COBH AND ITS HISTORY
see also: accomodations and getting there

Cobh is located on the Great Island, one of four major islands in Cork Harbour. It is easily accessible to the mainland by bridge and ferry. Cobh is approximately 20km from Cork City, about 20 minutes via train or car. Sirius Arts Centre is located 3 minutes walking from the Cobh train station.

Cobh (pronounced Cove, meaning a haven in Irish), was formerly known as the Cove of Cork, its name was changed to Queenstown in August 1849 after the visit of Queen Victoria and was renamed Cobh in 1922.

HISTORY
Between 1845 and 1851 one and a half million emigrants left from Cobh to United States and other parts of the world to build new lives during less prosperous times in Ireland. On January 1, 1892, Annie Moore from County Cork celebrated her 15th birthday by becoming the first emigrant processed through Ellis Island, N.Y, after landing from a vessel which had sailed from Queenstown. A memorial statue has now been erected in her memory on the quayside from where she departed.

Downtown Cobh is located on the southern coast of the Great Island with its streets climbing the steep slope of the hill, crowned by the spectacular St. Colman’s Cathedral. The Cathedral dates back to 1868 and took approx. 51 years to complete, a prime example of French Gothic architecture and at night is fully floodlight creating a spectacular skyline from the harbour. The Cathedral contains the largest Carillon in Ireland with 47 bells (For more information on St. Coleman’s Cathedral visit: http://www.iol.ie/~gercasey).

Cobh town is situation at the edge of Cork Harbour, the second largest natural harbour in the world, capable of taking the largest vessels afloat. The port regularly plays host to ocean going liners and cruise ships and was the last port of call for the ill-fated Lusitania and Titanic. The Lusitania was sunk off the coast of Kinsale by a German torpedo in 1915, an action which was to result in the United States of America becoming involved in World War I. In the town centre there is a memorial to the victims of the Lusitania many of whom are
buried in the Old Church Cemetery not far from the town Centre.  


The pier that passengers left from Cobh to the Titanic

• The Ballywilliam Horse Riding Centre (telephone 021 481 1932) is an AIRE approved equestrian centre, located on Bally William Hill in the centre of the island.

•  The Cobh Farmer’s Market runs every Friday from 10AM where you can purchase fresh local produce and crafts by local artists For the Cobh Maritime Festival there will be an additional market on Sunday 3 June in the town centre.
  
  Nearby Fota Island is located minutes away from Cobh also hosts many activities:

• Fota Wildlife Park (telephone: 021 481 2678) home to hundreds of rare animals and birds.

• Fota Golf Club hosts a beautiful 18-hole course (telephone: 021 488 3700)

• Fota House and Gardens (telephone: 021 481 5543) reveals a special chapter of this island’s magnificent past.

• For more information on attractions and places to explore in East Cork,
  visit the East Cork Tourism Website.