allows for spectacular views from the upper level through 270 degrees. In a feature article on visiting Ireland, US Airways Magazine (January 2012, page 38, available online) recommends the property as a fabulous place to stay and says that if you dream of ocean views, this property tops the list 'complete with floor-to-ceiling windows revealing the Atlantic's hypnotic blue waves'!
The upper level contains a fully fitted kitchen, a dining table seating 8/10, a wood burning fireplace, a High Definition TV and Blu-ray disk player together with comfortable seating throughout. Along the length of this level is a balcony from which the views need to be seen to be believed, ranging from the natural harbour of Crookhaven past the world famous Fastnet Lighthouse 7 miles off-shore, to Baltimore, Cape Clear and Roaring Water Bay with its '100 isles'.
Although built on 'Rock Island', this is not a true island, at least for the past several hundred years. Access is along a beautiful stone-walled 'lighthouse' roadway which undulates across the fields of heather and gorse for a mile or so. Just 2 miles away you will find Goleen with its shops, pubs and first class restaurant, Heron's Cove. Across the bay is the sailing village of Crookhaven, which for centuries was the first port of call for vessels arriving from the New World destined for the North West of Europe.
In winter there is always a welcoming fire awaiting you there in O'Sullivan's Bar and in summer a flurry of activity on the harbourside as sailors and boat people of all ages and nationalitiies set to sea or disembark in search of one of the mouthwatering seafood bars and restaurants on the seafront.
Around the next bay is the end of the Mizen Peninsula with its rugged coastline, the surfing mecca and golden sands of Barleycove Beach and at the end of the road a mile or two further on, the most south-westerly tip of Ireland. There you'll find a visitor centre and spectacular walks laid out along the rocky coastline leading to the recently re-built and re-opened pedestrian bridge over to the Mizen Lighthouse and Fog-Signal Station. Next stop America!
Owing to the location of the property on a cliff overlooking the sea, the property may not be suitable for small children, unless under constant adult supervision within and without the property.
Keywords: Ocean Front Lighthouse Dwelling
The new owners have fully refurbished the 1843 cottage and this part of the property now comprises 2 double bedrooms with an additional room containing a double pull-out bed and a stairway to a large living space converted from what had been the quarters of three families. This large living room contains extensive seating, satellite TV, DVD, and views in all directions. Also downstairs is a shower room, kitchen and dining area. The structural integrity of the 1843 cottage has been preserved with the layout of the downstairs rooms reflecting the original plan.
Across the small yard is the extraordinary light filled space that is the 'longhouse'. In 2008 the owners completed a radical design consisting of a rectangular glass walled cuboid resting on two new bedrooms and a second bathroom. This wonderful addition allows for spectacular views from the upper level through 270 degrees. In a feature article on visiting Ireland, US Airways Magazine (January 2012, page 38, available online) recommends the property as a fabulous place to stay and says that if you dream of ocean views, this property tops the list 'complete with floor-to-ceiling windows revealing the Atlantic's hypnotic blue waves'!
The upper level contains a fully fitted kitchen, a dining table seating 8/10, a wood burning fireplace, a High Definition TV and Blu-ray disk player together with comfortable seating throughout. Along the length of this level is a balcony from which the views need to be seen to be believed, ranging from the natural harbour of Crookhaven past the world famous Fastnet Lighthouse 7 miles off-shore, to Baltimore, Cape Clear and Roaring Water Bay with its '100 isles'.
Although built on 'Rock Island', this is not a true island, at least for the past several hundred years. Access is along a beautiful stone-walled 'lighthouse' roadway which undulates across the fields of heather and gorse for a mile or so. Just 2 miles away you will find Goleen with its shops, pubs and first class restaurant, Heron's Cove. Across the bay is the sailing village of Crookhaven, which for centuries was the first port of call for vessels arriving from the New World destined for the North West of Europe.
In winter there is always a welcoming fire awaiting you there in O'Sullivan's Bar and in summer a flurry of activity on the harbourside as sailors and boat people of all ages and nationalitiies set to sea or disembark in search of one of the mouthwatering seafood bars and restaurants on the seafront.
Around the next bay is the end of the Mizen Peninsula with its rugged coastline, the surfing mecca and golden sands of Barleycove Beach and at the end of the road a mile or two further on, the most south-westerly tip of Ireland. There you'll find a visitor centre and spectacular walks laid out along the rocky coastline leading to the recently re-built and re-opened pedestrian bridge over to the Mizen Lighthouse and Fog-Signal Station. Next stop America!
Owing to the location of the property on a cliff overlooking the sea, the property may not be suitable for small children, unless under constant adult supervision within and without the property.
Keywords: Ocean Front Lighthouse Dwelling
Amenities at Stunning Lighthouse Location with Panoramic Ocean Views
Non-smoking
No pets allowed
Map of County Cork
Ratings and reviews
8 / 10Excellent·May 2026
Beautiful Spot, But Communication & Maintenance GapsLovely location and facilities, but our experience was marred by a stressful check-in. Despite being told to coordinate entry with the property manager, my three texts over a week went ignored. I arrived from Dublin with my 19-month-old to an empty house and no instructions on how to enter. After messaging the owner, the manager finally called, insisting she’d sent lockbox info (she hadn't). As a physician and property owner myself, I’m meticulous with my correspondence; the lack of communication was unprofessional and unnecessary.Cleanliness & Comfort:Arrival: We were greeted by a full dishwasher of clean dishes to put away.Hygiene: Found dried smears on toilet buttons and several insects/cobwebs in the cottage—signs of a space not thoroughly checked between guests.Heating: Early May evenings were quite chilly. While cottage space heaters worked, the fireplace and "boost" functions in the longhouse were ineffective. The extensive property manual revealed a complex 3 zone systemI messaged the owner privately upon checkout to share these concerns constructively. While previous interactions were lovely, the final response was disappointing—syrup-sweet yet dismissive. We chose not to involve the "on-call neighbor" during our stay as we prioritized family privacy over fussing with a stranger about heating. Great potential here, but the management, oversight and communication need significant improvement.
10 / 10Outstanding·Jul 2025
The Rock Island light is a one-of-a-kind venue. Where else can you see so closely seals and dolphins and people all frolicking in the same shimmering waves? The location was perfect for our tour, proximate both to gigs in Goleen and Schull AND Mizen gems like Barleycove and three castle head. We loved the mix of old light keeper’s cottage and modern Malibu style. Otherwise, communication with host was a breeze and all perks in good working order—greatly appreciated!Keep the light on for us, we’ll definitely be back!
10 / 10Outstanding·Sep 2022
A modern glass wing and an old Victorian cottage make up this listing. As it was just my friend and me, we stayed in the modern glass wing and as we didn’t used the old Victorian cottage, this review is mainly about the modern part. Incredible views from the upstairs living room. The downstairs bedrooms have doors which open onto the courtyard. You fall asleep and wake to the sound of the ocean.
The property was clean, although some of the upstairs seating and the general paintwork was just starting to feel a little tired. But that said, your eyes are taken to the stunning 270 degree views out to sea and across the peninsulas.
The beds were comfy. The water was hot and the shower pressure was good.
A couple of things to know. To reach the lighthouse you have to drive down a very narrow walled lane - amount a mile long ( at least it felt like a mile). I clipped the wing mirrors on our car twice - soooo before you go down the lane, bring your wing mirrors in, and if you’re renting a car, don’t rent a wide one.
The second thing is that the modern wing is essentially a green house and on warm days, with the doors shut, the interior heats up (to 34 c !!) - even with the shades pulled down. We would return from a day out and fling open the doors. There is a small terrace and a gantry/balcony off the upper living room which a wonderful for enjoying the sea breezes.
Beaches, walks, restaurants are all nearby. Would recommend.
10 / 10Outstanding·May 2022
Unique, comfortable, on the sea
$$$$
Top rated by guests
9.9Outstanding
(51 Ratings)
"The Rock Island light is a one-of-a-kind venue. Where else can you see so closely seals and dolphins and people all frolicking in the same shimmering waves? The location was perfect for our tour, prox..."
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