Baltimore County Cork.

The town of Baltimore in County Cork has a long maritime tradition this survives today in the small fishing fleet which harvest the rich waters of Cork and beyond, there is an RNLI station in the town, the southernmost in Ireland. The town is a popular holiday destination, water sports are well catered for the town boasts two sailing schools, boats can be hired, the clear water warmed by the Gulf stream attract divers from across the world. A ferry is available for the ten minute crossing to Sherkin Island which is well worth a visit.

In June 1631 the citizens of Baltimore received a rude awakening when the town was attacked by Barbary pirates, two people were killed and about 100 carried off into slavery, most of the captives were English settlers and as the pirates had a pilot from Dungarvin it is thought that some locals may have organised the raid.

While on the maritime theme a project that is ongoing and deserves a mention is the 'Ilen Trust' Neat the Glenan's Sailing Centre there is a boatyard where in 1926, the ketch 'Ilen' was built for the Falklands Island Company, the yacht was designed by Conor O'Brien, when complete he assisted by two cape Clear islanders sailed her to Port Stanley. The Ilen incredibly has survived, it was purchased by the trust and is currently under restoration.

For many centuries Baltimore was the seat of the O'Driscoll clan who controlled much of southwest Cork their castle Castle, Dun na Sead, stands overlooking the town a tangible reminder of the once powerful O'Driscoll's.