Our Cork Adventures – The Stunning Sherkin Island!

Welcome back to Cork, one of our favourite counties in Ireland. I last told you about our venture to Cobh & the Titanic Experience. This week it’s time for something completely different. We didn’t have a set plan of where we wanted to visit, more of an idea of things we’d like to do on our budget friendly break in Cork a few weeks ago. My husband Colin knew that you can get a boat out to some of the islands from Baltimore harbour so we hopped in the car & headed there to see what we could do for the day.

Sherkin Island - The Boat from Baltimore Harbour

There are a couple of ferry companies operating out of Baltimore providing passage to Cape Clear, Heir Island , Sherkin Island & even out to Fastnet Rock. As we arrived we saw some people heading down the pier to a boat so we tagged along not knowing which Island they were going to. Sure isn’t that what holidays are for a bit of spontaneity every now & then, you never know what gem you might discover. Turns out we were on the Sherkin Island ferry, it only cost us €20 return for the SEVEN of us for the 10 minute crossing.

Sherkin Island ~ Family Fun

As Wi-Fi was pretty sketchy in the wilds of West Cork I didn't have a chance to research Sherkin Island so we didn't really know what to expect. As we docked, I caught sight of some ruins, which was our first port of call. It’s an ancient Franciscan friary built in the mid 1400’s, closing in 1796 when the last remaining Friar passed away. The gate is open & you are free to roam around inside or go up to the roof for amazing views. You’ll find photos inside with lots of information on the friary.

Sherkin Island ~ The Franciscan Friary

As we were walking up the road a van pulled in beside us, it was the Island rural transport scheme, now that’s service. The lady advised us that it was a 30 minute walk to the beach but there was a nicer strand just a little further on again. She offered to take us for just €2 per adult & €1 per child, before she could finish we were safely ensconced in the back of the bus. Thank God she had the forethought to give us her mobile number so we could call her to be brought back, I never would have thought of it.

Sherkin Island ~ Silver Strand

We spent a wonderful afternoon in blissful isolation on Silver Strand, the children could run to their hearts content, even having a paddle in the sea to cool off as it was a scorcher of a day. After a phone call to be picked up we started to ramble back the way we came, it’s so peaceful out there you can’t help but relax. 

Our destination was the Islander’s Rest, a 21 bedroom hotel about a 10 minute walk from the harbour. We had lunch in the bar; Colin & I ordered fish & chips while the children had a homemade pizza between them. The prices were great with our bill totalling just over €40 for drinks & lunch.

Sherkin Island ~ Islander's Rest

Our sojourn to Sherkin turned out to be one of the best days of our holiday in Cork, and perhaps one of our most peaceful in all of our family adventures so far. Next time we’re in Cork we have Cape Clear on the list. 

Have you been to Sherkin or any of the other Islands? Tell us how you got on!

Catch up on our past 
travels & find some Irish
holiday inspo HERE!