The Island Cottage restaurant can be found on Heir Island located in the the spectacular Roaringwater Bay in West Cork, accessed by a five-minute ferry journey from Cunnamore pier. The restaurant has been run since 1990 by John Desmond and Ellmary Fenton who have both trained and worked in some of Europe's most critically acclaimed establishments.

The menu consists of a starter, main course, home-made brown bread, salad and cheese, dessert and filter coffee and will depend on the availability of the freshest, local and organic wherever possible wild island ingredients of that day. Typically on the menu you might find starters of mushroom risotto or marinated organic salmon on a bed of mayonnaise, served with homemade brown bread. Main courses follow with breast of duck, red wine sauce, potato and carrot puree or baked cod, sweet red pepper and courgette sauce, roast potatoes with rosemary. To finish there are some lovely desserts such as chocolate Marquise with a crème anglaise or hot Grand Marnier crêpe soufflé, with blackcurrant coulis.

There is a concise wine list chosen for both quality and price to complement the dishes. They also operate a small cookery school specialising in two day courses for two people including an overnight stay. As well as a skilful chef, John is also a talented artist and you can view his paintings in the art gallery adjoining the restaurant.

Rate this Restaurant

Modern Irish

John Desmond

Lunch: Sat & Sun
Dinner: 7.45 - 11.15pm Wed-Sat (June-Sept)

• Private parties