Sunday 7th July will see 1500 Australians and 400 Kiwis on a World Cruise aboard the Cruise liner Sea Princess step foot on Irish soil and receive a warm Irish welcome. To celebrate, Cobh Tourism and See You will present the third ever Australia Day in Cobh.
The day’s festivities in the town which is just a 2 minute stroll from the ship include local traditional music and dance that will have locals and visitors alike tapping their feet, fascinating shop window displays, the sizzle of barbecues and food stalls and local arts and crafts stalls.
There will be a Civic Welcome ceremony from the Mayor of Cobh for the Australian Ambassador to Ireland Dr. Ruth Adler and the passengers and crew of the Sea Princess at 11.30 am in Cobh Heritage Centre which is adjacent to the quayside. This will be followed by a “Blessing of the Bonnets” ceremony in memory of all convict women transported to Australia.
As a Gathering Ireland 2013 event http://www.thegatheringireland.com/View-Gatherings/Individual-Gathering.aspx?eid=205 all cruise passengers who visit the Cobh Tourism stand near the town park Promenade will receive a souvenir memento of their visit to Cobh.
All times approximate and subject to change and all in the Promenade unless otherwise stated
Welcome by the Mayor of Cobh and Blessing of the Bonnets ceremony 11.30 am – Cobh Heritage Centre ‘Roses from the Heart’ is a unique memorial to the 25,566 convict women transported to Australia from Ireland and Britain from 1788 to 1853.
Ryan Parsons on Fiddle 12 noon– 1.00 pm
Luasca 1.00 – 1.30 pm This traditional group of young musicians will play a selection of traditional tunes on tin whistles, flutes, concertina, accordion and bodhrán.
Redheads 1.30 pm – 2.00 pm Traditional Irish Folk Musicians
Aoife Ryan’s Irish Dance Group 2.00 – 2.30 pm These young performers will enthrall and entertain on the waterfront in the Promenade.
Band of 1 Southern Brigade 2.30 pm This Army Brass and Reed Band will give an hour long recital on the Victorian Bandstand in Kennedy Park.
Molgoggers Sea Shanty Group 3.30 pm – 4.00 pm
Free Guided Tour of the Old Church Cemetery 2.30 pm Discover the history associated with this cemetery, including the Lusitania told in a unique style by historian Jack Gilmartin.
Free Guided Tours of St. Colman’s Cathedral 2.30 pm and 3.30 pm Discover the history and stories associated with this magnificent Cathedral. Meet at the main entrance.
Carillon Recital on the 49 Bells of St. Colman’s Cathedral 4.30 pm Played by University College Cork graduate guest carillonneur Treasa Edmonds. A closed circuit television system inside the door of the cathedral will allow you to see the carillonneur play the instrument that consists of a keyboard and pedal board played with clenched fists and the feet simultaneously!
Traditional Cobh sendoff from the quayside featuring Cobh Confraternity Band 5.30 pm– on the quayside In a byegone era, friends, relatives and the people of Cobh gathered on the quayside to wave white handkerchiefs as a farewell salute. Today the departure of a Cruise liner is a happy occasion. With the Band playing a selection of favourites make sure to collect your souvenir gift or buy a flag to wave from the Cobh Tourism Stall.
