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A favourite pastime in Baltimore is to watch American tourists stare at “The Algiers Inn” and hear them say “Jeez, why does an Irish pub have a such name?”
In June 1631 year ago the entire population of Skibbereen’s near neighbour, the lovely seaside village of Baltimore, were abducted into slavery by Barbary Pirates. Indeed the raid is the reason while Skibbereen grew while Baltimore decline, In the summer of 1631 Baltimore fell victim to a sensational attack by pirates. At that time the population consisted chiefly of settlers from England who had arrived some years earlier to work in the lucrative pilchard fishery under lease from the O’Driscoll chieftain, Sir Fineen O’Driscoll. Piracy was rife along the shores of West Cork, much of it of a home-grown variety; indeed the settlement’s founder, Thomas Crooke, stood accused of involvement himself. However, the danger in this case was from much farther afield.
On board two ships that left Algiers was a combined force of Dutch, Algerians and Turks under the command of one of the most successful leaders of Barbary pirates, a renegade Dutchman, Murat Reis the Younger. The inhabitants of Baltimore were taken completely by surprise. More than 200 armed corsairs landed in the Cove, torching the thatched roofs of the houses and carrying off with them ‘young and old out of their beds’. It may have happened in 1631 but around here they remember it like yesterday!
Today Baltimore is a small but busy and lively port and popular sailing centre, south of Skibbereen and facing onto Roaringwater Bay and Carbery’s Hundred Isles. Regular ferries operate from here to the popular and much visited islands of Cape Clear, Sherkin Island and Heir Island. It is located on some of Irelands most beautiful coastline. Baltimore West Cork Ireland is popular with visitors for its many water based activities such as Sailing, Diving, Whale and Dolphin Watching, Snorkelling or Kayaking.
Baltimore hosts a number of Summer time festivals and it offers some great traditional music, and lots of good food including some great sea food. Locally you have the Lough Hyne area where you can take in some wonderful walks at all levels, bird watching or take a climb up Knockomagh Hill. Baltimore is a great area also for the walking and cycling enthusiasts.
Top Tip: Take a visit to the restored Batimore Castle & Pirate Exhibition, the Castle, Dún na Séad built in the 1200’s which overlooks the harbour was a holding of the O’Driscolls clan, who were one of the most important clans in West Cork. Restored with love by Peter and Bernie McCarthy who live there you can now visit the great hall and take in some great views from the battlements area.
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