The 2018 Baltimore Pirate Weekend will be held 15 – 17 June in Baltimore, West Cork, and will feature family-friendly activities that explore the region’s pirate history.

The three-day event will include boat trips along the Wild Atlantic Way, a Buccaneer Buffet featuring pirate-themed food, sand castle competitions on Sherkin Island and pirate costume contests for adults and children. On Sunday, a special costume competition will select the best Father’s Day pirate.

The festival, held annually, remembers the Sack of Baltimore, which became the focus of international attention in 1631 when Barbary pirates launched their largest ever attack on the town, taking more than 100 people captive. An exhibition in Dún na Séad castle invites attendees to explore this historic event and consider how pirate activity shaped the region over time.

For more information on the festival, visit http://www.baltimore.ie/event/baltimore-pirate-weekend/.