Island Cottage

Island Cottage Review

On Heir Island, this unlikely venture is a pilgrimage spot for food lovers, who praise the high standard of cooking and the location. The five-course (no choices) set menu focuses on local produce, some of it picked in the wild on the island. Expect good, honest, unfussy food—the best of new Irish Traditional. The restaurant is country-casual and tables seat 10, so be prepared to share. Cape Clear turbot with sea spinach is typical; for dessert, you might have hot Grand Marnier crepe soufflé with black-currant coulis. The proprietors, John Desmond and Ellmary Fenton, also operate "the world's smallest cooking school" here. Advance booking is necessary for both the restaurant and the cooking classes (lunch is for prebooked groups only); call for details about the four-minute ferry ride to the island from Cunnamore, which is about 15 km (9 miles) west of Skibbereen (follow signs on the road to Ballydehob).