
Guest testimonials
Truly enjoyed Skyros and the wonderful view. We went on the move and enjoyed Kinsale, Blarney Castle, Dingle and Mizen Head. The highlight was the Dingle boat tour out and around the Blasket Islands. We saw minke whales, dolphins and lots of birds including puffins. I enjoyed visiting the sailing school and shop. We’ll have to return and sail out of this lovely harbour. We enjoyed several hikes and I´m just in love with all the wild fuchsia and foxglove bushes! Just beautiful. Thanks for opening your lovely home to us. What a unique experience.
Amazing house, wonderful location, great views - stating the obvious, we know! The changing scenery and dramatic locations can rival anything you might see in mainland Europe. If you are in Baltimore, a meal at Baba´da is highly recommended and a boat trip through Roaring Water Bay to Cape Clear Island is a good day out with or without (in our case) minke whale, dolphin or basking shark sightings. We are sad to leave this lovely spot in Schull and the wonderful landscapes of West Cork and Kerry. Thank you for providing such a picturesque base, for such a well-stocked kitchen and, of course, for the generous hamper.
Skyros surpassed our expectations! It´s an exceptional property and we felt at home as soon as we arrived. The welcome hamper was bountiful with local goodies and there were fresh flowers waiting for us - it´s those little touches that make the difference. It´s modern, well equipped with everything we needed and in a great location. The views are incredible and ever-changing. It felt very secluded; something we love. All in all, perfect. We felt very lucky! We have used Unique Homestays before and the quality of properties and service the team provides are always first-rate.
We have just spent a most enjoyable week of holidays in the beautiful Skyros. The location is amazing, our eyes never tired of the sea views and the weather reminded us more of the south of France rather than traditional Irish weather! We have been delighted to have had the opportunity to discover this part of the country, thank you!
We have had a wonderful time in your beautiful house in Schull. Not only is it spectacular in every way, but there is also a lovely feel and flow to it. Thank you very much for all the lovely touches, not to mention a kitchen to inspire a modest cook like me.
This place is absolutely amazing. The house itself is gorgeous and we have loved hiking around the surrounding towns and villages during our stay! The view from the house is the most fantastic feature; the telescope provided us with a lot of fun to look out on to the view. We have pretty much explored the whole of South-West Cork during our stay, visiting Allihies, Sheep´s Head and Mizen Head; all with great coastal views. Thank you so much for this experience!
What a wonderful place, thank you so much for sharing it! The view is breathtaking and changes hour by hour. So many photos we have taken to refresh our memories of Ireland. This place is a gem, one we will share with our friends. Thank you!
Sometimes in life moments occur where you become aware that what is happening is special and you are creating a memory that will last a lifetime. The sort of memory you can look back at when you are older and know you truly lived. Moments where you feel totally alive. We´ve just come back from staying at the incredible Skyros on the foothills of Mount Gabriel and I am without doubt that those few days will last forever.
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Skyros
Schull, County Cork, Republic of Ireland
Lose yourself amidst the magic of West Cork by escaping to this unique self-catering home nestled at the foothills of Mount Gabriel in Schull. Skyros is a modern architectural gem and a sleek contribution to West Cork's scenery. Flaunting intoxicating views along the zig-zagging coast of Ireland's Mizen Peninsula, whether a family break or remote working holiday, Skyros promises a luxury escape you will never forget. Read more...
Introduction
Meticulously designed by award-winning architect Niall McLaughlin, this modern-day masterpiece in Schull was crafted from poured concrete and clad entirely in Irish Kilkenny Limestone. Fusing modern architecture with minimalist style, floor-to-ceiling glass windows allow the landscape to echo throughout the clean interiors, exhibiting stunning south-facing views over Roaringwater Bay and its collection of islands. Together with the Aga and underfloor heating, a glowing double-sided fire ensures this luxury self-catering retreat is as cosy as it is contemporary.
Inside
The single-storey design has a vast internal volume, with high ceilings and pared-back interiors allowing all the family to sprawl out in light-filled spaces. With ample room for up to six guests, the stunning living areas are complemented by four bedrooms, each exuding irresistible stay-in-bed appeal. The master has an en suite bathroom with out-of-this-world views, whilst the twin and single share a bathroom with bath and shower. The second double bedroom has a private shower and is separated from the main living space by a secret door.
Outside
Skyros’ garden is intentionally simple, bringing no competition to the house design nor the view. Pull up a sun lounger and enjoy the sea life as you gaze over to Cape Clear, Long Island and the iconic Fastnet Lighthouse - standing 146-foot-tall with a beam range spanning 27 miles. For a scenic drive, take "the long way round" (or the N17 if you're following a map!) and wend past the pretty Irish villages, ancient stone circles and scattering of fine sandy beaches that mark the meandering coastal route from Cork to Killarney.
There are four bedrooms at Skyros, the two double bedrooms are en suite, and the twin bedroom and single bedroom share the family bathroom. Six guests can use all of the bedrooms, however if there are seven guests, there will be an additional fee of £100.


Bedroom One
Master Bedroom
The master bedroom has an en suite bathroom with separate shower and boasts out-of-this-world views.


Bedroom Two
Double Bedroom
The second double bedroom has a private shower room and is separated from the main living area by a sliding door. Please note that space will be limited in this room if booking for two people.

Bedroom Three
Twin Bedroom
The twin bedroom and the single bedroom share a family bathroom with a bath and separate shower.

Bedroom Four
Single Bedroom
The single bedroom shares a family bathroom with a bath and separate shower with the twin bedroom.

Family bathroom
Ground floor family bathroom
The family bathroom features a bath and separate shower and is shared by bedrooms three and four.
- PricingFrom £2,295 per week, £1,850 per short break for up to 6 guests
Alternative group sizes of up to 2 or up to 4 guests are available during selected periods at a reflective rate - PetsSorry, no pets
- FamilyChildren and babies are welcome
- PracticalitiesSkyros has an ample amount of private parking for three cars. The kitchen has two full-size fridges, a freezer, electric Aga, dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer, espresso machine and much more. A seventh guest can stay for an additional fee of £100
Arrivals & departures
Arrival time: 4pm
Departure time: 10am
Other information
Fresh produce
- Crusty loaf of fresh bread
- Milk
- Free-range eggs
- Butter
- Local bacon
- Local sausages
- Local cheese
- Local salami
- Wine
Please note - the owners strive to source the best produce for your welcome hamper, however, the contents may vary slightly depending on the season and amount of people comprising your party.
Those all-important little luxuries
- Luxury bed linen and towels
- Beach towels
- Laid fire with additional wood, coal and kindling to get you started
- A selection of breakfast and herbal teas
- Ground coffee
- Instant coffee
- Olive oil
- Board games
- Hairdryer
- Dried herbs and spices
- Recipe books
- Crayons and paper
- A selection of toys
- Children´s storybooks
- Crockery and cutlery for infants
- Two highchairs and one cot
House book - your property and destination guide
Together with the owners, we've collated everything you'll need to make the most of your experience, from insider tips on local gems to practical property information, all in one digital house book, shared the moment you book.
Schull
Referred to as ´A Place Apart´, discover Schull, nestled within West Cork in the heart of Ireland where nature sets the pace. A luxury holiday in Ireland allows you to swap the hustle and bustle of city life for an invigorating walk along the zig-zag coastline of Schull.

Getting there
- On the map Overlooking the ocean, this unique coastal home is just a short walk from Schull, a traditionally Irish fishing town in West Cork.
- By air Fly directly from Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Gatwick and Heathrow to Cork airport which is approximately an hour and 40 minute drive away from Skyros.
- By car Car hire is easily available for those who arrive by plane.

“Skyros gives us an enormous surprise every time we drive up the lane as it suddenly appears. The house gives the feeling of being outside, whilst being cosy and warm inside, due to the ceiling height, floor to ceiling windows and room shapes. We love the view of the islands from the living room!”
Built between 2009 and 2011, Skyros was designed by Architect Niall McLaughlin. His incredible designs have won many awards in the UK, Ireland and the US, including RIAI Best Building in the Landscape and the RIBA Stephen Lawrence Award.
The building itself is made from poured concrete, visible in the rear wing, and is entirely clad in Irish Kilkenny Limestone. The interior is very bright and airy with high ceilings and enjoys south-facing views to Roaring Water Bay and its multitude of islands - Castle Island, Long Island, Cape Clear, Sherkin and The Three Calves all being visible. The views stretch past these islands, over the Atlantic and out to the horizon.
The iconic Fastnet Lighthouse lies eight miles out to sea and is also clearly visible from the house too. The Fastnet is one of the world's most famous offshore races, the 700-mile Cowes-Fastnet-Plymouth race.
There's just so much to see and do here, and the changeable weather means every day is different to the next. It's like it's own little world and that's why we love it.
The O'Keeffe Family
Discover the best destinations, experiences and restaurants to visit during your stay in Schull. A larger selection of recommendations will be available in the property's digital house book.
To See
West Cork Coastline
Whether you are an avid walker or wildlife enthusiast, make sure you leave plenty of time to discover the staggering West Cork Coastline. Be sure to pack some binoculars too, keeping your eyes trained for whales and dolphins in the sea!
To Do
Hike The Mountain Peaks
There´s no better way to get the legs pumping than a good hike. A particularly good route, take a trip to Dunlough´s Three Castle Head; it´s a tough hike but the precariously positioned Norman dwellings are a sight to behold.
To Eat
Hackett´s Bar, Schull
Hackett’s Bar is an old village pub. With roots dating back to the 1920´s, locals jokingly claim it hasn´t changed much since. Oozing charm with a great atmosphere, friendly staff, live music and super food, it´s not to be missed.
To Do
Fastnet Marine & Outdoor Education Centre
This outdoor education centre offers a range of courses, located on Colla Road beneath the school. The sheltered waters of Roaringwater Bay are an ideal place to learn to sail, or train to be an Olympian!
Whether you're curious about pet policies, the nearest walkable pubs, or wild swimming spots, we have the answers to common property-specific queries here. For everything else, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Can you walk to a pub?
Yes you can. Schull, with its various amenities including cafés, pubs and shops is just under a mile away.
How close are the neighbours?
There is a property in front which can be seen in our image gallery, but as Skyros sits in an elevated position, this does not detract from the views or the privacy.
Can you walk to the beach?
Access to the shore is just a short drive away, or around a 15-minute walk along the road towards Skull.
Below are a selection of features in which Skyros and Unique Homestays has appeared. If you would like to feature the property in an editorial capacity, please contact the marketing team on +44 (0)1637 882014.
complete an image bank request

Sleek seaside home in Schull
IMAGE Magazine
August 2023
Steal the Style
The Irish Times
November 2019
Wild at heart
25 Beautiful Homes
August 2026
The entrepreneurs cashing in on the £1.3tn wellness holiday boom
The Telegraph
August 2026
5 waterside stays to book
Country Living
August 2026
Time to cool off
The Times
July 2026
Broad horizons
Harper´s Bazaar
July 2026
The Times art critic’s favourite holiday homes with artful interiors
The Times
July 2026
Related collections
Luxury Self-Catering Cottages > Republic of Ireland > County Cork > Schull > Skyros





