Day 11 Saturday, April 25, 2015 Cork/Cobh, Ireland

St. Colman's Cathredral   Cobh Harbor

Port is in Cobh (Cove) Harbor on the Celtic Sea.  The city of Cork (about 15 miles from port) was founded by Irish Saint Finnbar by establishing a monastery in the 6^th century.  It became an urban center around 915 when the Vikings formed a trading post and chartered as a city in 1185 by England’s King John.  It’s in the southwest part of Ireland and the River Lee flows into the harbor which is the second largest natural harbor in the world.  Locals are called Corkonians or Corkmen/Corkwomen.  It was previously called Queenstown.

The flag of Ireland is Green/White/Orange:  Green for Catholics/Orange for Protestants and White for Peace between the two.  (this is Ireland, where these two have fought for years) dating back to the 19^th century.

Waterford Crystal manufacturing is here and dates back to 1783.  The Blarney Castle (which is home to the Blarney stone) is a castle ruins about 25 miles from Cobh and is built 600 years ago.  Kissing the Blarney Stone is the touristy thing to do and dates back to 1446….kiss it and you’ll never be at a loss for words…they say.  But you have to climb stairs to get to it and then you have to lie on your back and tilt your head back and kiss it practically upside down…I’d probably never get up again..

There is also the Blarney Woolen Mills nearby selling woolens, crystal, etc. 

In Cobh, there is a museum (Heritage Center) dedicated to the Titanic and is actually located in the offices of the White Star Line.  This was the departure point where the last 122 passengers  boarded for the Titanic’s last fateful voyage to America.   It is also the place where the Luisitania was torpedoed in WW I and sank in 300 feet of water .   Over 751 survived but over 1198 died and most of the bodies were never recovered.  The survivors were taken to Queenstown (Cork) for hospitalization.

So much history.

First glimpse of Ireland

Woke up to bright sunshine..beautiful morning and gorgeous views as we sailed into Cobh Harbor.  Beautiful  homes along the harbor and everything is so neat, clean and GREEN.  As we docked, there was a wonderful view of St. Colman’s Cathredral, built in 1668 and completed in 1915.  It is made of granite and limestone with stained glass windows and 42 bells.  A visit there was on the list, but we actually forgot to go when we got back from Cork.

While we waited for the crowds to get off the ship, we ate breakfast and then we left and proceeded into Cobh.  Found the train station and as Ronnie stood in line to buy tickets, a young good looking uniformed Irishman said I looked lost and asked if he could be of  help.  We told him we wanted two tickets to Cork with returns and he said, “Ah…lovely accent.  Where you from?”  We said Arkansas and he said “Little Rock”?  He knew more than most US citizens know.

A beautiful train ride into Cork.  About 20 minutes and 4-5 stops.  We thought the Hop On, Hop Off Bus stop was near the train station, but he passed us all up so we started walking into town.  After paying 20 cents for a restroom at the bus station (local busses) we FINALLY found a HOHO bus…actually, we just flagged him down, hopped on and saw the sights of Cork.  A beautiful, beautiful town.   I LOVE the architecture, but it is deceiving.  It’s very metropolitan and bustling…busy, busy.  Busses everywhere.  But it’s clean and neat.  And buildings that date back to the 1600’s.  It was a very interesting tour.   We saw a fairly obvious Muslim presence in City Centre espousing love—not hatred.   

We hopped off in City Centre to visit the City Market…once through was enough.  Fruits, veggies, baked goods and meats of all kinds…very crowded and the smells were overwhelming.  As we got back out to the street, it was pouring rain.  And no raincoats (why didn’t we bring them?)  I lost my desire for shopping, so we found the covered bus stop and waiting on the HOHO bus to finish the route and head for the train station.  Saw more of the city and then we got off at the station for the train back to Cobh.  It was a good tour….viewing a lovely Irish city.

 

Back at Cobh, we visited the Heritage Center where the Titantic exhibits and a few shops are located…supposed to have WIFI, but we can’t seem to get connected.  But we got a cup of Irish coffee and a GF brownie…Coffee is stout, but good.  Brownie was delicious…homemade here in Cobh.   As we sat in the café, 3 ladies came in who, I suspect, were passengers waiting for the Titantic to arrive.  They should read the news.   I shopped a bit in the Heritage Center..bought a 100% lambswool scarf made in Ireland.  As cool as  it’s getting, I’ll probably wear it. 

It’s been a very good day.  While you all back home were still asleep, we were out and about in Ireland.  We are now 6 hours ahead of you and we go ahead another hour tonight.  Hard on old bodies.

There is a group coming on the ship at 5 p.m. to perform Irish dancing.  Because we are not doing the dining room tonight, we can go see that!! 

P.S.  We went, we saw.  It was great.  I thought Ronnie was getting into fisticuffs with some of these people who came in late and expected a seat…none, therefore, they decided to stand in front of the little balcony in the back where we were.  Actually, there were more than just him making known their displeasure.

After the show, we went up to Horizon Court for dinner…very relaxed and good food…lots of variety.  From lamb stew to crawfish etouffee.   Klaus, our German dinnermate, came by and sat with Ronnie just as I was leaving….evidently they skipped the dining room too.  We got  our food, ate and were through  in 30 minutes as  opposed to over 2 hours in the dining room.

We sailed away at 8 p.m.  I forgot to mention:  Most of you remember the TV show, “The Love Boat” –the boat was a Princess Cruiseline ship.  So, their ships are known as “the love boat”.  So, every day at noon and at sailaway at every port, they blow the foghorn to the tune of “The Love Boat” soundtrack.  It is really cool….dunno how they do that.  So, as we left Cobh and again as we left the harbor, they played it.

Lots of people lined up on the highways to see us off.  And on the piers along the town.  A band played “Anchors Away”…it was misting rain so they were up under the train station cover.  Cobh, Ireland is one of the most picturesque towns I have ever seen.  Colorful, clean, neat and beautiful as we left….and my camera battery died. 

Lot of fun today…a good day.  I would love to come back to Ireland…..Tomorrow is sea day again.  Then Normandy.

Scenes from Cork, Ireland:

Gaol    Jail