horseshoe bay, sherkin island, ireland. - Scenic Overlooks on Waymarking.com

Sherkin once had a population of around 1,000, which started to decline during the Great Irish Famine in the mid-19th Century. Now the population is reduced and varies greatly between the summer and the winter months, with increases in summer as people return to holiday houses and tourists arrive. People from all over the globe discovered this secluded spot and consequently settled down here: America, Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain and Russia. The new arrivals integrate well with the Irish community which is still the lifeblood of the island. Amongst Sherkiners one can find artists, book writers, craft workers (crafts), musicians and photographers ( Terry Farnell and Nuala Mahon ), beekeepers and pilots, cattle, mussel and oyster farmers, biologists, botanists and oceanologists, fishermen and sailors, teachers and doctors, horselovers and strawberry growers.
There are a number of important archaeological remains on Sherkin, with some of them being restored. A friary, the Mainster Inis Arcain is just uphill from the ferry pier. The seat of the O'Driscoll Clan was Dun-na-Long Castle. These two buildings were heavily damaged in 1537 when citizens of Waterford invaded the island after a dispute over a seized and plundered ship[citation needed]. Sherkin has an automated Lighthouse, maintained by locals. It is situated at Barrack Point and dates back to 1835. The lighthouse marks the southern entrance to Baltimore Harbour and the Baltimore Beacon. On the south-western side of the island there is a fully functioning Roman Catholic church.
Once on Sherkin pier, people can visit the Franciscan friary, if it is open. It is locally known as "the Abbey" and has a photo exhibition inside and some displays outside. Tourists can climb up the stairs on to an open landing to observe local scenery: the Beacon, Baltimore harbour, Sherkin pier, fields with cows and the old post office. Most families go straight to the beach (Silver Strand, Cow Strand or Trabawn) and visit local exhibitions on the way or visit Horseshoe Harbour, this is one of the nicest locations on the island, the view of the natural harbour is outstanding, and a wonderful place to reflect and enjoy nature.

Type of overlook: Walk by Picnic tables: no Benches: no Water/restrooms: no Overlook designation: just a view Elevation: 100.00 View: the natural harbour and out to the ocean

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Date Logged Log User Rating   07/02/2011 André de Montbard visited it