|
Cobh

Picture Gallery
|
 |
|
COBH

|
 |
|
|
|
|
Annie Moore
Annie Moore became the first ever emigrant to be processed in Ellis Island |
|
|
|
The Naval Vessel Roisin
At Cobh, one looks over Haulbowline and Spike Islands, formerly the base of the Irish Naval Service |
|
|
|
|
ueenstown it was
for some decades before reverting to its old Irish name in 1922 - the Cobh (cove) of Cork.
Is there anywhere in Ireland more full of poignant memories than this embarkation point
for America? From here hundreds of thousands of mostly hungry and penniless Irish men and
women left to build a new life, especially in the Famine years of 1844-48. Many thrived
and prospered, but many died on the journey in the terrible travelling conditions of the
time.
It is a pleasant town; its streets climb the steep slope of a hill, the top of which is
crowned by the very fine St. Coleman's Cathedral
which has a carillon
of 47 bells.
Cobh is situated on Great Island, one of the three large islands in Cork harbour which are
all now joined by roads and bridges
- Little Island and Fota are
the others.
The harbour is one of the largest and safest anywhere, being capable of taking the largest
vessels afloat. The great Transatlantic liners used to come in up to the
1950s.
On the quayside there is a memorial
to the victims of the Lusitania, many of whom are
buried in the old church cemetery. The ship was sunk off Kinsale
in 1915 by a German submarine, an action which was responsible for bringing the United
States of America into the Great War, the survivors were brought back here. Another
unhappy association is with the Titanic, 'the safest liner in the world'. Queenstown was
her last port of call on her fateful maiden voyage.
The Queenstown
Story is based in the disused portions of the
railway station at Cobh. This highly imaginative visitor attraction tells the story of emigration from Cobh in the period of the famine in 1845 up to the era of the
great Liners in the 1950s. The historical role which Cobh harbour has played as a port is
also illustrated.
At Cobh, one looks over Haulbowline and Spike
Islands, formerly the base of the Irish Naval Service. To the east, Cork Harbour leads to
East Ferry. Roches Point can be seen to the south. To the south west is the yachting
centre of Crosshaven.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Last modified:
Tuesday April 13, 2010
Copyright ©2004
|
|
|
 |

Queenstown Story
A dramatic exhibition of
the origins, history and legacy of Cobh.
Fota Wildlife Park
In this rural setting one can view rare and endangered species of
wildlife.
 |