The buzz is back in Baltimore, but staff shortages could scupper efforts to stay afloat

Hospitality businesses in the West Cork coastal village have had a booming summer, but as the young workers who kept the pubs and restaurants staffed head back to college, business owners are concerned about the months ahead

Tom Bushe outside Bushe’s in Baltimore: He has only opened outside for food and drink because he can’t get enough staff to man the inside as well.
Picture: Eddie O’Hare

The buzz is definitely back in Baltimore. The West Cork coastal community is heavily reliant on tourism and its economy is booming since Covid-19 restrictions were eased, giving it a record July and August.

Bookings for the following weeks suggest the surge is not over for staycationer visits, although catering for them won’t be easy as the hospitality sector there, as in other places, is struggling due to a lack of staff.