Sherkin Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Sherkin Island lies in the sheltered waters of Roaringwater Bay, west Cork. It is a relatively small island, no more than 5km by 3km, with a current population of approximately 100. There is easy access by ferry from Baltimore, a trip of about 15 minutes. The island offers a special experience for anyone with an interest in wildlife and the marine. It is one of the best places in Europe to observe the European Otter (Lutra lutra) - there are signs of them everywhere if you know what to look for. The island is also home to the independently run Sherkin Island Marine Station, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.
Sherkin Island lies in the sheltered waters of Roaringwater Bay, west Cork. It is a relatively small island, no more than 5km by 3km, with a current population of approximately 100. There is easy access by ferry from Baltimore, a trip of about 15 minutes. The island offers a special experience for anyone with an interest in wildlife and the marine. It is one of the best places in Europe to observe the European Otter (Lutra lutra) - there are signs of them everywhere if you know what to look for. The island is also home to the independently run Sherkin Island Marine Station, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.
The West Cork Hotel

The West Cork Hotel

3 out of 5
Ilen Street Skibbereen Cork
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$220 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
NZ$220
1 Mar - 2 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Skibbereen. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (400 reviews)
Friendly staff, clean room

Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026

The West Cork Hotel
The Maritime Hotel

The Maritime Hotel

4 out of 5
The Quay Bantry West Cork
The price is NZ$245 per night from 11 Feb to 12 Feb
NZ$245
11 Feb - 12 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Bantry. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (483 reviews)
Yes. Very helpful.

Reviewed on 20 Jan 2026

The Maritime Hotel
Romantic Castle at Roaring Water Bay in West Cork - Weekend special available

Romantic Castle at Roaring Water Bay in West Cork - Weekend special available

Skibbereen Cork
Stay at this castle in County Cork. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and patios. Popular attractions Dun Na Sead and Baltimore Beacon are located nearby.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (65 reviews)
The castle was a great experience and was warm and comfortable

Reviewed on 17 Nov 2025

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Romantic Castle at Roaring Water Bay in West Cork - Weekend special available
See all 184 properties in Sherkin Island
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cosy south facing sunny cottage Ballylickey, Bantry - on the Wild Atlantic Way

Cosy south facing sunny cottage Ballylickey, Bantry - on the Wild Atlantic Way

Ballylickey, Bantry Co Cork
Stay at this cottage in Bantry. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and tennis courts. Popular attractions Bantry Bay Golf Club and Carriganass Castle are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (87 reviews)
Loved this cottage, very cosy, comfortable & well equipped. It had everything we needed, the fire was lit before we arrived. The hosts were very friendly & accommodating. We’d love to re visit x

Reviewed on 7 Jan 2026

Cosy south facing sunny cottage Ballylickey, Bantry - on the Wild Atlantic Way
Charming 2-bed House in West Cork Cupid's Cottage

Charming 2-bed House in West Cork Cupid's Cottage

3.5 out of 5
Kealkill CO
Stay at this cottage in Kealkill. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Carriganass Castle and Curramore Lough are located ...
Overall is good and organized one. Just shower doesn’t work in the morning.

Reviewed on 13 June 2023

Charming 2-bed House in West Cork Cupid's Cottage
Sea View 1-Bed Cottage, Sleeps 2 w/ Private Garden

Sea View 1-Bed Cottage, Sleeps 2 w/ Private Garden

Skibbereen County Cork
Stay at this cottage in Leap. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Castle Townshend and Liss Ard Gardens are located nearby.
8/10 Very Good! (2 reviews)
Lovely cottage. Could be cleaner.

Reviewed on 12 Sept 2025

Sea View 1-Bed Cottage, Sleeps 2 w/ Private Garden
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.