Sherkin lies off the southwest of County Cork in Roaringwater Bay. It has approximately 80 full time inhabitants and 80 houses. Half of the houses are holiday homes and there is a small hotel and a few B&Bs. There are two pubs, and no stores to speak of. The entire island measures 5km by 3 km. The inhabitants drive bashed up old cars, many of which don't have licence plates or side mirrors (those having been knocked off by trying to pass other vehicles on roads only wide enought for one!). On lovely summer days the island attracts day-trippers from the mainland, attracted by its sandy beaches, coastal views, country walks and birdwatching. The ferry trip from Baltimore takes about 15 minutes - most islanders keep a 'real' car parked in Baltimore. There are interesting ruins from a 13th century Franciscan Friary, and many standing stones and other unidentifiable ancient ruins.
Stupidly, I forgot my camera battery charger back in Dublin, so have no photos of Sherkin as my battery had long since died. However, here is one I have 'stolen' from www.lancs.ac.uk/.../ ireland06/image008.htm.
And here is a picture of the Friary, taken off of the Wikipedia entry for Sherkin Island.
For more information on Sherkin, check out: http://www.sherkinmarine.ie/index.htm
