County Cork has a lot to offer any would be home-buyer. You can find coastal property here in the east that enjoys easy access to Cork City (and all the career opportunities the city offers) all the way to the furthest reaches of West Cork where life moves a little slower and the coast becomes a little wilder.
Here are 10 coastal properties that have caught our eye this month (all of which boast sea views… because what’s the point of moving to the coast if you can’t enjoy it from your kitchen window!)
1. Reagrove, Kinsale, County Cork
€1,250,000
This stunning coastal property has been built in a star shape to make the most of the surrounding sea views. Thanks to it’s unique design and position along the coastline just outside of Kinsale, Reagrove enjoys uninterrupted coastal views as well as privacy.
The 4 bedroom home comes with a huge amount of open living space inside and includes vaulted ceilings throughout.
It’s no surprise giving this property’s location, almost every room, from the bedrooms to the kitchen and even bathroom, enjoys unobstructed sea views. The jacuzzi bath en-suite with it’s direct view of the coast is a particularly unique feature!
The surrounding grounds come to just over 1 acre of landscaped, lawned and wild meadow gardens. But if you ever get tired of your immediate surroundings… you’ll also find you have direct access to a secluded beach. A perfect spot for swimming during the summer months. It’s not quite a private beach but, it’ll do.
Watching the stunning drone footage overhead, it’s no surprise why this property has attracted more than 40,000 views in the past few weeks! This coastal property offers the best of both worlds. Privacy and quiet along Ireland’s wild coastline, Kinsale (with it’s vibrant restaurant scene) a short distance away and Cork city just 30 minutes away by car.
2. Sheep’s Head Peninsula, West Cork
€725,000
After flying under the radar for many years… the Sheep’s Head Peninsula in the far western reaches of West Cork is finally being discovered as a hot property destination for those looking to relocate.
The latest property to hit the market here is this well designed and contemporary home that enjoys panoramic views over the Mizen Peninsula and Dunmanus Bay to the south and the Atlantic Ocean to the west.
This 4 bedroom property has been designed to a high standard and is complete with hardwood flooring throughout and bespoke open plan kitchen/ living area that makes the most of the south facing views. A short drive from this dream home is the village of Kilchrohane which is popular with tourists (attracted to the peninsula by the extensive waymarked walks, stunning coastline and wildlife) and the vibrant local community.
3. The Master’s House, Cape Clear, West Cork
€400,000
If relocating to the coast isn’t enough for you… you can always take one step further and try island living instead. This historic Victorian property was originally built for the headmaster of the island’s school. It’s now on the market for any would be Irish islanders.
The 3 bedroom, Cape Clear house has been well maintained and is in good repair throughout. The current owners have kept a paired back, traditional interior which compliments the age of the property.
Outside, you’ll find The Master’s House enjoys distant views of the island’s South Harbour, Fastnet lighthouse and the rugged coastline of Cape Clear. There is a cosy self contained guest lodge with open plan living space which would be perfect for when visitors arrive or even for converting into a home office/ workspace. (Ideal if you intend on never leaving the island!)
Cape Clear is located as far south and as far west as you can in Ireland. It’s remote, wild in the winter and has a permanent population of about 120 people. A 40 minute ferry trip will take you back to mainland Ireland where you can reach the market town of Skibbereen within 15 minutes.
4. Sea La Vie, Fountainstown, County Cork
€1,250,000
This stunning hilltop property would make an ideal family home for anyone wanting to raise a family in quiet surrounding while still being in easy reach of Cork city.
Sea La Vie enjoys unobstructed south facing views over the Cork coastline and Atlantic Ocean. Inside, the property has been designed to make the most of the light and views with careful thought put into it’s layout. The 4 bedroom family home was built in 2010 and offers a rare opportunity to move to this stretch of Irish coastline.
Natural light floods into this property. Inside, you’ll find a contemporary kitchen/ living area that opens up onto the garden, a separate cosier living room and private home office. Upstairs there are 4 bedrooms, 3 of which are ensuite.
This family home offers quiet coastal living being just 5 minutes walk from Fountainstown beach and 15 minutes walk from Myrtleville beach. A short drive away is Crosshaven (famous for it’s Royal Yacht Club) and further north is Cork City.
5. Guileen, Whitegate, County Cork
€280,000
We’ve seen a lot of pricey pads on this list so far. But buying a house on the Irish coast doesn’t have to cost the earth. This cosy coastal cottage on the Cork coast is the cheapest on our list and still enjoys a magnificent sea view to rival the rest.
Guileen is in a remote corner of East Cork that enjoys unspoilt, wild coast and countryside. But, this cottage is still within walking distance of the Guileen Arms Bar and a short 5 minutes drive away from Whitegate village- where you’ll find a shop, school and rowing club.
If it’s a coastal property you’re looking for, you won’t do much better than this 2 bedroom cottage. Nothing will separate you from the sea except a quiet footpath. Car access is available at the rear of the property.
Inside, the cottage has an open plan kitchen/ living area with windows that directly look out over the sea. On the ground floor you’ll also find the 2 bedrooms and a good sized main bathroom. Upstairs is a converted attic space that could easily be used as a third bedroom or home office.
It’s rare for properties to come on the market in this area. This cottage could make for a cosy coastal downsize or even a holiday home escape from the city.
6. Church Cottage, Kilbrittain, County Cork
€750,000
This 1860’s built chapel conversion is the type of property that will make your guests go wow. It’s no surprise this historic conversion is packed full of character and original features. The spiral staircase in the beautiful open plan kitchen leads you to a mezzanine floor where you’ll be able to look out through original gothic style windows to spectacular sea views.
Other features in this 5 bedroom property includes an en-suite master bedroom, vaulted ceilings under floor heating, an open fire and even a self contained annexe.
Outside, you’ll find a large garden that is part lawn and part landscaped. And at the front you’ll find the spectacular sea views that overlook both Harbour View beach and Coolmain beach. Harbour View beach is a particularly beautiful spot, shallow water, clean sand and popular with wild swimmers.
7. Ballymore Lodge, Cobh, County Cork
€1,350,000
This period property is located on the shoreline of Cork Harbour, surrounded by mature trees that change colour with the seasons. Ballymore Lodge is a beautifully maintained Victorian property built in the 1870s just east of Cobh.
Surrounding the property you’ll find over 8 acres of gardens, woodlands, shrubbery, paddock, stone outhouses, a boathouse, glasshouse and paths that take you directly down to the water.
Inside, you’ll be able to enjoy coastal views from most of the rooms including the living room, sitting room, kitchen/ dining room and 3 of the bedrooms. You’ll also find high ceilings and recently installed sash windows throughout this 5 bedroom period property.
8. Pau Hana, Kinsale, County Cork
€1,650,000
Built in 2003, this property was designed to take full advantage of it’s position along the Cork coastline. And Pau Hana is pure luxury inside and out. It all starts when you first arrive through the striking wrought iron electric gates that swing inwards onto a large gravel driveway.
Sitting around the driveway is the main house (4 bedrooms in total), a self contained 1 bedroom cottage and a purpose built double garage.
Inside the main house you’ll find a large open plan living space, kitchen and dining area with high vaulted ceilings and windows that look out across to the coast and Atlantic Ocean. Meanwhile, outside, the property is surrounded by private and beautifully managed gardens that even include a wild flower meadow paddock with it’s own road access. The breathtaking views can be enjoyed from almost anywhere in the gardens or in the house.
9. Seal Harbour, Glengarriff, West Cork
€595,000
Back in West Cork now, we’ve found this beautifully secluded, modernised farmhouse for sale that enjoys sea views across Bantry Bay. The renovated and extended property has been thoughtfully designed to couple both original features with contemporary living.
The 2 bedroom house comes with triple glazed windows (perfect for weathering out any wild Atlantic storms!), a balcony that takes in spectacular coastal views, 3 fuel stoves, solar panels and traditional finishes throughout.
The south west facing farmhouse is surrounded by a beautifully maintained garden of mature trees, patios and lawns that add to the feeling of total privacy and escape. Outside you’ll also find self contained accommodation that works well as a guest house or home office.
Located right on the Wild Atlantic Way and a 10 minutes drive from the popular town of Glengarriff, this property is ideally positioned to offer the very best of what West Cork has to offer. This would be a great opportunity for anyone considering relocating to the coast for a quieter, safer lifestyle.
10. Seaview, Glandore, West Cork
€1,500,000
Last on our list is this substantial and uniquely designed coastal property on the cliffs just outside Glandore in West Cork. You will never have to worry about your sea view disappearing in the future as this home has been built directly onto the shoreline.
It’s unique design makes the most of it’s position and the natural light it offers the interior. Inside vaulted ceilings have been used in the living space as well as double height windows and access to a private sundeck.
The 3 bedroom property is located close to the centre of Glandore which is a busy village in the summer, well known for it’s sailing. Just a 20 minutes drive away from this spectacular coastal spot you’ll find Skibbereen which is a thriving market town offering shops, award winning restaurants, weekly markets, schools and services.