This June, the Baltimore Pirate Festival returns to West Cork after a short hiatus – and The Algiers gastropub, the only pub in West Cork offering craft cocktails, is ready to make waves with a weekend of bold drinks, disco dancing, and pirate mischief from Friday, 20 to Sunday, 22 June.  
The festival commemorates Baltimore’s storied maritime past, from its centuries-old role as a pirate stronghold under the O’Driscoll clan to the dramatic events of 20th June 1631 (Sack of Baltimore), when Algerian pirates raided the village and captured over 100 residents, taking them to North Africa. While the Sack of Baltimore remains a defining moment in local lore, the festival honours a broader and more colourful history – one where piracy was, for centuries, central to the town’s economy and identity.
 
In a playful nod to this legacy, The Algiers – named after the pirates’ North African base – is marking the occasion with a lively programme of events and a special festival cocktail collaboration with Poachers Ginger Beer and Blacks of Kinsale Rum.

Highlights at The Algiers include:·        
  • Festival-Exclusive Dark & Stormy Cocktail (all weekend)
    Created in collaboration with Poachers Ginger Beer and Blacks of Kinsale Rum, this limited-edition cocktail channels the spirit of the high seas. Available throughout the weekend, it’s a brooding, bold serve that pays tribute to Baltimore’s stormy (and storied) past.     
  • Rock the Boat: Pirate Festival Sunset Disco Cruise
    Saturday 21 June | 7.30 PM – 9.30 PM
    Set sail with Cape Clear Ferries and The Algiers aboard the Carraig Aonair for a two-hour cruise through the stunning Roaringwater Bay. Expect disco beats, golden hour views, a fully stocked onboard bar, and plenty of pirate energy on deck.
    Tickets: €25 | Strictly 21+ Early Booking advised via capeclearferries.com     
  • The World-Famous Algiers Disco – Pirate Fancy Dress Party
    Saturday 21 June | 9.30 PM until late | Free Entry
    Back on dry land, The Algiers will host its legendary late-night disco with a pirate twist. DJ, themed cocktails, dancing ‘til late, and spot prizes for the best-dressed pirates. Fancy dress highly encouraged!
Throughout the weekend, the village will host live music in the village square, historical walking tours tracing pirate paths, food stalls, family-friendly activities, including a fancy dress competition for kids and adults. For festival updates, follow @baltimorepiratefestival on Instagram.