Information Cobh Ireland
Beautifully coloured Victorian architecture on the southern coast of Great Island leaves you in no doubt that the houses and hotels that make up Cobh were historically a resort town. It was also the emigration port for those sailing to the Americas in the nineteenth century, and the last port of call before the sinking of the Titanic. A Titanic Commemorative Weekend is held in Cobh every April with lectures and tours available. The Lusitania also sank off the coast near Cobh at Kinsale. Many of the victims from this torpedoed ocean liner are buried north of the town in its old cemetery. The Queenstown Story Centre tells the history of emigration from Ireland, relating through audio visual techniques and displays the abhorrent conditions in which people made the Atlantic crossing. It also tells the story of those who were sent to Australia as convicts. Cobh faces Spike Island, which contains a prison whose history is associated with transport to the Penal Colonies used by the British. A former Presbyterian church was opened in Cobh as a museum in 1973. Artefacts that feature include photographs and paintings of a seafaring or marine theme, as well as exhibits on former industries of the area, such as the Belvelly Brickworks. Another church worth paying a visit to is the French Gothic style St Colman’s Cathedral with its ninety metre spire. The bell tower of the cathedral holds forty nine bells and is the largest in the country. Meanwhile, you can see more art at the Sirius Art Centre, which is home to both art exhibits and literary events. Possibly the first yacht club in the world was founded in Cobh in 1720. The International Sailing Centre provided lessons for those keen to learn how to sail. Also available are windsurfing boards, canoes and dinghies for rent. Harbour cruises are also available during the summer months from Marine Transport Services at Kennedy Pier.
Attractions Cobh Ireland
Argideen Heritage - Clonakilty
Located on a 135 acre Dairy Farm, which is located just off of the R600 between Clonakilty and Timoleague in South West Cork. The Arigideen River Valley is unique as well as being beautiful in that it has a very high concentration of Historical sites and is a great source of folklore. The Valley has connections with Michael Collins, Henry Ford, John F Kennedy, Jeremiah O'Donovan Rossa, Donal Cam O' Sullivan Bere and William Penn to mention just a few
Ballincollig Gunpowder Mills - Ballincollig
Ballincollig Gunpowder Mills Heritage Centre is a unique industrial complex which meanders along the bank of the River Lee. The Mills were established in 1794 by Charles Henry Leslie. Eleven years later when Napoleon's control of France posed a grave threat to the British, the British Board of Ordnance bought the Mills from Leslie. Along with this the Army Barracks was built in the town to protect the supply of gunpowder. By the mid 1800s the Mills were one of the largest industrial establishments in the Cork area.
Barryscourt Castle - Carrigtwohill
Barryscourt Castle was the seat of the Barry family from the 12th to the 17th centuries. The present castle is a fine example of a 15th century tower house with 16th century additions and alterations. The bawn wall with three corner towers is largely intact. The ground floor of the keep houses an exhibition on the history of the Barrys and Barryscourt Castle.
Blarney Castle - Home of the Blarney Stone - Blarney
Blarney Castle is one of Ireland's oldest and most historic castles. It was built around 1446. An ancient stronghold of the MacCarthys, Lords of Muskerry and one of the strongest fortresses in Munster, its walls are eighteen feet thick in places. Located on the parapet of the castle is the famous "Blarney Stone". According to local legend, after kissing this stone, you will have the gift of eternal eloquence, or "the gift of the gab". To kiss the stone, you must first lie on your back, then leaning your head backwards and downwards, you kiss the underside of the stone. The last admission to the castle and grounds is 30 minutes before closing.
Blarney Woolen Mills - Blarney
The presence of the Woolen Mills during the Famine shielded Blarney from the worst effects of the famine, due to its employment of local workers. The success story at the mills continued until a disastrous fire in 1869. By August 1871, the mill was once again operational with a labour force of 222. In 1976 Chris Kelleher, himself a mill worker, bought the old mill property. Within a short period of time Chris and his family transformed the mill into what is perhaps the largest quality craft shop in Ireland.
