Once left empty for more than 40 years, a forgotten 1960s motel overlooking Owenahincha Beach has been lovingly reimagined into one of West Cork’s most distinctive places to stay. Welcome to The Little Island Resort – a boutique, adult-only, pet-friendly retreat that feels more Palm Springs than rural Ireland. The new season starts on Easter Weekend (Friday, 3 April 2026).
Located just steps from Little Island Bay Beach in Clonakilty, The Little Island Resort offers something refreshingly different for 2026: a place designed for slow mornings, salty swims, solo adventures, a getaway with your best friends or four-legged companions, all set against sweeping sea views.
Book now: https://thelittleisland.ie/. Prices start from €190 per night for Sea View Room and €200 per night for Pet Friendly Sea View Room.
A Mid-Century Revival with a Personal Story
The transformation is the work of sisters Aislinn and Nicole O’Shea, who took on the ambitious project with no previous hospitality experience and plenty of elbow grease. From grouting and plastering to wall-building, the Kildare natives rolled up their sleeves to bring the building back to life, while preserving as much of its original character as possible.
“When we first saw the property, we fell in love immediately and made an offer the next day,” says Aislinn. “It had been empty for decades, but we could see exactly what it could become.”
Originally designed in the 1960s by renowned German architect Klaus Kirsten, the building’s clean lines, outdoor pool and coastal orientation lent themselves naturally to a modern, mid-century aesthetic.
Adult-Only, Dog-Friendly, and Designed for Solo Travellers
The Little Island Resort is adult-only, making it an ideal choice for solo travellers, couples or friends seeking genuine rest and reset. Unlike traditional pet-friendly accommodation, dogs here are genuinely welcomed, with select rooms designed to comfortably accommodate guests travelling with their pets without compromising on style.
Swim Club Deli, Sea Swims and Sunday Rituals
At the heart of the resort is the Swim Club Deli, a café with laid-back beach energy. Guests and locals alike can drop in for speciality coffee, inventive seasonal menus with soups, salads, sandwiches and baked goods on offer. There will also be all-day pizzas and a cocktail/mocktail menu.
Plus Sundays are all about ritual: a sea swim at Owenahincha Beach followed by a coffee and cake.
The Perfect Base for Exploring West Cork
Just minutes from Clonakilty town centre, The Little Island Resort is perfectly positioned for discovering West Cork’s beaches, forests and food scene. Guests can make use of complimentary bikes, explore nearby hiking trails, or venture to local highlights, including Lisellen Estates and Dunmore Golf Club.
To make that easy, the resort offers picnic lunches and blankets, along with complimentary rain gear, so the adventure never has to stop.
A Sustainable Approach
Sustainability underpins every aspect of The Little Island Resort, from the renovation process to day-to-day operations, landscaping, kitchen practices and waste management.
“Our goal is to make the resort as self-sustaining as possible,” says Nicole. “We think carefully about every decision – how we build, how we operate, and how we host.”
Hospitality That Feels Personal
More than just a place to sleep, The Little Island Resort is about bringing warmth and personality back to hospitality. Guests are welcomed with complimentary drinks on arrival, can choose their perfect pillow, and wake to sea views and a thoughtfully prepared breakfast. Small touches that make the stay feel personal.