A picturesque village in Ireland with a tiny population has been named the “best” place to visit this winter for tourists.

Baltimore is located on the south coast of west County Cork, Ireland. It has a population of just 400 people and its Irish name translates to ‘Fort of the Jewels’.

Numbers swell in the summer when visitors flock to the small village, with it being the last stop on the 1,500-mile Wild Atlantic Way, which stretches along Ireland’s west coast. It was named by The Guardian as one of the best places to visit this winter.

In ancient times, Baltimore was considered a sanctuary for druids and the place name is associated in Irish mythology with the feast of Bealtaine.

The village’s history is shaped by the sea, with the Sacking of Baltimore in 1631 where pirates carried off much of the population.

It became a centre of fishing and boatbuilding and the lifeboat station is among the oldest in the country. Now, it is a popular destination for watersports and fishing fans.

The oldest part of the village with its 13th-century castle and rows of fishermen’s cottages is spread along the eastern shore of the harbour. There are also prehistoric remains and shipwrecks.

At its heart is the village square around which are clustered bars and restaurants looking west over sea and islands towards the ‘land’s end’ of Ireland, Mizen Head.

Across a superb natural harbour lie Carbery’s Hundred Isles, including the enchanting islands of Cape Clear, Sherkin and Heir, just a short ferry ride away from Baltimore pier.

Around the village’s pier are charter boats and pleasure craft with fishing vessels and ferries serving the main islands. 

There are no shopping centres but, for visitors, there is lots of accommodation to choose from and restaurants and cafes to enjoy. There is also the opportunity to see whales and dolphins off the coast.