Sherkin Island

Sherkin Island, historically Inisherkin and in Irish Inis Arcáin, lies across the harbour from Baltimore in Roaringwater Bay, West Cork. Five kilometres long and 2.5 wide, it had 111 people at the 2016 census and is known for its sandy beaches, its 15th-century friary and its community of artists.

Landscape

The island is green and gently hilly, with small fields, bog, and beaches including the Silver Strand and Trá Bán on its western side. It is one of the most southerly points of Ireland, and islanders say that when frost lies on the lawns of Baltimore, the grass on Sherkin stays green. Cape Clear lies just to the west.

History

Sherkin has an Iron Age promontory fort, and its Franciscan friary, founded around 1460 by the O’Driscolls, stands above the pier at Abbey Strand. Dún na Long, the O’Driscoll castle, stood nearby. Both were badly damaged in 1537 when the citizens of Waterford raided the island in revenge for a ship the O’Driscolls had seized. The lighthouse at Barrack Point, dating from 1835, marks the southern entrance to Baltimore Harbour. Before the Famine the island had around 1,000 people.

Both were badly damaged in 1537 when the citizens of Waterford raided the island in revenge for a ship the O’Driscolls had seized.

Visiting

The ferry from Baltimore takes 10 to 15 minutes and runs several times a day. Sherkin has a pub, a B&B, a community centre and lovely beaches and walks; many of its cars are old islanders that would not pass a mainland test. You can collect Sherkin Island as a landing in your Island Passport.

Wildlife and area

Grey seals, common dolphins and porpoises are seen in the bay, and choughs, oystercatchers and shags are found along the coast. Nearby islands include Heir Island, Skeam East and Ringarogy Island.