Sherkin Island: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 51°28′N 9°25′W / 51.467°N 9.417°W / 51.467; -9.417
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{{Short description|Island in West Cork, Ireland}}
{{EngvarB|date=November 2013}}
{{EngvarB|date=November 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2021}}
{{Infobox islands
{{Infobox islands
| name = Sherkin Island
| name = Sherkin Island
| image name = From the highest point of Sherkin Island.JPG
| image_name = From the highest point of Sherkin Island.jpg
| image caption = View from the highest point of Sherkin Island
| image_caption = View from the highest point of Sherkin Island
| map = island of Ireland
| map = island of Ireland
| map_caption =
| map_caption =
| native name = Inis Arcáin
| native_name = Inis Arcáin
| native name link = Irish language
| native_name_link = Irish language
| nickname =
| nickname =
| location = [[Celtic Sea]]
| location = [[Celtic Sea]]
| coordinates = {{Coord|51|28|N|9|25|W|region:IE_type:isle|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{Coord|51|28|N|9|25|W|region:IE_type:isle|display=inline,title}}
| archipelago =
| archipelago =
| area km2 = 5
| area_km2 = 5
| area footnotes = approx
| area_footnotes = approx
| length km =
| length_km =
| length footnotes =
| length_footnotes =
| width km =
| width_km =
| width footnotes =
| width_footnotes =
| coastline_km =
| coastline_km =
| highest mount =
| highest_mount =
| elevation_m = 189.3
| elevation_m = 189.3
| elevation footnotes =
| elevation_footnotes =
| country = [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]]
| country = [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]]
| country admin divisions title = [[Provinces of Ireland|Province]]
| country_admin_divisions_title = [[Provinces of Ireland|Province]]
| country admin divisions = [[Munster]]
| country_admin_divisions = [[Munster]]
| country admin divisions title 1 = [[Counties of Ireland|County]]
| country_admin_divisions_title_1 = [[Counties of Ireland|County]]
| country admin divisions 1 = [[County Cork|Cork]]
| country_admin_divisions_1 = [[County Cork|Cork]]
| country_admin_divisions_title_2 =
| country admin divisions title 2 =
| country admin divisions 2 =
| country_admin_divisions_2 =
| country capital city =
| country_capital_city =
| country largest city =
| country_largest_city =
| country_largest_city_population =
| country largest city population =
| country leader title =
| country_leader_title =
| country leader name =
| country_leader_name =
| population = 106
|population = 110
|population_as_of = 2022
| population as of = 2006
|population_footnotes = <ref name="Census2022">{{cite report |title=Population of Inhabited Islands Off the Coast|publisher=Central Statistics Office|date=2023 |access-date=29 June 2023|url=https://data.cso.ie/table/F1019}}</ref>
| density_km2 =
| density_km2 =
| ethnic groups =
| ethnic_groups =
| additional info =
| additional_info =
}}
}}
[[File:Map of Islands, Sherkin, West Cork.png|thumb|right|Sherkin Island, [[West Cork]], Ireland]]
[[File:Map of Islands, Sherkin, West Cork.png|thumb|right|Sherkin Island, [[West Cork]], Ireland]]
[[File:Sherkin Island, The Cow Strand.JPG|thumb|Sherkin Island Beach, the Cow Strand]]
[[File:Sherkin Island, The Cow Strand.JPG|thumb|Tráigh Eoghain mhóir, also known as Cow Strand]]
[[File:County Cork - Sherkin Abbey - 20150806104724.jpg|thumb|Sherkin Friary]]
[[File:County Cork - Sherkin Abbey - 20150806104724.jpg|thumb|Sherkin Friary]]
[[File:Sherkin in August.jpg|thumb|The old school house]]
[[File:Sherkin in August.jpg|thumb|The former girls' national school]]
[[File:Sherkin island.JPG|thumb|An Cúinne Harbour, Sherkin Island]]
[[File:Sherkin island.JPG|thumb|An Cúinne Harbour, Sherkin Island]]
[[File:Sherkin Beach Sun.JPG|thumb|Silver Strand]]
[[File:Sherkin Beach Sun.jpg|thumb|Silver Strand]]


'''Sherkin Island''', historically called '''Inisherkin''' ({{Irish place name|Inis Arcáin}}),<ref>{{cite web| url= http://www.logainm.ie/en/13016 | publisher= Irish Placenames Database (logainm.ie) | title= Inis Arcáin - Sherkin Island | accessdate= 20 February 2016}}</ref> lies southwest of [[County Cork]] in Ireland alongside other islands of Roaringwater Bay. It had a population of 106 people at the time of the 2006 Census,<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.cso.ie/px/pxeirestat/Statire/SelectVarVal/Define.asp?maintable=C0111&Planguage=0 |publisher= Central Statistics Office |title=C0111: Population of Inhabited Islands Off the Coast by Islands by Electoral Division, CensusYear and Statistic |date=2006 |accessdate=4 March 2015 }}</ref> measures {{convert|3|mi|km|1|abbr=off}} long by {{convert|1.5|mi|km|1|abbr=off}} wide. The island has two [[Public houses|pubs]], a hotel, [[bed and breakfast]], community centre, coffee shop and a [[Roman Catholic]] church.
'''Sherkin Island''', historically called '''Inisherkin''' ({{Irish place name|Inis Arcáin}}),<ref>{{cite web| url= http://www.logainm.ie/en/13016 | publisher= Irish Placenames Database (logainm.ie) | title= Inis Arcáin – Sherkin Island | access-date= 20 February 2016}}</ref> lies southwest of [[County Cork]] in Ireland alongside other islands of [[Roaringwater Bay]]. It had a population of 111 people at the time of the 2016 Census,<ref name="2016census">{{cite web|url = https://www.chg.gov.ie/gaeltacht/islands/populated-off-shore-islands/ | publisher = chg.gov.ie | title = Populated off-shore islands
| access-date = 20 May 2018}}</ref> and measures {{convert|3|mi|km|0|order=flip|spell=on|abbr=off}} long by {{convert|1+1/2|mi|km|round=0.5|order=flip|abbr=off}} wide. The island has one pub, a bed and breakfast, a community centre and a [[Roman Catholic]] church.


==Climate==
==Climate==
Sherkin is one of the most southerly points of Ireland after Cape Clear and [[Brow Head]]. It is said that when the frost covers the lawns of [[Baltimore, County Cork|Baltimore]] just across the bay, the grass remains unfrosted on the island.{{fact}}
Sherkin is one of the most southerly points of Ireland after the [[Fastnet Rock]], [[Cape Clear Island|Cape Clear]], and [[Brow Head]]. It is said that when the frost covers the lawns of [[Baltimore, County Cork|Baltimore]] just across the bay, the grass remains unfrosted on the island.{{citation needed|date=May 2018}}


==Population==
==Population==
Sherkin once had a population of around 1,000, which started to decline during the [[Great Irish Famine]] in the mid-19th century. Now the population is reduced and varies between the summer and the winter months, with increases in summer as people return to holiday houses and tourists arrive.<ref name="sherkinisland">{{cite web|url=http://www.sherkinisland.eu/ |title=Sherkin Island – West Cork – Ireland |publisher=Sherkinisland.eu |date= |accessdate=26 April 2013}}</ref> People of a number of different nationalities have settled on Sherkin,{{citation needed|date=April 2013}} including artists, writers, craft workers,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.islandscrafts.com |title=Islands Crafts |publisher=Islands Crafts |date= |accessdate=26 April 2013}}</ref> musicians, photographers,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherkinphoto.com |title=Terry Farnell Photography, Sherkin Island: |publisher=Sherkinphoto.com |date= |accessdate=26 April 2013}}</ref><ref>http://www.mahons.org</ref> beekeepers,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://europeforvisitors.com/europe/countries/ireland/walking-in-ireland-sherkin-island-12.htm |title=Sherkin Island Beekeeper |publisher=Europe for Visitors |date= |accessdate=26 April 2013}}</ref> pilots, cattle farmers, mussel and oyster farmers, biologists, botanists and oceanologists,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherkinisland.eu/galeria1/imagepages/image63.html |title=DSC01137.JPG |publisher=Sherkinisland.eu |date= |accessdate=26 April 2013}}</ref> fishermen and sailors, teachers and doctors, horselovers and strawberry growers.{{citation needed|date=April 2013}}
Sherkin once had a population of around 1,000, which started to decline during the [[Great Irish Famine]] in the mid-19th century. Now the population is reduced and varies between the summer and the winter months, with increases in summer as people return to holiday houses and tourists arrive.<ref name="sherkinisland">{{cite web|url=http://www.sherkinisland.eu/ |title=Sherkin Island – West Cork – Ireland |publisher=Sherkinisland.eu |access-date=26 April 2013}}</ref> The population of Sherkin include artists, writers, craft workers,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.islandscrafts.com |title=Islands Crafts |publisher=Islands Crafts |access-date=26 April 2013}}</ref> musicians, photographers,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherkinphoto.com |title=Terry Farnell Photography, Sherkin Island |publisher=Sherkinphoto.com |access-date=26 April 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.mahons.org| title = Nuala Mahon}}</ref> beekeepers,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://europeforvisitors.com/europe/countries/ireland/walking-in-ireland-sherkin-island-12.htm |title=Sherkin Island Beekeeper |publisher=Europe for Visitors |access-date=26 April 2013}}</ref> cattle farmers, mussel and oyster farmers, oceanologists,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherkinisland.eu/galeria1/imagepages/image63.html |title=DSC01137.JPG |publisher=Sherkinisland.eu |access-date=26 April 2013}}</ref> fishermen, sailors, teachers, and doctors.{{citation needed|date=April 2013}}


{{Historical populations
{{Historical populations
| align = none
| align = none
| cols = 3
| cols = 3
|footnote= Source: {{cite web |url= http://www.cso.ie/px/pxeirestat/Statire/SelectVarVal/Define.asp?Maintable=CNA17&Planguage=0 |title= CNA17: Population by Off Shore Island, Sex and Year |author= Central Statistics Office |date= |website= CSO.ie |publisher= |accessdate=October 12, 2016}}
|footnote= Sources: 1841-2006 {{cite web |url= http://www.cso.ie/px/pxeirestat/Statire/SelectVarVal/Define.asp?Maintable=CNA17&Planguage=0 |title= CNA17: Population by Off Shore Island, Sex and Year |author= Central Statistics Office |website= CSO.ie |access-date=12 October 2016}} 2011-2016 {{cite web|url = https://www.chg.gov.ie/gaeltacht/islands/populated-off-shore-islands/ | publisher = chg.gov.ie | title = Populated off-shore islands
| access-date = 20 May 2018}}


|1841|1131
|1841|1131
Line 85: Line 89:
|2006|106
|2006|106
|2011|114
|2011|114
|2016|111
|2022|110
}}
}}


==Transport==
==Transport==
Sherkin's ferry boat is named "Mystic Waters", and during the summer (roughly 1 June – 30 September) it makes approximately ten daily trips to the island.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sherkinisland.eu/index.php/ferry |title=Ferry &#124; Sherkin Island – West Cork – Ireland |publisher=Sherkinisland.eu |date= |accessdate=26 April 2013}}</ref>
Sherkin is served year-round by a ferry service operating from the port of Baltimore.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sherkinisland.eu/index.php/ferry |title=Ferry &#124; Sherkin Island – West Cork – Ireland |publisher=Sherkinisland.eu |access-date=26 April 2013}}</ref>


The roads on Sherkin are narrow and often in poor condition. Most of the cars on the island are old and unsuitable for use on the mainland.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://europeforvisitors.com/europe/countries/ireland/walking-in-ireland-sherkin-island-4.htm |title=Sherkin Island Cars |publisher=Europe for Visitors |date= |accessdate=26 April 2013}}</ref> Cycling and walking are common, with horse riding also an option.{{citation needed|date=March 2015}}
The roads on Sherkin are narrow and maintained by [[Cork County Council]]. Most of the cars on the island are old and unsuitable for use on the mainland.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://europeforvisitors.com/europe/countries/ireland/walking-in-ireland-sherkin-island-4.htm |title=Sherkin Island Cars |publisher=Europe for Visitors |access-date=26 April 2013}}</ref> Given the size of the island, many residents also walk or cycle. The island also has a bus service which primarily transports people to and from the ferry.{{citation needed|date=March 2015}}


==History==
==History==
There are a number of archaeological remains on Sherkin. A [[friary]], the Mainster Inis Arcain, is uphill from the ferry pier. The seat of the O'Driscoll Clan was Dun-na-Long Castle.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/factual/opencountry_20020824.shtml |title=BBC Radio 4 – Open Country |publisher=Bbc.co.uk |date= |accessdate=26 April 2013}}</ref> These two buildings were heavily damaged in 1537 when citizens of Waterford invaded the island after a dispute over a seized and plundered ship.{{Citation needed|date=July 2010}} Sherkin has an automated [[lighthouse]], maintained by locals. It is situated at Barrack Point and dates from 1835.<ref>[http://www.discoverireland.ie/Ireland-s-Islands/South-West-(Cork)/Sherkin-Island Discoverireland.ie – Sherkin]</ref> The lighthouse marks the southern entrance to Baltimore Harbour, along with the Baltimore Beacon. On the south-western side of the island there is a functioning Roman Catholic church. The main historic sites include:
There are a number of archaeological remains on Sherkin. A [[franciscan]] [[friary]], known locally as the Abbey, stands above Abbey strand, where the pier is. The seat of the O'Driscoll Clan was Dún na Long.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/factual/opencountry_20020824.shtml |title=BBC Radio 4 – Open Country |publisher=Bbc.co.uk |access-date=26 April 2013}}</ref> These two buildings were heavily damaged in 1537 when citizens of Waterford invaded the island after a dispute over a seized and plundered ship.{{Citation needed|date=July 2010}} Sherkin has an automated [[lighthouse]], maintained by locals. It is situated at Barrack Point and dates from 1835.<ref>[http://www.discoverireland.ie/Ireland-s-Islands/South-West-(Cork)/Sherkin-Island Discoverireland.ie – Sherkin]</ref> The lighthouse marks the southern entrance to Baltimore Harbour, along with the Baltimore Beacon. On the south-western side of the island there is a functioning Roman Catholic church. The main historic sites include:
* [[Promontory fort]] – Celtic Iron Age – 600 B.C. – 400 A.D.
* [[Promontory fort]] – Celtic Iron Age – 600&nbsp;BC – 400&nbsp;AD
* [[Franciscan]] friary – Medieval – post 1200 A.D.
* [[Franciscan]] friary – Medieval – 1460&nbsp;AD<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.megalithicireland.com/Sherkin%20Friary,%20Cork.html| title = Sherkin Island Friary, Cork}}</ref>
* O'Mahony Castle – Medieval – post 1200 A.D.
* O'Driscoll Castle – Medieval – post 1200&nbsp;AD


==Tourism==
==Tourism==
{{Wikivoyage|Sherkin Island}}
The ferry to Sherkin sails from [[Baltimore, County Cork|Baltimore]] on the mainland. The island is a tourist destination and it typically takes between 10 and 15 minutes to get to Sherkin from Baltimore.{{fact}} The journey to the neighbouring [[Gaeltacht]] island [[Cape Clear Island|Cape Clear]] takes on average approximately 40 minutes. A number of Sherkin's residents are active in the fields of art, including [[craft]]s, painting and writing. The busiest season starts with school summer holidays when families visit the island.{{citation needed|date=March 2015}}
The ferry to Sherkin sails from [[Baltimore, County Cork|Baltimore]] on the mainland. The island is a tourist destination and it typically takes between 10 and 15 minutes to get to Sherkin from Baltimore.{{citation needed|date=May 2018}} The journey to the neighbouring [[Gaeltacht]] island [[Cape Clear Island|Cape Clear]] takes on average approximately 40 minutes. A number of Sherkin's residents are active in the fields of art, including [[craft]]s, painting and writing. The busiest season starts with school summer holidays when families visit the island.{{citation needed|date=March 2015}}


Visitors can book a sea safari trip around the islands.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.baltimoreseasafari.ie/ |title=Baltimore Sea Safari |publisher=Baltimoreseasafari.ie |date= |accessdate=26 April 2013}}</ref> Once on Sherkin pier, people can visit the Franciscan friary, if it is open. Known locally as "the Abbey", it has a photo exhibition and some displays outside.{{citation needed|date=April 2013}}
Visitors can book a sea safari trip around the islands.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.baltimoreseasafari.ie/ |title=Baltimore Sea Safari |publisher=Baltimoreseasafari.ie |access-date=26 April 2013}}</ref> Once on Sherkin pier, people can visit the Franciscan friary, if it is open. Known locally as "the Abbey", it has a photo exhibition inside and some displays outside.{{citation needed|date=April 2013}}


Sherkin also has camp facilities. Because the island has no local refuse disposal facilities, campers and picnickers are encouraged to bring minimum packaging and take any litter back to the mainland or recycle cans and bottles on Sherkin Pier. Silver Strand is popular for barbecues.{{citation needed|date=April 2013}}
Sherkin also has camp facilities. Because the island has no local refuse disposal facilities, campers and picnickers are encouraged to bring minimum packaging and take any litter back to the mainland or recycle cans and bottles on Sherkin Pier. Silver Strand is popular for barbecues.{{citation needed|date=April 2013}}


===Festivals===
===Festivals===
The busiest day of the year coincides with the Sherkin Regatta festival,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.baltimore.ie/regattas/sherkin-island-regatta.html |title=Sherkin Island Regatta – Sherkin Island Regatta |publisher=Baltimore.ie |date= |accessdate=26 April 2013}}</ref> a [[Regatta|rowing regatta]] usually held in late July or early August. On this day the island is visited by [[Coastal and ocean rowing|sea rowers]] and their supporters, with children's activities, music and food stalls. Music festivals are also occasionally held.<ref>[http://fundit.ie/project/mini-festival-on-sherkin-with-kla Fund it :: Sherkin festival with Kíla & Much More!]</ref>
The busiest day of the year coincides with the Sherkin Regatta festival,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.baltimore.ie/regattas/sherkin-island-regatta.html |title=Sherkin Island Regatta – Sherkin Island Regatta |publisher=Baltimore.ie |access-date=26 April 2013}}</ref> a [[Regatta|rowing regatta]] usually held in late July or early August. On this day the island is visited by [[Coastal and ocean rowing|sea rowers]] and their supporters, with children's activities, music and food stalls. Music festivals are also occasionally held.<ref>[http://fundit.ie/project/mini-festival-on-sherkin-with-kla Fund it :: Sherkin festival with Kíla & Much More!]</ref>


== Development and infrastructure ==
== Development and infrastructure ==
The island has a local development officer, and a community-based organisation called "Sherkin Island Development Society" (SIDS).{{citation needed|date=February 2014}} Sherkin Island is supplied with mains power from the mainland through a [[submarine power cable]]. Another submarine cable from Sherkin supplies power to [[Cape Clear Island|Cape Clear]] island.{{fact|date=September 2016}}
The island has a local development officer, and a community-based organisation called "Sherkin Island Development Society" (SIDS).{{citation needed|date=February 2014}} Sherkin Island is supplied with mains power from the mainland through a [[submarine power cable]]. Another submarine cable from Sherkin supplies power to [[Cape Clear Island|Cape Clear island]].{{citation needed|date=September 2016}}

===Research===
Sherkin Island Marine Station is a privately run operation located on the north-west of the island.<ref name="station"/><ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/marine-research-station-founder-wins-top-award-234300.html| publisher = Irish Examiner | title = Marine research station founder wins top award | date = 17 June 2013 | access-date = 2 June 2018 }}</ref> Founded in 1975, it is mainly involved in gathering baseline marine data,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/on-sherkin-s-rocky-shore-1.329739 |title=On Sherkin's rocky shore |newspaper=The Irish Times|access-date=31 May 2018}}</ref><ref name="station">{{cite web|url = http://www.sherkinmarine.ie/station.htm | title = Sherkin Island Marine Station – About | publisher = Sherkinmarine.ie | access-date = 2 June 2018 }}</ref> and also produces a number of reports, books and the quarterly 'Sherkin Comment' journal.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.sherkinmarine.ie/publications.htm | title = Sherkin Island Marine Station – Publications | publisher = Sherkinmarine.ie | access-date = 2 June 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.sherkinmarine.ie/sherkincomment.htm | title = Sherkin Island Marine Station – Sherkin Comment | publisher = Sherkinmarine.ie | access-date = 2 June 2018 }}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
* [[List of abbeys and priories in the Republic of Ireland#County Cork|List of abbeys and priories in the Republic of Ireland (County Cork)]]
* [[List of monastic houses in Ireland#County Cork|List of abbeys and priories in the Republic of Ireland (County Cork)]]
* [[Carbery's Hundred Isles]]
* [[Carbery's Hundred Isles]]


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

{{Authority control}}

{{County Cork}}


[[Category:Islands of County Cork]]
[[Category:Islands of County Cork]]

Latest revision as of 10:34, 17 August 2023

Sherkin Island
Native name:
Inis Arcáin
View from the highest point of Sherkin Island
Sherkin Island is located in island of Ireland
Sherkin Island
Sherkin Island
Geography
LocationCeltic Sea
Coordinates51°28′N 9°25′W / 51.467°N 9.417°W / 51.467; -9.417
Area5 km2 (1.9 sq mi)approx
Highest elevation189.3 m (621.1 ft)
Administration
ProvinceMunster
CountyCork
Demographics
Population110 (2022)[1]
Sherkin Island, West Cork, Ireland
Tráigh Eoghain mhóir, also known as Cow Strand
Sherkin Friary
The former girls' national school
An Cúinne Harbour, Sherkin Island
Silver Strand

Sherkin Island, historically called Inisherkin (Irish: Inis Arcáin),[2] lies southwest of County Cork in Ireland alongside other islands of Roaringwater Bay. It had a population of 111 people at the time of the 2016 Census,[3] and measures five kilometres (three miles) long by 2.5 kilometres (1+1⁄2 miles) wide. The island has one pub, a bed and breakfast, a community centre and a Roman Catholic church.

Climate[edit]

Sherkin is one of the most southerly points of Ireland after the Fastnet Rock, Cape Clear, and Brow Head. It is said that when the frost covers the lawns of Baltimore just across the bay, the grass remains unfrosted on the island.[citation needed]

Population[edit]

Sherkin once had a population of around 1,000, which started to decline during the Great Irish Famine in the mid-19th century. Now the population is reduced and varies between the summer and the winter months, with increases in summer as people return to holiday houses and tourists arrive.[4] The population of Sherkin include artists, writers, craft workers,[5] musicians, photographers,[6][7] beekeepers,[8] cattle farmers, mussel and oyster farmers, oceanologists,[9] fishermen, sailors, teachers, and doctors.[citation needed]

Historical population
YearPop.±%
18411,131—    
1851696−38.5%
1861571−18.0%
1871452−20.8%
1881449−0.7%
1891403−10.2%
1901350−13.2%
1911296−15.4%
1926248−16.2%
YearPop.±%
1936220−11.3%
1946176−20.0%
1951146−17.0%
1956114−21.9%
1961101−11.4%
196692−8.9%
197182−10.9%
197982+0.0%
198170−14.6%
YearPop.±%
198687+24.3%
199193+6.9%
199698+5.4%
2002129+31.6%
2006106−17.8%
2011114+7.5%
2016111−2.6%
2022110−0.9%
Sources: 1841-2006 Central Statistics Office. "CNA17: Population by Off Shore Island, Sex and Year". CSO.ie. Retrieved 12 October 2016. 2011-2016 "Populated off-shore islands". chg.gov.ie. Retrieved 20 May 2018.

Transport[edit]

Sherkin is served year-round by a ferry service operating from the port of Baltimore.[10]

The roads on Sherkin are narrow and maintained by Cork County Council. Most of the cars on the island are old and unsuitable for use on the mainland.[11] Given the size of the island, many residents also walk or cycle. The island also has a bus service which primarily transports people to and from the ferry.[citation needed]

History[edit]

There are a number of archaeological remains on Sherkin. A franciscan friary, known locally as the Abbey, stands above Abbey strand, where the pier is. The seat of the O'Driscoll Clan was Dún na Long.[12] These two buildings were heavily damaged in 1537 when citizens of Waterford invaded the island after a dispute over a seized and plundered ship.[citation needed] Sherkin has an automated lighthouse, maintained by locals. It is situated at Barrack Point and dates from 1835.[13] The lighthouse marks the southern entrance to Baltimore Harbour, along with the Baltimore Beacon. On the south-western side of the island there is a functioning Roman Catholic church. The main historic sites include:

  • Promontory fort – Celtic Iron Age – 600 BC – 400 AD
  • Franciscan friary – Medieval – 1460 AD[14]
  • O'Driscoll Castle – Medieval – post 1200 AD

Tourism[edit]

Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Sherkin Island.

The ferry to Sherkin sails from Baltimore on the mainland. The island is a tourist destination and it typically takes between 10 and 15 minutes to get to Sherkin from Baltimore.[citation needed] The journey to the neighbouring Gaeltacht island Cape Clear takes on average approximately 40 minutes. A number of Sherkin's residents are active in the fields of art, including crafts, painting and writing. The busiest season starts with school summer holidays when families visit the island.[citation needed]

Visitors can book a sea safari trip around the islands.[15] Once on Sherkin pier, people can visit the Franciscan friary, if it is open. Known locally as "the Abbey", it has a photo exhibition inside and some displays outside.[citation needed]

Sherkin also has camp facilities. Because the island has no local refuse disposal facilities, campers and picnickers are encouraged to bring minimum packaging and take any litter back to the mainland or recycle cans and bottles on Sherkin Pier. Silver Strand is popular for barbecues.[citation needed]

Festivals[edit]

The busiest day of the year coincides with the Sherkin Regatta festival,[16] a rowing regatta usually held in late July or early August. On this day the island is visited by sea rowers and their supporters, with children's activities, music and food stalls. Music festivals are also occasionally held.[17]

Development and infrastructure[edit]

The island has a local development officer, and a community-based organisation called "Sherkin Island Development Society" (SIDS).[citation needed] Sherkin Island is supplied with mains power from the mainland through a submarine power cable. Another submarine cable from Sherkin supplies power to Cape Clear island.[citation needed]

Research[edit]

Sherkin Island Marine Station is a privately run operation located on the north-west of the island.[18][19] Founded in 1975, it is mainly involved in gathering baseline marine data,[20][18] and also produces a number of reports, books and the quarterly 'Sherkin Comment' journal.[21][22]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Population of Inhabited Islands Off the Coast (Report). Central Statistics Office. 2023. Retrieved 29 June 2023.
  2. ^ "Inis Arcáin – Sherkin Island". Irish Placenames Database (logainm.ie). Retrieved 20 February 2016.
  3. ^ "Populated off-shore islands". chg.gov.ie. Retrieved 20 May 2018.
  4. ^ "Sherkin Island – West Cork – Ireland". Sherkinisland.eu. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  5. ^ "Islands Crafts". Islands Crafts. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  6. ^ "Terry Farnell Photography, Sherkin Island". Sherkinphoto.com. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  7. ^ "Nuala Mahon".
  8. ^ "Sherkin Island Beekeeper". Europe for Visitors. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  9. ^ "DSC01137.JPG". Sherkinisland.eu. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  10. ^ "Ferry | Sherkin Island – West Cork – Ireland". Sherkinisland.eu. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  11. ^ "Sherkin Island Cars". Europe for Visitors. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  12. ^ "BBC Radio 4 – Open Country". Bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  13. ^ Discoverireland.ie – Sherkin
  14. ^ "Sherkin Island Friary, Cork".
  15. ^ "Baltimore Sea Safari". Baltimoreseasafari.ie. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  16. ^ "Sherkin Island Regatta – Sherkin Island Regatta". Baltimore.ie. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  17. ^ Fund it :: Sherkin festival with Kíla & Much More!
  18. ^ a b "Sherkin Island Marine Station – About". Sherkinmarine.ie. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
  19. ^ "Marine research station founder wins top award". Irish Examiner. 17 June 2013. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
  20. ^ "On Sherkin's rocky shore". The Irish Times. Retrieved 31 May 2018.
  21. ^ "Sherkin Island Marine Station – Publications". Sherkinmarine.ie. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
  22. ^ "Sherkin Island Marine Station – Sherkin Comment". Sherkinmarine.ie. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
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