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Co. Cork
Description
First off, let's clear up any confusion. Cobh has been known throughout history by
other names. "Cove" or The Cove of
Cork. "Queenstown," after the visit of
Queen Victoria in 1849. And "Cobh,"
since Irish independence in 1922. The
town is still pronounced "Cove" - the "bh" in the "Cobh" spelling represents
the "v" sound in the Irish language.
What to See and Do
Visit the Cobh Heritage Centre, inside a restored Victorian
railway station, and experience The
Queenstown Story - an exhibit telling the history of the 3 million people
who emigrated from Ireland via Cobh, or Queenstown. Wander the Cobh Museum at the Olds Scots
Church (www.cobhmuseum.com). Look back at over a century of history of
trade in the town, as this was the main transatlantic port in Ireland up until
the late 1950s. See photographs,
paintings, mementos, and even research your own family history here. Browse
Harbour Books. Walk along the
waterfront. Visit St. Colman's
Cathedral, renowned for its 49 bell carillon -- hear The Carillon Recitals at
St. Colman's carillon on Sundays at 4:30PM during May- September. Then wander down to town for some more live
music at Kelly's Bar on Sundays. O'Shea
Bar at the Commodore Hotel has live comedy at 9:30AM on Thursdays. The Sirius Arts Centre had what look like an
interested exhibition of modern photography.
Entitled Birthday Party and
photographed by Vee Speers, the work was inspired by her daughter's birthday,
where kids played at being adults.
Because it was after 5PM, the exhibit was closed, but I would have liked
to see it. The Sirius Art Centre is
housed in the Old Yacht Club Building, and it host art, theatre, and music
events regularly. The art centre is in the former home of the
oldest Yacht club in the world - The Royal Yacht Club - which began as the
Water Club of the Harbour of Cork on Haulbowline Island in 1720. In 1996, it merged with the Royal Munster
Yacht Club, founded in 1872. The
building was the yacht clubhouse until the mid-19th century, now it
is The Sirius Arts Centre. Visit Fota
Wildlife Park, House, and Gardens, just north of the town on the mainland.
Where to Eat and
Drink
Jacob's Ladder at the WatersEdge Hotel specializes in steaks
and seafood. The Trade Winds Restaurant
also specializes in seafood - the Scallops Sur La Plat sounded good, "pan-fried
scallops served on a savory potato pancake drizzled with a light blue cheese
sauce" (27.50 euro). They also serve
lamb and steaks. The River Room Coffee
Shop and Bakery serves hot melts, ciabattas, and sandwiches for lunch.
Where to Sleep
The WatersEdge Hotel is located exactly where the name implies,
next to The Cobh Heritage Centre, for convenience access to the town. The Commodore Hotel is on the main street in
town. Beach Mount Hall is Cobh's hostel,
tel: (0)21 4812177.
How to get there
Located on the Great Island, east of Cork City.
By car:
From Cork City, take N25 east, transfer to R624 south to
Cobh.
By train:
From Cork City or Mallow, take the commuter train, running
daily, excluding public holidays. See www.irishrail.ie for a current schedule.
By bus:
See www.buseireann.ie
website for all current travel details and restrictions.
When to go
April through October, when the days are longer and the sun
more likely to show. A town St.
Patrick's Day Parade in March. The
Titanic Commemorative Weekend in April.
The Lusitania Commemorative Weekend in May. The Bandstand Recitals during the summer
months. The South of Ireland Pipe Band
Championships during June. The
Fisherman's Rowing Regatta during June.
The Cobh Maritime Song Festival during June. The Cobh Sailing Club at Home during
July. The Cork International Folk Dance Festival in
mid-July. The Cobh People's Regatta
during mid-August. The International
Angling Festival in early September.
Written by Liz O'Malley - Summer of Travel 2007
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