Baltimore & The Beacon
Baltimore
A fishing harbour town at the southern tip of West Cork, with a white 'Lot's Wife' beacon standing on the clifftop and departure points for island trips and whale watching.
Baltimore is the southernmost fishing port in West Cork. In 1631, North African pirates raided the town and carried more than a hundred villagers off into slavery. Above the harbour stands the 17th-century Driscoll Castle. Outside the town, on the clifftop, stands a white, cone-shaped navigation beacon called 'The Beacon', nicknamed 'Lot's Wife'. It is within walking distance and offers views over Sherkin Island and Cape Clear Island. Ferries run from the pier to the islands, and in summer there are whale-watching boats and diving trips. The seafood at the bars along the harbour is very popular. It is about 40 km from Clonakilty.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Sherkin Island
- Lough Hyne
- Skibbereen Heritage Centre
- Cape Clear Island
- Castletownshend
- Bantry House & Garden
- Glandore
- Fastnet Lighthouse