Baltimore, County Cork
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Baltimore (Dún na Séad in Irish) is a small town in western County Cork, Ireland. Although the name Baltimore is an anglicization of Irish words (baile an tighe mhóir) meaning "settlement 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 remains of which still dominate the town.
Ferries sail from Baltimore to Schull further along the coast, to Sherkin Island, and to the more remote, but breathtakingly beautiful Clear Island (Cape Clear). Baltimore was sacked in 1631 by Algerian pirates, and reminders of the incident abound in form of pub names, e.g. "The Algiers". It is believed that Napoleon obtained his famous white mare from the area.
Baltimore is home to some exceptional restaurants, notably "The Custom's House", one of Ireland's more highly regarded seafood establishments. The town has a number of appealing public houses, such as "Bushes Bar". Baltimore attracts many visitors from within Ireland and the populatiion 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.
- See also: List of towns in the Republic of Ireland
- External link: Baltimore official site (http://www.baltimore-ireland.com/)