Baltimore, County Cork
Baltimore (Dún na Séad in Irish) is a small town in western County Cork, Ireland. Although the name Baltimore is an anglicization of Irish words (baile an tighe mhóir) meaning "settlement of the big house", the Irish-language name for Baltimore is that of the O'Driscoll castle, Dún na Séad ("fort of the jewels"), the remains of which still dominate the town.
Ferries sail from Baltimore to Schull further along the coast, to Sherkin Island, and to the more remote Clear Island (Cape Clear). Baltimore was sacked in 1631 by Algerian pirates, and reminders of the incident still exist in the form of pub names, like "The Algiers Inn". It is believed that Napoleon obtained his famous white mare from the area.
One of the most notable landmarks in the area is the Baltimore Beacon, also known as Lot's Wife. This large stone structure at the entrance to Baltimore Harbour was originally built at the order of the British government after the 1798 rebellion. It was part of a series of lighthouses and beacons dotted around the Irish coast, forming a warning system.
Baltimore attracts many visitors from within Ireland and the population booms in summer months due to the large number of summer homes that have been built in the area in the last ten years. Baltimore also attracts visitors from elsewhere in Europe and the world, particularly those interested in seafaring.
See also
External links
- Baltimore official site
- Glenans Irish Sailing Club
- Baltimore RNLI Lifeboat
- Baltimore Wooden Boat Festival
- Baltimore Yacht Charters
- Glebe Gardens Baltimore
- Oldcourt Boats Baltimore
Categories
Towns in Cork