Hi Libby,
I know this area very well, my dp parents live there, we spend any free time down in West Cork.
Plenty of nice cottages if you have a google, narrow the area down for me and I will let you know. Probably passed most of them at one point.
We always stay in Skibbereen it is very central for exploring all areas and it is the largest town down that area with plenty of restaurants, farmers markets, pubs and shops etc etc.
You are within easy reach of all the Peninsulas and Islands.
Some favourite places down here, include Glandore, Baltimore Barley Cove, Sandy Cove, Glengariff, Mizen, Cape Clear Island, Sherkin Island.
Just let me know what you looking for and I can narrow it down for you….x