This attractive hotel overlooking Schull harbour was acquired by the Blue Haven Collection in 2022, which makes it a serious asset to the town - and the area.
The exterior is traditional - cheerfully painted in true West Cork style and with colourful window boxes on the upper window ledges - and the interior has always hit a nice level of contemporary style, which is smart and up to date but not making too obvious a statement. This is set to change however, as the longterm plan is to develop it gradually along the lines of the 'mother ship', the Blue Haven Hotel in Kinsale, which is known for its individual style and constant self-improvement - it's a property that never stands a still, so returning guests will always find something new on each visit.
While the hotel does not look very big from the outside - and the main public areas, including the smart Haven Bar and the destination Gracie Blue Restaurant, are just a comfortable size for a small town - the extent of the amenities may come as a surprise. These include an impressive leisure centre with a swimming pool and gym, whose friendly, welcoming staff are on hand to deal with inquiries, which make it an ideal stay for families, and they're open to the local community as well as residents.
The accommodation is stylish - the very comfortable bedrooms have been given plenty of TLC in recent refurbishment, and prices are very reasonable for the standard offered.
The hotel has always had a reputation for good food and this is set to grow under the new ownership, as - while very different in many ways - all of the properties in the Blue Haven Collection are food destinations, known for providing an exciting range of dining experiences designed to showcase local (and other Irish) produce creatively to give a real sense of place. Schull Harbour Hotel menus highlight the wonderful choices available to the kitchen team - and the drinks menus, too, offer some of the best beers, ciders, spirits and soft drinks produced in Ireland, some of which find their way into bespoke cocktails.
