Sherkin Island
Sherkin Island
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
217 reviews
Excellent
132
Very good
69
Average
8
Poor
3
Terrible
5
sgs67
Co Kildare132 contributions
Jul 2023
The boat trip out is simple and frequent. The scenery is beautiful and we enjoyed our walk (we chose the red route about 5km). I wish they had made it clear that all of the walks reach a point where you have to turn around and come back the same way, but we still thoroughly enjoyed exploring. The Jolly Roger was a nice way to finish off with a cold drink.
Written July 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Colin Park
Macclesfield, UK102 contributions
Jun 2023
Visited on a rainy murky day as it was one of the few places below the cloud base. Just a short ferry crossing and ample time to walk the quiet lanes. My recommendations;- worth a walk up to the lighthouse which overlooks the the entrance to Baltimore Harbour. Sandy beaches at Tra Bawn. There is a path down to the beach near the far western end of the lane - this is a sheltered beach from the westerly/ southwesterly wind. Cow Strand - sandy beach that faces west so rather exposed if there is a westerly wind blowing. Silver Strand - a fine sandy beach but again facing west but probably the best beach of the three. This latter beach has seats and boardwalk down to beach. Mainistir Inis Arcáin, Sherkin Island Abbey - I understand that this property is normally closed but can be viewed from the outside. It was closed on my visit. The Horseshoe Walk is quite overgrown on the middle part but you can get through. You may get wet due to wet vegetation across the path. There is a island 'Local Link' minibus service which meets each ferry and will take you to your destination and arrange to pick you up at an agreed time. (ie one of the beaches). The island is suitable for pushchairs (but not Horseshoe walk, lighthouse or the last bit down to Tra Bawn Beach.) Dont take a car to island - lanes are narrow with no passing places and there is no areas to park close to beaches - use the minibus service. Very little or no shelter on the island and I didn't find any toilets either. Only 4 miles of narrow lanes.
Written July 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bernadine E
2 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
Spent a couple of evenings here. Many thanks to the landlady and staff for the wonderful hospitality shown to us. Also thanks to all the locals for the fabulous craic
Written June 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard Wyse
Cork, Ireland2 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Went on a 3 day trip with my family of 4 and my sisters family of 5
From Facebook they made the island seem as there was hotel facilities and a restaurant so we packed barely any food.
To get over to the island with our vechiles for both of us was €160 once we arrived on the island we got no directions and we’re left to locate the camping/bell tent facility ourselves we learned there was one shop with 2 things taytos and sweets (there was no warning of this)
So we decided to take a trip to the Jolly Roger the local pub/restaurant we ordered toastiest which was €7 they were all left there as it was inedible along with there soup.
So we had to travel over which was €10 per person which they didn’t inform us just money hungry.
(The facility review)
Locals are very arrogant and look at you as your intruding there home bathrooms are not private at all and are insect infested and run down.
Kitchen facilities are very helpful although
They say the include a fire pit but none was there so we purchase one on the island and asked for permission to use it so there was blocks in the open and as we paid all this money on top of the €220 for the bell tent we took 4 blocks 5 minutes later the owner and his son marched over (clearly drunk and enraged screaming you can leave the island you stole my wood we offered him €15 to keep him happy) bell tent was damp and barely stopped the rain there breakfast was €16 and was also inedible (entertainment there was none) advertise fishing but there is no fish on the island probably due to the owner dumping rubbish/food waste into the water which is not environmentally friendly everyone on the island is drinking and 3 times during the night someone was wondering over to the tents
We went to the beach and came back to our tent open and our bags routed threw was driving back to camp when my family were on the public mini bud the mini bus driver was complaining about his job and his payment and even said infront of my nephews he would slap the guy infront of him around the place (which was me) ferry shuts down are 8pm so if anyone needed medical treatment it would be very worrying and there is no life boys or anything on the beaches they were advertising there kayaking €60 per person and wouldn’t do a deal even tho we were a group of 10 people
(Wouldn’t recommend staying here but if you were)
Pack more than enough food for a week
Don’t expect to be treated nicely by locals
Be aware if you bring a vechile do not leave the island or they will try charge you for your car twice even if you don’t leave with it all around a terrible would experience would rather camp in no mans land in the middle of nowhere would feel safer
From Facebook they made the island seem as there was hotel facilities and a restaurant so we packed barely any food.
To get over to the island with our vechiles for both of us was €160 once we arrived on the island we got no directions and we’re left to locate the camping/bell tent facility ourselves we learned there was one shop with 2 things taytos and sweets (there was no warning of this)
So we decided to take a trip to the Jolly Roger the local pub/restaurant we ordered toastiest which was €7 they were all left there as it was inedible along with there soup.
So we had to travel over which was €10 per person which they didn’t inform us just money hungry.
(The facility review)
Locals are very arrogant and look at you as your intruding there home bathrooms are not private at all and are insect infested and run down.
Kitchen facilities are very helpful although
They say the include a fire pit but none was there so we purchase one on the island and asked for permission to use it so there was blocks in the open and as we paid all this money on top of the €220 for the bell tent we took 4 blocks 5 minutes later the owner and his son marched over (clearly drunk and enraged screaming you can leave the island you stole my wood we offered him €15 to keep him happy) bell tent was damp and barely stopped the rain there breakfast was €16 and was also inedible (entertainment there was none) advertise fishing but there is no fish on the island probably due to the owner dumping rubbish/food waste into the water which is not environmentally friendly everyone on the island is drinking and 3 times during the night someone was wondering over to the tents
We went to the beach and came back to our tent open and our bags routed threw was driving back to camp when my family were on the public mini bud the mini bus driver was complaining about his job and his payment and even said infront of my nephews he would slap the guy infront of him around the place (which was me) ferry shuts down are 8pm so if anyone needed medical treatment it would be very worrying and there is no life boys or anything on the beaches they were advertising there kayaking €60 per person and wouldn’t do a deal even tho we were a group of 10 people
(Wouldn’t recommend staying here but if you were)
Pack more than enough food for a week
Don’t expect to be treated nicely by locals
Be aware if you bring a vechile do not leave the island or they will try charge you for your car twice even if you don’t leave with it all around a terrible would experience would rather camp in no mans land in the middle of nowhere would feel safer
Written March 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda A
Dublin, Ireland8 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
At the last minute we decided to hop on the ferry to Sherkin island one afternoon and we thoroughly enjoyed the walk to and few hours on the beach.
I would highly recommend you take some drinks and snacks with you though as the only thing we found open while we were there was a small coffee van.
Lovely day out though, I would definitely recommend
I would highly recommend you take some drinks and snacks with you though as the only thing we found open while we were there was a small coffee van.
Lovely day out though, I would definitely recommend
Written August 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phil B
Dublin, Ireland192 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Very disappointed in sherkin after a recent family trip over including young and old. Ferries running several times a day ferrying people over with absolutely no facilities.
We got morning ferry over with older people which were hoping to sit in a cafe/ beach but arrived realising the hotel hasn't opened this year, craft shops advertised not open, jolly roger pub opens at 4 pm, no toilet facilities, no seating close to the pier., small local shop ( sean the shop) opened and offered icecream and a small selection of soft drinks., taxi bus service told us she gets paid by government to provide a service and doesn't care if she has passengers and was extremely obliging when we asked her to drop us off and collect us later for ferry. This island has nothing to offer those who are not very mobile and all the business seem to be milking the government covid payments and not give a hoot about the hoards of tourists arriving from the ferry runs with nothing open !
Irish hospitality?.. not in sherkin!
We got morning ferry over with older people which were hoping to sit in a cafe/ beach but arrived realising the hotel hasn't opened this year, craft shops advertised not open, jolly roger pub opens at 4 pm, no toilet facilities, no seating close to the pier., small local shop ( sean the shop) opened and offered icecream and a small selection of soft drinks., taxi bus service told us she gets paid by government to provide a service and doesn't care if she has passengers and was extremely obliging when we asked her to drop us off and collect us later for ferry. This island has nothing to offer those who are not very mobile and all the business seem to be milking the government covid payments and not give a hoot about the hoards of tourists arriving from the ferry runs with nothing open !
Irish hospitality?.. not in sherkin!
Written August 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FoxWynne
County Cork, Ireland210 contributions
Sept 2020
Sherkin is the most accessible of the islands in Roaringwater Bay, and is, therefore, often (in the Summer, at least) what you might get away with calling "bustling". The shape of the island offers a number of different ways of getting around it. Probably the nicest is the walk by Horseshoe Bay - in fact, the only thing that could make this route nicer is if nobody else took it!
Many people travel over for the beaches (they are safe to swim, if you have some cop on), and a few travel over for the community of artists that calls the island home... That being said, the island is lovely in its own right, and feels a lot less remote than Cape - if you're looking for wild Atlantic coastline, you'll find that on Cape Clear Island.
Rather unfortunately, the Sherkin Island Marine Station is no longer open to the public, and the Meteorological station is just a working facility - but the island has an abundance of flora and fauna for those who are interested, and is one of the best places in West Cork for rockpooling!
The ferry is frequent, and relatively inexpensive - the hotel has a marina for visiting boats, but check with them ahead of time.
Many people travel over for the beaches (they are safe to swim, if you have some cop on), and a few travel over for the community of artists that calls the island home... That being said, the island is lovely in its own right, and feels a lot less remote than Cape - if you're looking for wild Atlantic coastline, you'll find that on Cape Clear Island.
Rather unfortunately, the Sherkin Island Marine Station is no longer open to the public, and the Meteorological station is just a working facility - but the island has an abundance of flora and fauna for those who are interested, and is one of the best places in West Cork for rockpooling!
The ferry is frequent, and relatively inexpensive - the hotel has a marina for visiting boats, but check with them ahead of time.
Written June 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deb K
Dublin, Ireland29 contributions
Sept 2020
Fabulous boat trip - only 10 mins from Baltimore by boat. Totally unspoilt island. The best views and beaches - totally worth the trip
Written October 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jean H
Limerick, Ireland165 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
The boat goes every 2 hours and the trip is less than 15 minutes across. A return ticket is €12.
The island is very pretty and rural. Both beaches are within walking distance. We went to Silver Strand and had planned to go swimming but no one else was in the water so we weren't sure if it was safe.
Overall it was well worth the visit just to see the fish and the abundant vegetation.
The island is very pretty and rural. Both beaches are within walking distance. We went to Silver Strand and had planned to go swimming but no one else was in the water so we weren't sure if it was safe.
Overall it was well worth the visit just to see the fish and the abundant vegetation.
Written August 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Macmagner
112 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Lovely island only a 10 minute boat trip from Baltimore. Leaves bang on time so make sure you’re there early ! There were a few people going over and on the way back running to catch the boat. It was €12 return for an adult . Headed on the 9 am ferry and returned on the 12:15 ferry. There are 4 colour coded looped walks all marked on a signpost just past the Friary. We did 3 and a half of the walks during this time. We stopped off and had lots of time to take photos . The walks are all very easy and along the “roads” but there is little or no traffic. The horseshoe loop was a bit steeper but still very manageable. It was a wet day so the island was very quiet. Nobody on Rte beaches but on a sunny day , I’d say they’d be lovely spots for a picnic . Bring a snack with you. Cafe Bruno opened at 12 and the shop just by the ferry was open around 11ish. There were no public toilets. Worth a trip over just to see . Nice views of the beacon and Baltimore from the island.
Written August 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LostLittleGirlx
Wexford, Ireland203 contributions
Are bikes available to hire?
malpensa64
Cork102 contributions
Not that I am aware of. The island is small enough to walk to some nice beaches though.
Melissa E
Santa Fe, NM1 contribution
How often does the Ferry run from Baltimore RT today, and what is the cost?
Tienchen79
Cobh, Ireland691 contributions
Its about every hour in June and you pay 12 Euro per adult return.
Check this site for all the information. sherkinisland.eu/ferry
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Claim your listingSherkin Island - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Sherkin Island
- Hotels near Sherkin Island:
- (0.10 km) The Stone House B&B
- (0.28 km) Fastnet House
- (0.51 km) Casey's of Baltimore
- (0.35 km) The Waterfront Hotel
- (0.64 km) Rolfs Country House
- Restaurants near Sherkin Island:
- (0.17 km) Dede At The Customs House Baltimore
- (0.35 km) Bushe's Bar
- (0.32 km) The Algiers
- (0.50 km) Casey's of Baltimore
- (0.33 km) Bushe's Bar
- Attractions near Sherkin Island:
- (0.04 km) Baltimore Community Market
- (0.10 km) Aquaventures
- (0.07 km) The Wild Atlantic Pool
- (0.07 km) Baltimore Diving Centre
- (0.45 km) Baltimore Sea Safari