Baltmore

Baltimore is a natural harbour at Ireland's southwestern tip, tucked in behind Sherkin, Spanish and Ringarogy Islands in West Cork. It is a busy fishing port, ferry point and lively yachting centre at the gateway to Roaringwater Bay and Carbery's Hundred Isles.

Entry is via the southern entrance between Beacon Point on Sherkin Island, marked by the Baltimore Beacon, and Barrack Point with its lighthouse; from there you head north, leaving the Loo Rock buoy to starboard. The harbour offers visitors' moorings and pontoon berths, though the pontoon can get crowded. Water at the pontoon costs €5, and while the pontoon itself supports a draught of 2.4 metres, the surrounding water is only 1.5 metres at low water springs, so care is needed when approaching. Note that the harbour gives no shelter from strong westerly winds.

Ashore you'll find showers (coin/token-operated) and toilets, diesel available by hose, and a small shop for day-to-day provisions – for a bigger shop you'll need the bus to Skibbereen. Atlantic Boating Services offers chandlery and outboard repairs. For food and drink, the Jolly Roger pub serves pub grub, and the restaurant Le Jolie Brise overlooks the harbour.

It's a short walk from the pontoon into the village, and a walking trail leads up to the distinctive Baltimore Beacon with views over the Atlantic. Ferries continue on to Sherkin Island and Cape Clear, and Fastnet Rock can be glimpsed on the horizon.