Baltimore, West Cork

Baltimore has a history that can be traced back to prehistoric times. The name itself is often thought to derive from the Irish baile an tí mhóir meaning ‘town of the great house’. A more intriguing theory, however, links it to ancient celtic religion and the pagan god Baal. Whatever the truth, successive generations of men and women have left their mark here, for those who know where to look. Pirates, smugglers and sea battles all had a part in the story. Prehistoric remains, ruined castles and shipwrecks all have a tale to tell. In recent, more peaceful times Baltimore became known as a centre of fishing and boatbuilding, earning a reputation far beyond these shores. Continuing this proud maritime tradition is the lifeboat station, one of the oldest in the country.

It is likely true that the village lent its name to Baltimore, Maryland, but not because its founders came from West Cork. The first Lord Baltimore, George Calvert, whose family founded the American city, had estates in County Meath. However, it is hard to find a reliable record of a place by the name of Baltimore in that part of Ireland and it is entirely possible that Calvert borrowed the name merely because he liked the sound of it. And so the American city came to bear the name of a West Cork fishing village. However, in recent times a fresh link has been forged between the two Baltimores on opposite sides of the Atlantic by the regular visits of the schooner Pride of Baltimore.