A must sea pirate festival

A full-scale replica of Christopher Columbus' flagship of 1492 has arrived into Baltimore following just over a week in Cork city.

The Nao Santa María is in the coastal village ahead of The Baltimore Pirate Festival and was greeted by a ceremonial flotilla of local boats and the crew of the Baltimore RNLI Lifeboat as she made her way into the harbour before berthing on Baltimore's North Pier.

The ship will remain in Baltimore and be open to the public until 14 June, offering visitors a unique opportunity to step aboard and experience life on a 15th century ocean-going vessel. Guests will be able to explore multiple decks, discover the story of Columbus' famous voyage, and learn about the maritime history that helped shape the modern world.

The visit has been arranged as a curtain-raiser to the Baltimore Pirate Festival, which takes place from 19-21 June.

The festival celebrates Baltimore's rich maritime heritage, its historic links with piracy and privateering, and remembers the dramatic events of the Sack of Baltimore in 1631, when Barbary pirates raided the village and carried more than 100 residents into captivity.

Festival Chairperson Stuart Musgrave said: “The arrival of the Nao Santa María is a truly historic occasion for Baltimore and for West Cork. This is one of the most famous ships in maritime history and seeing her sail into Baltimore Harbour will be an unforgettable sight. The visit perfectly complements the Baltimore Pirate Festival and helps bring our maritime history to life for visitors of all ages through three days of family entertainment, music, storytelling, and community events.”

The Baltimore Pirate Festival has become one of Ireland's most unique family festivals and will once again feature a pirate parade, live music, treasure hunt, children's entertainment, pirate games, historical walk and talk, market stalls, boat events, and plenty of pirate-themed fun throughout the village.