Sherkin Island

Horseshoe Cottage B&B
Sherkin Island
County Cork
Phone: +353 28 20598
Web: Gannet’s Way
Stayed there: June 9th 2008
Rates: Around €40 per person, depending on time of year and length of stay

Run by a couple who’ve done their fair share of sailing and child-rearing (9 kids!), this is a delightful little cottage perched above Horseshoe Bay on the Island of Sherkin. All white walls and wooden interior with comfy beds and home-made meals. An extension is currently being built, though there’s no firm date for it being finished – hopefully before the end of summer.

Sherkin Island is tiny, so the cottage isn’t far from anything. Five minutes will get you to the ferry or either pub, and with a couple of hours you could stroll around the entire island end enjoy it.

Fiona is very knowledgeable regarding local produce and lifestyle, while Joe is a keen sailor who is always happy to volunteer to take you around the area. Half- and full-day boat trips are available at competitive costs.

Food is, when at all possible, organic and locally-produced. If accommodation is arranged in advance, Fiona can also offer evening meals if you don’t fancy the pub grub over at the Islander’s Rest.

The beds are very snuggly and comfy, and the only problem I had with the room was that it took a good ten minutes of freezing running water before the shower warmed up. Once it kicked in, though, it was great. The views from the windows are stunning, and there’s a nice area out front where you can enjoy your breakfast or a cuppa.