Baltimore & the Isles
Baltimore in West Cork sits near the very southern tip of Ireland on the beautiful southwest coast, roughly mid-way between the busy tourist destinations of Dingle and Kinsale. Slightly off the main tourist trail, Baltimore has retained a village atmosphere, but it still has plenty of top class accommodation and great places to eat and drink. Across a large natural harbour lie Carbery's Hundred Isles, which include the enchanting islands of Cape Clear, Sherkin and Heir, all reached by ferry from the pier.
Baltimore's history has always been shaped by the sea - so much so that in 1631 almost the entire population was carried off by pirates, never to be seen again. The original castle of Dún na Séad (the Fort of the Jewels) from which the village takes its Irish name was sacked by waterborne invaders several times in its long career. Happily, the village recovered fully from these early setbacks and today the labyrinth of creeks and coves which was once the haunt of pirates is a playground for invaders of a more peaceful kind.
While there is much to enjoy without leaving dry land, in the village itself and amongst the spectacular scenery round about, it is activities like sailing, angling, diving, and whale watching that draw many visitors to Baltimore. In the bars and restaurants at the end of the day confirmed landlubbers rub shoulders with people who have spent it on (or perhaps under) the ocean. These days the Fort of the Jewels welcomes everybody with open arms, including waterborne invaders!
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