Caseys of Baltimore Blog

Having a Whale of a Time! (Article from BBC News Europe Website)

Caseys of Baltimore — Sat, 08 Dec 2012 10:27:31 +0000

3 December 2012
BBC News Europe Website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20580373 – Image of Humpack Whale
Humpback whales creating stir off Ireland

It could almost be saying “I’m behind you”, but humpback whales aren’t known for pranking boatloads of whale watchers.

The mammals have been creating a stir off Baltimore in west Cork in the Irish Republic for the last two weeks as they feed on shoals of sprat and herring.

There are five animals in the humpback group and they have been getting a lot of attention, with reports in Ireland’s national newspapers and segments on the state broadcaster RTE.

The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group have been monitoring the group and believe that four of them have visited the same waters off west Cork in the past, some as recently as 2008.

“It is known from the western Atlantic that humpback whales form stable social associations with other whales on the feeding grounds, so this is not just a coincidence,” the IWDG website said.

People have been getting up close to the denizens of the deep, which were once hunted to the brink of extinction, on boat trips from local harbours.

Simon Duggan is a local photographer and went out with friends to see what they could capture.
RNLI Lifeboat crew member Youen Jacob captured the animals bubble feeding

As can be seen from his picture he was luckier than the group on another boat, who appear to all be looking the wrong way.

“Bad weather had stopped us going out, but there was a break on Saturday so we went out,” he said.

“We’d been out for a few hours and had been watching them when this one started to breach.

“It’s a pretty amazing sight, there are minke whales, fin whales and lots of dolphins and harbour porpoise, but the humpbacks are rarer.”

Mr Duggan got the shot because he was in the right place at the right time. He and fellow photographer Youen Jacob were looking for the whales and on this occasion Mr Jacob was steering the boat.

Both men are volunteers with the RNLI in at Baltimore Lifeboat Station and get to spend a fair amount of time at sea.

He said the animal breached about six times, so the watchers on the other boat may have been able to catch the repeat performance.

Mr Duggan said that whale watching is a popular activity in the area in the winter months.

“There really isn’t a lot to do in Baltimore during November and December so it’s become a bit of a hobby for me and some friends and occasionally you get to see this sort of thing.”

They were photgraphed bubble feeding by Mr Jacob last week, a technique which sees the whales going under a school of fish and releasing bubbles to confuse the fish and bunch them together.

Then the whales surge upwards through the school with mouths wide open so they can scoop as many fish as possible.

The IWDG said the scenes of the animals bubble feeding were remarkable, but that while the viewing off Cork was spectacular it was not without precedent.

On its website the group said that there was going to be increased demand on whale watching boats because of the increase in activity, but that it was taking place so near to shore that a pair of binoculars would be enough to enjoy the show.

The Blackberry Hunt, Sunshine and Storytelling

Caseys of Baltimore — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 17:13:18 +0000

If you are scouring the country for a bit of sun shine – look no further – Baltimore has it.

Blackberries are on the way and there is rumblings about making the first apple and blackberry crumble – Yum… Have you found the best Blackberry Bushes yet? Let us in on the secret!

Tonight there is music and singing with Donagh Long – a nice way to unwind after a week of work… Brush up on those lyrics and join the session!

With the sun out, a trip to the islands is always a welcomed treat. This weekend sees the return of the Annual Cape Clear Storytelling Session, now in its 18th year, the festival is growing from strength to strength. This year is proving to be a really special event with tellers hailing from America, England, Wales and our very own home grown tellers too. Highlights include: Ed Stivender (U.S.A.), Katrice Horsley (England), Daniel Morden (Wales), Diarmuid O Drisceoil (Ireland).Music: Muireann NicAmhlaoibh (Ireland).

Ferries run from Baltimore Daily:

Cape Clear Express: http://www.capeclearferry.com/tc/index.php?id=11

Cailín Óir: http://www.cailinoir.com/timetable

A Story for your evening Cuppa’:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmdqxy6LDns

Baltimore Fiddle Fair 2012

Caseys of Baltimore — Sat, 05 May 2012 19:31:50 +0000

Baltimore Fiddle Fair Big Line up for 2012
Wednesday 9 May
Algiers Inn: 6pm: Skibbereen Ceolras Og
Castle Dún na Séad: 9.00 p.m.: Any Old Time

Thursday 10 May
Jacobs Bar: 6.00: John Doherty – Ar Leirg na Gaoithe
Fiddle Fair Marquee: 8.30 p.m. Caoimhin ORaghallaigh, Cleek Schrey, & Nic Gareiss Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill

Friday 11 May
Fiddle Fair Marquee: 11.00am Concert for Local Primary Schools
Rolf’s Country House: 1.00pm: Jo Perry, Katy Salvidge, & Aoife Granville
Glebe Cafe: 5.00pm Fiddle Workshop with Tim O’Brien
Bushes Bar: 5.00pm: Johny Neville, Aoife Granville, Brian Kissane
Fiddle Fair Marquee: 9.00pm Cathal Hayden & Arty McGlynn
The Foghorn String Band with special Guest Dirk Powell.

Saturday 12 May
Fiddle Fair Marquee: 11.00am : American Clogging Workshop with Nic Gareiss, & Cleek Schrey
Castle Dún na Séad: 1.00pm: Michelle O’Brien & Laoise Kelly
Jacobs Bar: 2pm Caoimhin Vallely, Christy Leahy & Nigel Grufferty
Baltimore Sailing Club: 2pm: Fiddle Workshop with Kevin Burke
Glebe Gardens Amphitheatre: 3:00 p.m. “Second Fiddles”
Glenaans Sailing School: 5pm: Old Time Fiddle Workshop with Dirk Powell & Sammy Lind.
Sibin Bar: 5pm: Richie Tisdall, Brendan McCarthy, & Sean Taylor
Islanders Rest Sherkin Island: 8.00pm: De Luce’s Patent
Fiddle Fair Marquee: 9.00pm: Frankie Lane & Dermie Diamond
Altan

Sunday 13 May
Inishbeg Estate: 11.00am. Fiddle Workshop with Ciaran Tourish.
Jacobs Bar: 12.30pm: The Ceili All Stars
Bushes Bar: 1.00pm: Richard Lucey & Friends
Castle Dún na Séad: 1.00pm: Dermot McLaughlin
Glebe Gardens Amphitheatre: 3:00 p.m.: Classic Albums, The Fiddle Fair Mystery Allstars
The Sibin: 5.00pm: Carmel O’Dea & Friends
Fiddle Fair Marquee: 9.00 p.m. Tim O’Brien & Kevin Burke.
Dezi Donnelly, Mike McGoldrick, Jim Murray, John Joe Kelly

Baltimore Islands West Cork

Caseys of Baltimore — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:02:47 +0000

Just off the seas off Baltimore are the “Carbery’s Hundred Isles” an assortment of islands scattered about in the Roaringwater Bay. To see what they would look like from the air one should walk up along well-maintained paths to the top of the hill near Lough Ine on a good summer’s day, to get a good panaramic view of these islands.
The islands of Carbery’s Hundred Isles all vary in size and offer different attractions for various visitors of different tastes. The two main islands are Sherkin Island and Cape Clear Island. Sherkin is the great all rounder with good scenic walks, beaches and many water activities all situated on an island that has a rich artistic heritage with nice places for one to eat and relax by the harbour. Cape Clear the largest of the three is a Gaeltacht, Irish speaking area and a haven for bird lovers and tourists alike offering many views of wildlife on land and on sea as well as a displaying a wealth of Irish heritage and storytelling. Heir Island is also one to watch, it has a small population with peaceful scenery, beautiful sandy beaches and lovely coastlines for watersports including a sailing school for would be sailors to attend. It also has a restaurant with a growing reputation and offering courses during the summer and is ideal for those who either wish to relax and get away from it or for those who want to catch up on the sea activities. The other islands such as Skeams, Goat Island, Calf Islands, Carthy islands, Castle Island and Long Island are other uninhabited islands to take note of with options to view wildlife breeding grounds and historical remains from the safety of boats or tour boats.
With active Ferry routes and the only one of the two Ports (Schull only has Ferries to the islands in the summer months) that is open all year round Baltimore is the ideal place to offer the visitors and locals a chance to visit Islands throughout the year. When one thinks of the islands one thinks of scenic but bare and uneventful places but look deeper and all the islands provide a range of different activities and opportunities for different visitors to enjoy. Each one has its’ own unique selling points that one might not avail on the mainland in scenic and peaceful surroundings of breathtaking beauty.
All in all a trip to Baltimore does not just include the town itself and the coastline but also the very different distinct islands of Sherkin, Cape Clear and Heir.

Merry Christmas From our Fastnet Trasnquility Suite…

Caseys of Baltimore — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 17:19:30 +0000

For the whole month of December Michelle at our Fastnet Tranquility Suite is offering a 20% Discount off ALL TREATMENTS!! How Fabulous… Pamper yourself and be party ready for the festive Season. Contact Reception on 028 20197 or Michelle at … Continue reading →

Tapa’s Friday night & Baltimore Community Leisure Centre Fundraiser Saturday night.

Caseys of Baltimore — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 12:42:21 +0000

Vicky our Head Chef is working hard in the kitchen this morning preparing a lovely selection of Tapa’s that will be available tonight in the bar. Very tasty.

This Saturday night why not Join Us for a Fantastic Night of Music & Craic!
With performances from Baltimore Choir & a host of top quality Local Musicians.
Plus Finger Food and Raffle all in aid of the Baltimore Community Leisure Centre.
Tickets €8 each on sale at Casey’s Hotel, The Baltimore Community Leisure Centre and Bushes Bar. This is a great cause and all support would be very welcome.

New Special offer for a Festive Family Weekend

Caseys of Baltimore — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 19:01:28 +0000

Enjoy a FESTIVE WEEKEND for 2 NIGHTS B&B + FAMILY PASS TO WINTER WONDERLAND ….
The elves take you on a journey through Winter Wonder Land. See the polar bears, penguins, reindeer & lots more…
You will visit Santa’s Grotto where Santa Claus and his elves will be waiting with a special present for all the good boys and girls.
For more information on this special offer contact us on 028 20197

Cards/Trad Music Session & Darts in Casey’s

Caseys of Baltimore — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 17:40:00 +0000

Cards every Friday night in Casey’s. A Traditional Irish Music session with Guertien & Tom O’Leary from TORC this Saturday night starting at about 9.30pm in our Bar. The winter Darts competition is starting again this Sunday evening from 8pm. … Continue reading →

Winter Evening Classes at Casey’s of Baltimore Hotel

Caseys of Baltimore — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 20:22:02 +0000

On Monday Nights we have Bridge in the Lough Ine Lounge, Starting at 7.45pm All Welcome.

On Tuesday Nights we have Adult Art Classes taking place at 7.30pm
€12 per class.
For more information contact Reception on
028 20197

Music with Donagh Long & Friends Sat night.

Caseys of Baltimore — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 14:42:36 +0000

Donagh Long & friends will be in Casey’s bar this Saturday night 5th November singing and playing some lovely music. Everyone more than welcome to join in with them and enjoy the music and the cosy settings of Casey’s bar. … Continue reading →