'Baltimore' () is a harbour town in western
County Cork,
Province of Munster,
Ireland. Although the name Baltimore is an anglicisation of Irish words (''Baile an Tí Mhóir'') meaning "Town 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 recently restored castle is open to the public and overlooks the town. The town's name is properly prounounced differently than
Baltimore in the USA. (Bal-timore rather than Ball-timore).
History

Baltimore, West Cork (2005)
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.
Places of interest

The Baltimore Beacon, also known as
Lot's Wife
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.
Tourism
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.
Transport and communications
★ Ferries sail from Baltimore to
Schull further along the coast, to
Sherkin Island, and to the more remote
Clear Island (Cape Clear)
★ Nearest airport
Cork Airport
See also
★
List of towns in the Republic of Ireland
★
Baltimore (Parliament of Ireland constituency) (to 1800)
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
★
Marine life at Baltimore coast