Sherkin Island facts for kids
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Native name:
Inis Arcáin
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View from the highest point of Sherkin Island
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 Sherkin Island
Location in island of Ireland
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| Geography | |
| Location | Celtic Sea |
| Coordinates | 51°28′N 9°25′W / 51.467°N 9.417°W |
| Area | 5 km2 (1.9 sq mi)approx |
| Highest elevation | 189.3 m (621.1 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Province | Munster |
| County | Cork |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 111 (2016) |
Sherkin Island, also known as Inis Arcáin in Irish, is a small island off the coast of County Cork, Ireland. It is part of the beautiful Roaringwater Bay. In 2016, about 111 people lived there.
The island is about 5 kilometers (3 miles) long and 2.4 kilometers (1.5 miles) wide. Even though it's small, Sherkin has places for visitors to stay, like a hotel and a bed and breakfast. There are also two pubs, a coffee shop, a community center, and a church.
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Island Weather: Mild and Sunny
Sherkin Island is one of the southernmost spots in Ireland. This means it often has milder weather than the mainland. People say that when it's frosty in Baltimore (just across the bay), the grass on Sherkin Island stays green and unfrosted!
Island Life: Who Lives on Sherkin?
Long ago, Sherkin Island had many more people, around 1,000 residents. But during the Great Irish Famine in the 1800s, the population started to shrink.
Today, the number of people living on the island changes throughout the year. More people come to their holiday homes and tourists visit during the summer. The island is home to many different kinds of people. You might find artists, writers, musicians, farmers, and even scientists studying the ocean.
Getting Around Sherkin Island
To reach Sherkin Island, you can take a ferry from the port of Baltimore. The ferry runs all year round.
The roads on Sherkin are quite narrow. Most cars on the island are older and not used on the mainland. Because the island is small, many people choose to walk or cycle. There is also a bus service that helps people get to and from the ferry.
Sherkin's Past: A Look at History
Sherkin Island has many old buildings and sites to explore.
Ancient Buildings and Stories
One important historical site is a franciscan friary, often called "the Abbey." It stands near Abbey Strand, where the pier is located. Another key place was Dún na Long, the home of the O'Driscoll Clan. In 1537, these buildings were badly damaged when people from Waterford attacked the island. This happened after a fight over a stolen ship.
Lighthouse and Forts
Sherkin also has a lighthouse at Barrack Point. It was built in 1835 and helps guide ships into Baltimore Harbour. On the southwestern side of the island, there is a working Roman Catholic church.
Other interesting historical spots include:
- Promontory fort: An old fort from the Celtic Iron Age (around 600 BC to 400 AD).
- Franciscan friary: A medieval monastery built around 1460 AD.
- O'Driscoll Castle: A medieval castle built after 1200 AD.
Visiting Sherkin Island
Sherkin Island is a popular place for tourists. The ferry ride from Baltimore usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You can also take a longer ferry trip to the nearby Gaeltacht island of Cape Clear.
Things to Do and See
Many people on Sherkin are involved in art, like painting, writing, and making crafts. The busiest time for visitors is during the school summer holidays.
You can take a sea safari trip to explore the islands by boat. Once you arrive at Sherkin pier, you can visit the Franciscan friary. It's known as "the Abbey" and has a photo exhibition inside.
Camping and Festivals
Sherkin Island also has places for camping. If you camp or have a picnic, it's important to take your trash back to the mainland. You can also recycle cans and bottles at Sherkin Pier. Silver Strand beach is a great spot for barbecues.
The biggest event of the year is the Sherkin Regatta festival. This rowing race usually happens in late July or early August. Many rowers and their fans come to the island. There are also activities for kids, music, and food stalls. Sometimes, music festivals are held on the island too.
Island Services and Research
Sherkin Island has a local development officer and a group called the "Sherkin Island Development Society" (SIDS). These groups help the island grow and improve. The island gets its electricity from the mainland through an underwater power cable. This cable also sends power to Cape Clear island.
Marine Research
The Sherkin Island Marine Station is a private research center on the island's northwest side. It started in 1975 and collects information about the ocean. They also publish reports, books, and a quarterly journal called 'Sherkin Comment'.
