Baltimore
51°28.9'N 009°22.2'W · Baltimore (West Cork) (0nm)
3–7m
Depth
Good
Holding
80m
Alarm radius
Moderate
Crowd level
Baltimore is the principal cruising hub of SW Cork — a vibrant small town facing the string of offshore islands (Sherkin, Clear, the Fastnet Rock) that define the southwesternmost tip of Ireland. The harbour provides good shelter and the town has all the facilities a cruising yacht needs: fuel, water, chandlery, provisions and excellent restaurants and pubs. Ferries to Sherkin Island (5 min) and Cape Clear Island (45 min) depart regularly. The famous Fastnet Rock — the 'Teardrop of Ireland' — is visible 12nm offshore in clear conditions. Baltimore was the site of the infamous 1631 Baltimore Sack when Barbary pirates carried off 109 inhabitants into slavery. The Fastnet Race fleet (RORC, biennial in odd years) passes close by. Excellent whale watching (minke, fin, humpback) off the SW Cork coast in late summer.
Best Months
Anchor Zones
Baltimore Harbour — main anchorage
Good3–7m · Alarm: 80m
Anchor in 3–6m (CD) in the main harbour, Sherkin Island providing shelter to the south. Mud and sand — good holding. The harbour is well sheltered from S, E and N. Tidal range approximately 3.0–3.5m springs. Baltimore Harbour Authority manages moorings (VHF Ch 16). Active harbour with ferries to Sherkin and Clear Islands — keep clear of pier approaches. Roaring Water Bay to the W/NW can produce heavy seas in westerlies.
Setting Your Anchor Alarm
80m radius for the harbour. The W/NW exposure to Roaring Water Bay means significant swell can enter in westerly conditions. Move to the SE corner of the harbour behind Sherkin Island for the best shelter in westerlies. Tidal range 3.0–3.5m springs — actual depths at HW reach 6–10.5m.
Recommended radius: 80m
Hazards & Warnings
- !Roaring Water Bay W/NW exposure — heavy seas build rapidly in westerly conditions; Schull (7nm N) or Crookhaven (10nm W) offer better shelter in westerlies
- !Ferry traffic to Sherkin and Clear Islands — busy in summer; keep VHF watch
- !Fastnet Rock area (12nm S) — one of the most notorious weather locations in the British Isles; monitor forecasts
- !Tidal streams around the Mizen Head (15nm W) reach 4 kt at springs — time passage of headlands carefully
Skipper's Tips
- ✓Cape Clear Island (45-min ferry from Baltimore) is one of Ireland's finest wildlife and birdwatching locations — grey seals, dolphins, minke whales, and in autumn, spectacular seabird migration; the island observatory is world-famous
- ✓Chez Youen in Baltimore is an institution — French-owned seafood restaurant with outstanding local crab, lobster and fish
- ✓Fastnet Rock trip (by arrangement with local boatmen in good weather) is one of the most evocative passages in Irish sailing
- ✓The whale watching off SW Cork (June–September) is some of the best in Europe — look for humpback, fin and minke from the anchorage
Facilities
Anchoring Rules
- Permit:
- Not required
- Fee:
- Free to anchor. Visitor moorings available — contact harbour authority. Modest harbour dues may apply.
- Restrictions:
- Keep clear of ferry approaches (Sherkin and Clear Island ferries). Active fishing port — fishing vessels have priority. Speed limit in the harbour.
Sleep Safely at Baltimore
Set your anchor alarm to 80m. UK tidal ranges mean your boat swings — Safe Anchor Alarm keeps watch through the night.
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