Skibbereen is a thriving market town, regarded as the capital of the area known as The Carberies. Situated on the River Ilen, it was founded after Algerian pirates sacked the neighboring port of Baltimore in 1631 carrying off 200 inhabitants into slavery. In the 17th century it produced two battling bishops': one was killed in 1602 fighting the forces of Queen Elizabeth, and the other was hanged on Cromwell's orders in 1650. The coastline from Ross Carber to Baltimore twists round creeks, sandy bays, harbors and headlands. To the west of Skibbereen is Mizen Head, the most southwesterly tip of Ireland. The light house Mizen Vision is reached by a bridge across a rocky chasm warning ships of the steep cliffs, which are often lashed by storms.
9.75" x 4" : Cast Stone, Celtic Art Collection, Made in the U.S.A.