October to May timetable (1 October 2026 to 31 May 2027): Monday, Tuesday and Thursday shown; Wednesday, Friday and the weekend differ
Saturday morning from Sherkin One version of the operator's October to May table also ticks a 09:15 Saturday departure from Sherkin. The other version and NTA timetable data show 09:45, which is the time loaded here. If you need the first Saturday boat off the island, call 087 911 7377.
Weather, Christmas and bank holidays All sailings depend on weather and other conditions, and the operator says severe weather can delay or cancel them. No separate Christmas or bank holiday times are published; call 087 911 7377 before travelling on those days.
Other ferries from Baltimore Cape Clear Ferries also sails from Baltimore, to Cape Clear Island. Check that you are boarding the Sherkin boat.
Map – Baltimore – Sherkin Island ferry
| Ticket type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult, single | €8 |
| Adult, return | €15 |
| Student with student card, single | €4 |
| Student with student card, return | €7 |
| Child aged 5 to 18, single | €2 |
| Child aged 5 to 18, return | €4 |
| Child under 5 | Free |
| Pensioner with Travel Pass | Free |
Fares from the operator's price list, single or return; the headline is the adult single. Children under 5 and pensioners with a Travel Pass travel free; the student rate needs a student card. Tickets are bought on the boat. The operator's own website disagrees about payment: its FAQ says the service is cash only with no online booking, while another paragraph on the homepage mentions buying online in advance. Bring cash, and call 087 911 7377 if you want to check. No charge for bicycles is listed. Groups and cargo are booked by phone on the same number. All fares in euros (EUR).
Sherkin Island lies across the harbour from Baltimore in West Cork, and its ferry, operated by Vincent O'Driscoll, takes about 10 minutes to cross. The service is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development according to the operator's website, and NTA lists it as Sherkin Island Ferries. Cape Clear Ferries uses Baltimore too, so make sure the boat you board is going to Sherkin.
The operator keeps one table for October to May, which this page follows until 31 May 2027. On Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays there are nine round trips, the first leaving Baltimore before 8 in the morning and the last returning from the island at 6 in the evening, with a two-hour gap after midday. Wednesdays add an evening round trip and Fridays a later one. On Saturdays the first boat leaves Baltimore at 9 and the day has seven round trips; on Sundays there are five, starting mid-morning. The two published versions of the table disagree about one Saturday morning departure from the island, so the page shows the time NTA also lists and flags the other. Separate tables apply in June, in July and August, and in September.
An adult pays EUR 8 single or EUR 15 return. Students with a card pay EUR 4 or EUR 7, children aged 5 to 18 pay EUR 2 or EUR 4, and children under 5 and pensioners with a Travel Pass travel free. You buy the ticket on the boat. The operator's FAQ describes a cash-only service without online booking, while another part of the homepage mentions buying online, so carry cash and ring 087 911 7377 if you want certainty.
Bikes are welcome and there is room for them on board; the price list shows no charge for them. Dogs and other pets can travel on a lead and under control. Boarding may involve a few steps, so anyone with limited mobility is asked to contact the operator ahead of the trip. Group trips and cargo are arranged by phone on the same number. In bad weather sailings can be delayed or cancelled, and the operator points travellers to its website and social media for updates.
- Be at the pier in good time; on car ferries vehicles may need to arrive earlier than foot passengers.
- Check the operator's notices on the day — Atlantic wind and swell can cancel or reschedule island sailings.
- Some island operators advise booking ahead in June, July and August, and for groups.