Baltimore, County Cork
 |
The Baltimore Beacon, also known as Lot's Wife |
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: List of towns in the Republic of Ireland*
Baltimore official site*
Glenans Irish Sailing Club*
Baltimore RNLI Lifeboat*
Baltimore Wooden Boat Festival*
Baltimore Yacht Charters*
Glebe Gardens Baltimore*
Oldcourt Boats Baltimore
