Sherkin Island
BÉaloideas
Mona O’Driscoll
Click here to Listen to islanders stories
Dawn Mass
Dawn Mass traces its origins to a story shared by islander Lizzie O’Connor, who recalled walking to Christmas morning Mass before electricity reached the island—a landscape illuminated only by the bobbing glow of storm lanterns. Listening to her, I was struck by how enamoured she remained with the sight of her neighbours’ lights moving together through the dark, lanterns that were then brought inside to serve as one of the primary sources of light for the church itself. My thoughts flitted between the pure authenticity of her Christian faith and the sheer delight of the morning. She spoke with quiet awe of entering the church, illuminated by those gathered lanterns and transformed by simple decorations of holly, ivy, and the nativity crib, all wrapped in the warmth of communal singing. It revealed a profound gratitude for a simpler way of life. Deeply moved by the visual and spiritual resonance of her account, I felt compellingly drawn to respond to her story. By translating Lizzie’s memory into the living light of video, the work captures both the visual wonder of that radiant procession and the timeless, emotional geography of devotion.
Béaloideas
Béaloideas is an Irish word meaning “folklore” or “oral tradition”—literally translated as “mouth education.” It is a fitting title for this project, as it holds true for our island culture across generations. Preserving the living heritage, stories, and landscapes of our island communities is essential to safeguarding our shared culture. Behind every coordinate lies an oral history — stories and memories shared by local residents that give voice to each path and landmark. Designed as both an educational resource and an archival record, this work invites you to explore the island, discover its rich place names, and walk through its history step by step. By pairing local memory with modern technology, old shortcuts and roadside place names have been accurately recorded via the All Trails app using GPS grid reference coordinates. Each location number has its own GPS number. Follow the island trail using the GPS coordinates on the map Listen to recordings online, of the oral history of each coordinate on www.sherkinisland.ie
Béaloideas invites you to step beyond the rigid lines of traditional maps and experience the island landscape as it is truly known: lived, felt, and remembered. Grounded in a three-year collaborative effort with the island community, this multidisciplinary exhibition offers a personal yet universally resonant reflection on what it means to belong to a place. At the heart of the project is a blend of scientific precision and traditional gathering. Working alongside native islanders, I documented and geo-tagged 158 landmarks—sites of deep historic, cultural, and emotional value that often escape official cartography. Through the traditional practice of Scóraíocht, sharing time and conversation in local homes, an evocative exchange unfolded. These moments sparked vivid memories, shared emotions, and hours of recorded oral histories. By digitally overlaying this living data onto a historic island map, Béaloideas merges measured accuracy with artistic interpretation. Paired with soundscapes of local voices, the work charts an emotional geography of the land. It invites you to bridge the gap between how we measure our surroundings and how we inhabit them—challenging you to reflect not just on where you stand, but on how you belong.
1 Abbey Pier | A pier and docking area for boats 51.47691, -9.39854
2 Short Cut to Public Houses | This route took you to the Garrison Cross and surrounding areas
51.4768189, -9.3991245
3 Shelter on Pier | A covered place to wait for ferries 51.4767321, -9.3991774
4 The Slip | Ferry docks here | 51.476564, -9.3992897
5 Abbey Hill | 51.4764033, -9.3998289
6 Abbey Steps | Steps leading down to Abbey Strand 51.4763997, -9.3997068
7 Abbey Strand | Also known as Trá na mBráithre or Monk’s / Friar’s Strand | 51.4763221, -9.3995199
8 Coal Store | Previously Willie Donovan’s shop 51.4762424, -9.399752
9 Crush | A hand built walled area used to hold cattle before they were shipped to the Skibbereen mart
51.4762326, -9.399921
10 Franciscan Friary – founded in 1460 | Locally known as the Abbey. A historic friary and the traditional burial ground for the residents of the island | 51.47628, -9.4002
11 Abbey Field | This field surrounds the Abbey
(Franciscan Friary) | 51.4763029, -9.4005277
12 Short Cut – to Mairlot’s House/ Bungalow Private Residence – This route was a favourite by many locals after coming home from the mainland
51.4765735, -9.4010097
13 Gift Shop, Bernadette McCarthy | There was once a gift shop here but it no longer exists | 51.4763404, -9.4015326
14 Well | Very deep well. Now closed up. A cow drowned in
this well | 51.47638, -9.40183
15 Mairlot’s Gate | Private Residence. Entrance to Mairlot’s House | 51.4766941, -9.4017409
16 Horse Field | It got its name from a time when the land owner grazed their horses in this field | 51.477294, -9.401755
17 The Iron Gate | Entrance to a field | 51.47796, -9.40217
18 Clothes Hill | This hillside is gone now but it was once used by the owners of Garrison House to dry their laundry 51.47816, -9.40204
19 The Garrison House | Former hotel and grocery shop, got its name as the British garrisoned the castle when they over took it in the 17th Century | 51.47844, -9.40199
20 Creamery | In castle grounds. In use from 1900’s
to the 1960’s | 51.4785827, -9.4008233
21 Dún na Long Castle | Fort of the Ships.
O’Driscoll Clan castle from 1400’s | 51.478486, -9.400526
22 Well / Garrison Pump | This was for public use.
Now, no longer in operation | 51.4785212, -9.4023371
23 Garrison Cross | This crossroads got its name from the Garrison and is the starting point of the Dock Road going north
51.4786069, -9.4022999
24 Garrison Shop | Part of the hotel/ Garrison House 51.4786077, -9.4021141
25 Harbour Lights – Lower Bar | Private Residence. This building was once run as a public house and shop 51.4786938, -9.401835
26 Jim Connors Pub, now The Jolly Roger
A historic social hub for generations of locals and visiting travellers | 51.4785888, -9.4027317
27 The Barn | Private Residence. Was once used for housing cattle and hay | 51.47858, -9.40319
28 Kittie’s Grave | Called after a horse that was buried in this location | 51.4783056, -9.4039133
29 Fairy Path | A shortcut on Mary Simmy’s land used by school children long ago. Local tradition dictates that the path must be kept open for the spirits, and it remains a site of many piseogs | 51.4778838, -9.4063265
30 Denny Regan’s Step | Private Residence. A short cut into Denny Regan’s house and farm | 51.47789, -9.4064
31 Norris’ House | Private Residence
51.4798531, -9.4092453
32 Jerry’s House | Private Residence | 51.4813, -9.41214
33 Paul Step | Short cut to Georgie Norris house and neighbouring farms | 51.4795001, -9.4022658
34 Willie Fenwick’s House | Private Residence 51.4801881, -9.4018484
35 Foilvaheen Hill | The name “Foilvaheen” as seen in the 25” OSI map can be translated as Michaels Cliffs. From this point you are directly above Foilvaheen Strand with a view of the Globe Rocks and Baltimore Harbour
51.48236, -9.40215
36 Small Hole | Short cut that took you through the fields to the O’Driscoll’s house and farm | 51.48281, -9.4025
37 Nora Mick’s Boreen | Private Residence. Named after Nora McCarthy, the former farm owner, this route was a popular local shortcut between neighbours
51.4835068, -9.4032328
38 Foilvaheen Well | Used by people in the locality. It is said it was a great well, and never dried out
51.4835123, -9.403184
39 Foilvaheen Step | Short Cut to O’Driscoll (Globes) house and lands | 51.48356, -9.40326
40 Jerry’s Gap | Private Property. Called after local resident, an entrance into his land. Also used as a short cut to neighbouring farms | 51.48465, -9.40432
41 Dock Road | This is a lovely walk with scenic harbour views 51.48522, -9.4047
42 Globes Iron Gate – Connie’s Gate
Private Residence. Entrance to the O’Driscoll farm,
also known as the Globes | 51.4854642, -9.4046252
43 Dock Hill | 51.4868754, -9.4067156
44 Dock Step | Private Residence – Shortcut to the Collins family farm also known as “The Hill”
51.4870253, -9.4067726
45 Bog | It has been said that this bog may have been a location for growing flax long-ago | 51.4875833, -9.4066711
46 Collins Iron Gate | Private Residence. “The Hill” Home of the Collins family. This entrance was originally marked by a classic green iron gate | 51.4877325, -9.4073114
47 Stone Quarry | Old quarry for stone
51.4893989, -9.4089636
48 Cúisín Garden | Private Residence – Cúisín –
translates as – small inlet | 51.4894422, -9.4091872
49 Dock Pier (The Dock) | Boat building industry was located around this pier in 19th Century
51.4903418, -9.4073601
50 Nine Gneeves Cross | The name derives from an old land division, a “gneeve” being 1/12th of a plough-land or ten acres. As referenced by Dolly O’Reilly. A Shop and Post Office was also located at this point.
Also used as a short cut, past Mary Fenwicks (51) and continues along Horseshoe Harbour (55), and exits at Kitty’s Boreen (89) | 51.4758446, -9.4021031
51 Mary Fenwicks | Private Residence – House named after the former home owner | 51.4752961, -9.4013805
52 Big Mothers – Jeff’s House | Private Residence –
Now known as Horseshoe Cottage; formerly operated as a B+B
51.4743779, -9.4012237
53 The Lighthouse | Private Residence – also known as Barrack Point Lighthouse. Erected in 1885. It stands on the cliffs overlooking the harbours mouth | 51.4727892, -9.394914
54 John Lewis’ House | Private Residence – Named after a former resident | 51.4726209, -9.4023128
55 Horseshoe Harbour | Likely named for its distinctive shape, which closely resembles a horseshoe
51.47235, -9.40146
56 Horseshoe Pier / Slip | A landing point used
by locals long ago | 51.47216, -9.40136
57 Tobar Mháirtín – Martin’s Well | A well used by the O’Donovan family and neighbours in the area
51.47189, -9.4018743
58 Willie O’Donovans House | Private Residence –
Now known as Horseshoe House | 51.4712594, -9.4022076
59 Path to St Mona’s well | Where you enter the path
to St Mona’s Well | 51.4712057, -9.4025862
60 Masters Gate and Residence House / Short cut
Private Residence – This house was originally built as accommodation for the teachers of the island school in
the early 1900’s | 51.4757107, -9.4028174
61 The Céim Step | Translates as Step – An essential island shortcut, that served the residents of Farrancoush and neighbours across the Island | 51.47539, -9.4041
62 Top of Rugher Hill | From this point you have a beautiful view looking out over the Rugher strand and Cuinne harbour | 51.47537, -9.40415
63 Rugher Hill | According to Dineen 1904 dictionary, relates to the name Ruagairt, -artha, – meaning expulsion or banishment, which ties into the story of the banishment of a witch from the area | 51.47486, -9.40495
64 Quarry | Old stone quarry, that is currently used as a recycling centre | 51.47472, -9.4051
65 Witch’s Hole | A location associated with a story of a witch that was banished to the Sahara Desert to count the grain’s of sand as punishment for terrorising the locals 51.4742684, -9.4053802
66 Post Office Hill | 51.47417, -9.40605
67 The Orchard | Private Residence – Nolans garden – These apples were picked and boxed in sand to keep them fresh and sold on in the shop | 51.4741991, -9.4062657
68 Old Post Office – Joe Nolans | Private Residence. Was once the local post office | 51.4741077, -9.4063302
69 Short Cut | Route used by the Nolan family for tending to their cattle at Horseshoe Harbour | 51.473905, -9.4065257
70 Joe Nolan’s Creamery | According to local oral history, this creamery was in operation for only a brief period 51.4735737, -9.4070251
71 Old Girls School | Private Residence. Built in 1851 51.4735414, -9.4071667
72 Hall Pump | A water pump was situated here long ago 51.4735039, -9.4068775
73 School House Strand | Opposite Community Hall 51.4734434, -9.4070635
74 Community Hall | Current Sherkin Island Community Hall Built in 1983 | 51.4733402, -9.4069328
75 Johnnie Minihane’s Wall | Named after the person who built the wall | 51.4733243, -9.4069969
76 Old National Boys School | Built 1892 and
closed in 2016 | 51.4728311, -9.4070734
77 Joe Nolan’s field | Most recently known as the school garden | 51.47267, -9.40693
78 The Long Garden | Private Property. Once a popular field where school children played rounders. It also served as a short cut to Horseshoe Harbour | 51.4725731, -9.4067007
79 Bearna Leath Slí | Private Property. Translating as “Halfway Gap” a historic short cut to Horseshoe Harbour 51.4724806, -9.4068154
80 Short Cut | Private Property. A hillside shortcut once used to reach Kitty’s house | 51.4720516, -9.407772
81 The Mud | Water area outside the new wall, parts were
once used for turf cutting. It is identified as “Reenamullin” on the 25-inch OSI map. The name Reena (from Rinn, meaning “headland”) and Muileann (meaning “mill”) provide evidance that mirrors local folklore of a mill once situated on this prominent point of land | 51.4719538, -9.4084222
82 The Mill | Folklore suggests that the Franciscan Friary may have had a mill here in the 1500’s | 51.47273, -9.40902
83 Quarry | Was used as a source of stone to repair the roads 51.4716088, -9.4087325
84 Big Island | Local school children called this Cannibal Island in the 1960’s and 1970’s | 51.47184, -9.4094
85 Gap in the New Wall | About a halfway mark in
the new wall | 51.47143, -9.40902
86 Mrs Jones’ Shop | A local shop once occupied this space 51.4714, -9.40905
87 Pound Garden | Private Property. This was an area that was used for impounding stray animals
51.4710943, -9.4092724
88 New Wall | Built in 1923 to prevent erosion to the road 51.471141, -9.409452
89 Kitty’s Boreen | Was also known as Jamsie’s Boreen, who was Kitty’s father | 51.4709827, -9.4095841
90 Pound Garden Well | Private Property. This well would have been used to water animals while they were impounded. It was also used by neighbouring house holds as a water supply 51.4709493, -9.4091611
91 Kitty the Hills House | Private Residence – Named after a former resident | 51.4707696, -9.4077612
92 Entrance to Kitty the Hills Short Cut
Shortcut from Kitty’s house down to the new wall
51.4708311, -9.4076901
93 Short Cut | A route used by people in the area,
it gave quick access to the ferry and neighbours
51.4711483, -9.407034
94 Páircín | Translates as Small Field or Pasture. Was once used as a vegetable garden | 51.4708811, -9.4103213
95 Creamery | Private Property. Used as a community creamery by the people from the western side of the Island during the 1900’s to 1960’s | 51.4709808, -9.4106843
96 The Lane | Private residences. A row of 6 small houses. The people who lived there were known as the “The Townies”
51.4710069, -9.410816
97 The Clothes Hill | The residents of Island House used this hill to dry their laundry | 51.4707066, -9.4105991
98 The Shop – Island House | Private Residence. Also known as Island House. It was built in 1912 and was run as a shop and guesthouse for many years | 51.4707446, -9.411114
99 Stevie’s Road | Named after a previous landowner, this road led you to Stevie’s house and other residences in the area
51.4704921, -9.4111671
100 Marie Eoghan’s Ruin | Private Property. It is said, per Betty Norris that the house was used to test cattle and store hay. The original house was built in a day and known as Marie Eoghan’s house | 51.47021, -9.41209
101 The Cross | Despite being a T-Junction rather than a traditional crossroads, it likely earned its name from the road leading directly to the Church | 51.47022, -9.41217
102 Hay Shed | Private Property, previously used as
a hay shed | 51.47026, -9.41215
103 Jack’s House | Private Residence
51.4702331, -9.4131157
104 Big Well | A community well, home to local ghost stories 51.47021, -9.41362
105 The Meadow Field | Private Property. An area that was used for growing hay | 51.470667, -9.4137363
106 Short Cut | Private Property. A historically popular path to the north side of the Church, long favoured by local parishioners 51.4707121, -9.4149497
107 The Forge Garden | Private Property.
Once a working forge | 51.4711438, -9.4154328
108 Lily’s Gate and Hill | Private Residence Featuring a distinctive heart – shaped motif on the gate, the road outside is known as Lily’s Hill | 51.4713002, -9.4155088
109 Short Cut | A useful shortcut, used by the Cahalane family, it provided a much shorter route to Mass. It was a popular path in its time frequented by many people | 51.4709968, -9.4179193
110 Jib Garden | According to local resident Liz O’Connor, this field was named for its resemblance to the jib sail of a boat
51.472224, -9.4171738
111 Cahalane’s Short Cut | This path was a family favourite. The children used it to reach the Gusty, a boat, which served as their favourite spot for swimming and playing 51.47223, -9.41758
112 Short Cut | Historically a well traveled path, this route is steeped in local folklore and noted for ghostly accounts 51.4726339, -9.4191391
113 Docknaganee | Could be derived from “Gaineamh” for sand, meaning a “Dock of Sand” | 51.4727653, -9.4186337
114 Tráigh Eoghan Mhór – Cow Strand | Translates to – Great Eoghan’s Strand. Also known as Sandy Strand, where it got its name due to the sand industry that ran from the 1930s and eventually wound down in the 1960s
51.4724181, -9.4195906
115 Sand Boat Quay | This quay was once used by the
sand-boats to distribute sand up the Ilen river to Skibbereen where it was sold as fertiliser | 51.4736315, -9.4181555
116 Cuisín na Geata | Translates as – Cuisín – Small inlet
with cave or gate. Also spelt as Cooseenagath as seen in the
OSI 25” map | 51.4729878, -9.421892
117 Tráigh na bPlúiseach | Translates as – Pluais, or pluaiseach, a hole, a cave; i bpluais chnuic, in a cave in the hill.
Also known as Silver Strand | 51.4739177, -9.4231477
118 Well | Name unknown | 51.4740316, -9.4230298
119 The BungAlow / Dance hall | Private Residence
A 1930s – era former dance hall, enjoyed a brief stint as a social hub before being converted into two apartments and historically let out over the summer months | 51.4744, -9.42271
120 Well | While it’s formal name is unknown, this well
belongs to the O’Driscoll family and was traditionally used
by all the neighbours | 51.474697, -9.4243268
121 Well | An unnamed well featuring a wooden barrel casing that was installed by the O’Driscoll family. The barrel is typically submerged or covered by sand, appearing only after stormy weather | 51.4746753, -9.4250998
122 The Tailors | Private Residence. At one time a
tailors house and home | 51.4767335, -9.4246416
123 The Avenue | A private road leading to private residences 51.4772411, -9.4251636
124 Ropewalk Field | Earned its name from a site where traditional ropes were made | 51.4772607, -9.425287
125 North Shore | Currently in use for public accommodation, glamping and cafe
51.4776645, -9.4252678
126 Ropewalk | This area served as a Ropewalk, where the O’Reilly family, established rope makers most likely practiced their trade | 51.4776587, -9.4250106
127 The Chapel Hill | Road leading to St Mona’s Church 51.47007, -9.41264
128 Nan Norris’ House | Private Residence
51.46981, -9.41344
129 Church Field | Private residence
51.46936, -9.41466
130 Church Garden | The walled area that surrounds
the church | 51.46924, -9.41518
131 Short Cut | This route led to the Dan’s
house and surrounding area | 51.46882, -9.41529
132 St Mona’s Church | St Mona’s Church, Patron
Saint of Sherkin Island | 51.4690198, -9.4155994
133 Top of Bolla | A small roadside hill named after “The Bolla” field, which lies in the valley to the north
51.4684332, -9.4174611
134 Short Cut | Private Property. This path was used by Pat Mikey O’Driscoll to bring home hay during the summer. It also served as the main route to Tráigh Eoghan Mhór (Cow Strand) and surrounding area | 51.46744, -9.41929
135 Pat Mikey’s Height | Way point named after a
resident that lived at that location | 51.4673864, -9.4193529
136 Top of Denis Nolan’s Height | Peak of the hill. Named after a local resident | 51.4665147, -9.4208884
137 Póilín Madra Rua | Translates as, The Fox’s Hole 51.4660062, -9.4215723
138 Denis Nolan’s lower height | Named after the
man that lived in this area | 51.4659045, -9.4217819
139 Trá Bán – East | Tidal beach. Known as White Strand 51.465866, -9.4237814
140 Gort na Clasha | Also known as Gort na Claise, translates to field of the water channel. This stream originates
in the Claddagh townland in the east slope of Slievemore Hill
51.4649789, -9.4243706
141 Boreen of Trá Bán | The little road leading to
the Strand | 51.46411, -9.42718
142 Trá Bán – West | Tidal beach. Known as White Strand 51.4650919, -9.4276857
143 The Palace | A fish palace was a location for curing fish.
As seen on the “Down Survey map”. www.downsurvey.ie 51.4628251, -9.4301845
144 Private Property | The Village. This house was originally one of a small, distinct cluster of homes known historically as “The Village” | 51.4623977, -9.4314076
145 Trá Crú | Translates as – Strand of The Hound.
Small beach | 51.4614575, -9.4340135
146 The Village | The Village. A small, distinct cluster
of homes known historically as “The Village”
51.46298, -9.42912
147 Myra Nicki McCarthy – Private Property
The Village. This house was originally one of a small, distinct cluster of homes known historically as “The Village”
51.4630013, -9.4290344
148 Tobar na Blobaire | Translates as –
Well of Frogspawn. A public pump is located here.
No longer in use | 51.4624868, -9.4290472
149 Private Residence | This house was originally
one of a small, distinct cluster of homes known historically
as “The Village” | 51.4624418, -9.4283407
150 Private Residence | The Village. This house was originally one of a small, distinct cluster of homes known historically as “The Village” | 51.4623039, -9.4279744
151 Denny Bryan’s House | Private Property, The Village. This house was originally one of a small, distinct cluster of homes known historically as “The Village”
51.4625851, -9.4279741
152 Captain’s House | Private Residence. Was part
of the Coast Guard Station | 51.4616628, -9.4301263
153 Private Property | The Village. This house was originally one of a small, distinct cluster of homes known historically as “The Village” | 51.4617771, -9.4310264
154 Private Residence | Was part of the Coast Guard Station | 51.46113, -9.43028
155 Miriam’s Short Cut | This route served as a path until the original boreen was cleared of overgrowth, restoring access to the Watch House – a building known as the Old Coast Guard Station | 51.46065, -9.43024
156 Tobar na hÓige | The Well of Youth
51.46004, -9.43012
157 The Watch House | Private Residence.
Was part of the Coast Guard Station | 51.45859, -9.43392
158 Trá na bhFrancach | The strand west of the Watch House | 51.4586267, -9.4347828
