|
Description
Inis Arcain, or “island of the sea porpoise,” is the Irish
name for Sherkin Island. It is an island
of raging beauty, sitting 10 minutes as the porpoise swims from Baltimore
harbor. Second only to The Burren in
flora and fauna variety, it also has plentiful bird and sea life. Walk the southern “raggedy cliffs” and stay
awhile.
What to See and Do
Swim in the three sandy beaches on the western shores: Tra
Ban, Tra Eoghan, and Silver Strand.
Visit the 15th century Franciscan Abbey. Pull your boat up in the marina below Dun na
Long, “the fort of the ships” castle built by the O’Driscolls, now in
ruins. Visit Island Crafts, showing
local handicrafts. They have Sherkin
Island Knitwear, a co-operative established in 1982 by eight women; they make
hand loomed knitwear in pure Donegal wool.
Or Robin Snelson’s handcrafted leather goods, made from 220-year-old
leather recovered from the Metta Catharina von Flensburg, which sank in Plymouth
Sound in 1786. Visit Cunnamore Galleries,
showing contemporary art by Irish and English artists.
Where to Eat and
Drink
The Jolly Roger is the island’s oldest pub. A French chef creates its food, and impromptu
and organized music sessions happen here all summer. The Islander’s Rest serves bar food.
Where to Sleep
The Horseshoe Cottage B&B is a small place, peeking
south over Horseshoe Bay. Proprietors
Fiona and Joe Aston create home baked goods and serve organic produce from the
kitchen. This is a quiet resting
spot. Fiona is a registered Homeopath
who also does holistic therapies such as Indian Head Massages. They also offer Stay ‘n Sail packages.
The Islander’s rest is a larger abode with 21 en suite
bedrooms, and a bar and lounge.
How to get there
By sea:
Sail with Baltimore Yacht Charters – their Ilen River Cruise
stops on Sherkin Island. www.baltimoreyachtcharters.com.
There are also local ferries leaving from Baltimore.
When to go
April to October, when the days are long and the sun is
out.
Written by Liz O'Malley - Summer of Travel 2007
|
