Baltimore

BALTIMORE
Situated about seven miles south-west of Skibbereen, over looking Roaringwater Bay and Carbery’s Hundred Isles, Baltimore is a small but very busy port and extremely popular sailing destination. It boasts an impressive history of boat building (circumnavigator Connor O’Brien’s The Saoirse was built there ) and there is a world class sailing school in the village.

The harbour and islands have a wide reputation amongst dinghy sailors and yachtsmen as an unbeatable source of relaxation and fun. Indeed with its clean waters warmed by the Gulf stream and sheltered harbour, Baltimore is a magnet for fans of every kind of water-sport. There are even whale watching excursions available form some angling charter boats.

The surrounding area is dotted with places of interest, including the magnificent navigational Beacon at the entrance to the harbour, the remains O’Driscoll Castle, Dun na Sea, the islands of Cape Clear and Heir and the unique inland sea-water lake, Lough Hyne.

The village itself is bustling and friendly, with numerous shops, restaurants and pubs. Baltimore also has a full calendar of festivals and event, many of which celebrate the villages maritime history – the Wooden Boat festival, Seafood Festival, Sea Angling Festival and the Baltimore, Cape Clear and Sherkin Regattas to name just a few.

In truth Baltimore is a mariner’s dream destination. Almost all aspects of daily life and celebration seem to revolve around the sea. With a wealth of different marine based opportunities to indulge in and a community who have lived by the waters throughout their history it is somewhere that any and every member of the yachting and boating fraternity should visit at least once in their life.