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Taking just 10 minutes on the ferry from Baltimore Sherkin Island (from the Irish Inis Earcáin) is one of number of islands in Roaringwater Bay. It has an average population of 100 people and measures 3 miles long by 1.5 miles wide (5 km by 3 km). The island has a primary school, two pubs with a hotel, B&B, community centre and a church.
The island plays host to a number of visiting migratory birds such as the a number of Terns and several breeds of Gull and around Roaring Water Bay there is a collection of Black Guillemot Puffins to be seen. Onland otters are to be found in the wetland areas and near rivers, streams and lakes as well as the sea. As well as birds and otters the surrounding waters play host to a number of species of dolphins, whales, sharks, turtles, various sea life and of course seals which can be seen on the island and which calve on the nearby appropriately named Calf and Carthy islands. The Whale and Dolphin ecotours provided on the island and inland in Baltimore give ample opportunity to try and observe these creatures in their natural inhabitants.
Sherkin is home to a number of artists of all genres and its residents are involved in the island ecology, farming and food producing trades to name a few. This means that there is Art exhibited in the craft centre by the Jolly Roger Tavern and in the Abbey around Sherkin that highlight the best of the resident artists open from May to September. In the summer season the island is at its busiest with people of all ages visiting. The busiest day of the year is the Sherkin Regatta, usually held on the 3rd weekend in July, weather permitting. On this day the island is crowded with sea rowers and their fans and there are a range of children's activities, music and food stalls in this Sherkin fair.
Also on the island there are a few things to observe mainly the Abbey or Friary which hosts art and photographic exhibitions throughout the summer months and offers views of the island surrounds. Inland there are also various opportunities to take part in a range of activities such as kayaking (renting kayaks from the mainland), surfing particularly off Cows Strand on the island and sailing with an Islanders Rest Marina and some sailing courses available through Glenan’s Sailing Club and Baltimore Sailing Club. There is also opportunity to take advantage of Sherkins less hilly landscape and cycle around the island to various spots. There are also a number of beaches to note including Silver Strand and Cows Strand where one can sunbathe and relax or go swimming or surfing. Also provided one tidies up there is amble space to camp around the beaches of Silver Strand and the Horshoe Harbour and if the mood takes you you can set up a barbeque on the beach.
For some food and drink try the local tavern the Jolly Roger for drinks and home grown dinner and the Islanders Island Hotel for drink and bar snacks. Both have beer gardens where you can eat and drink while taking in the views of the harbour with the Baltimore harbour in the distance and on certain times of the year especially on a Sunday there can be music heard in the Jolly Roger. There is also a takeaway, the Tigin Takeaway, for a quick bite to eat on the way to the beach.
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