Baltimore Beacon

31 March 2026

To borrow a phrase from Forrest Gump, I’d say the Baltimore Beacon is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get! But seriously, when you climb up to the Beacon, it’s always a bit of a surprise to figure out what’s in store for you. Although you catch a glimpse of the whitewashed tower from afar, it is only after passing the final hilltop that it reveals itself in all its glory. It is a view that is addictive and one that you will never forget. Like a tireless sentinel, the signal tower stands atop the cliffs overlooking Baltimore Bay. Opposite, Sherkin Island rises up, and the panorama seems almost too perfect to be true.

I have visited the Beacon in all seasons, day and night – in stormy weather and glorious sunshine. I’ve marveled at how the sun sets behind Sherkin Lighthouse in winter and near Mount Gabriel in summer. So you may think that this location is exhausted for me. Not at all! Every time I climb up to the Beacon, I am excited to see what awaits me there this time. Even if, just for a change, it’s simply a herd of cows keeping the grass in perfect shape.

Cows at Baltimore Beacon in County Cork, Ireland

The Baltimore Beacon is the perfect spot for a sunset shoot. However, thanks to its spectacular location, it is also a beautiful photo opportunity at any other time of day.

Location

Located at the coast outside Baltimore, Co. Cork, Ireland. (Maps)

Photo opportunities

Signal tower and rugged cliffs.

Best time

Primarily sunset. However, the beacon looks great at any time of day.

Photo equipment

Camera, 14–24 mm and 24–70 mm lenses, polarising filter, GND graduated filter, tripod.

Tips

When working with graduated filters, make sure the gradient does not overlap the beacon.
Take some time to explore the surrounding area. From the car park, you can walk along the cliffs below the beacon and find some lovely photo opportunities there.

Parking

There is a small car park at the end of the road directly below the beacon. (Maps)

Distance

It is around 200 metres from the car park to the beacon. The path includes a short steep section, but is otherwise easy to walk.
You can also take a long walk to the beacon from Baltimore (around 3.5 km there and back).

Stay nearby

The nearest town is Baltimore. A wider range of accommodation can be found around Skibbereen.

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Stefan Schnebelt

Hi I’m Stefan

On my blog, I take you along on my travels, write about photo locations, and share insights into my work as a landscape photographer.

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