New owner for Sherkin Island hotel
A WEST Cork island hotel, marina and castle ruin has been bought by a Irish company, with Chinese business interests, and will be run as a going concern.
Just changed hands is the Islanders’ Rest, a modern purpose-built 21-bed hotel, bar and 15-guest function room, on Sherkin Island, facing Baltimore harbour and village.
Developed by islander Mark Murphy, a son of famed Matt Murphy who put Sherkin on an international and marine educational map, it went to market last summer with Charles P McCarty auctioneers in Skibbereen, with an undisclosed guide price, understood to have been c €1.5 million.
Set at the sheltered approach to the three-mile long island with year-round population and high tourist visitor numbers, the sale includes hotel and facilities, 2.2 acres, the 30-berth marina — one of the very few along the south west coast between Kinsale and Dingle — and the remains of the 15th century O’Driscoll clan Dún na Long (Fort of Ships).
The castle was burned along with Sherkin’s Abbey when a Waterford naval expedition attacked the island, and was later rebuilt, with a battery of cannon to guard the entrance to Baltimore harbour. It was subsequently a residence and a fish factory up to the mid-19th century. Estate agent Maeve McCarthy declined to confirm the selling price or the buyer’s identity, but said “they are are very excited with the prospect of owning a hotel in such an idyllic location. “They intend continuing the business in the style pursued by Mark Murphy, continuing his tradition of working closely with the local community, while maintaining the hotel’s attractiveness to both a local and international audience.”
