For anyone planning a visit to Cobh, 2015 will be a very significant year. The centenary of the sinking of the Lusitania will be marked in a respectful way. The efforts of the people of Cobh in the rescue effort and in providing solace to those whose lives were left in turmoil will be marked in a series of events that are outlined below.
But there are countless other reasons to visit Cobh on any day of the year or to attend special events.
The Cruise Liner days are always great days in Cobh and the list can be seen here. Australia Day in Cobh will be held on 14th July when the Sea Princess arrives from Australia with almost 2000 passengers from Australia and New Zealand.
Cobh has attracted worthy recognition for two great sporting events. The Great Island 10 mile Road Race has been voted best 10 mile road race in Munster on three separate occassions. It will be held on Sunday 12th April and there are great accommodation packages available in Cobh's Hotels to make a weekend visit possible. Check out the Great Island 10 website.
The Jailbreak Triathlon will be held on 8th August and registration will open on 1st February.
The Barrack Hill Ball Roll, probably the world's most unique lottery will be held on the August Bank Holiday Monday.
There doesn't need to be an event on, or a liner in port to make Cobh a destination of choice. The Titanic Experience, Queenstown Story Heritage Centre, Titanic Trail, Spike Island, Spike Island Adventure, the Cork Waterbus, Cork Harbour Boat Hire, Cobh Road Train, St. Colman's Cathedral, Cobh Museum and Cobh Sightseeing Tours are available every day. Add in cosy cafés and bars, great restaurants, great walks and views, a warm welcome and a really interesting town that is at the top of its game in tourism and you will want to stay.
The regions most popular tourist attraction Fota Wildlife Park is just 5 minutes from Cobh. You really need more than a day to enjoy all that Cobh has to offer and indeed Cobh is also an ideal place to base yourself to enjoy everything in the Ring of Cork. Check out our accommodation page for more details of where to stay. Keep in touch with our Facebook page for updates.
Lusitania 2015
At 5 pm a Carillon recital on the bells of St. Colman's Cathedral will be followed by a recital by Cobh Confraternity Band. A short ceremony will culminate with flares being fired from Spike Island and the quayside in Cobh as schoolchildren read the names of victims buried in the Old Church Cemetery in Cobh
17th March
Lusitania themed St. Patrick's Day Parade
Cobh Museum reopens with new Exhibition – Lusitania: A day in May
April FREE Lecture series – Commodore Hotel
Ray White & John Hennessey Monday 6th April 3.30 pm
Michael Martin Lusitania author 12th April 4 pm
Eoin McGarry Dive leader to Lusitania 19th April 3.30 pm
Paddy Sullivan author and diver 26th April
Photographic Exhibition
View 65 photographs, many never before seen publically in various locations in Cobh including the Commodore Hotel, Cobh Heritage Centre and Cobh Library.
The primary exhibition will be housed in the former Cunard Ticket Office, now the photographic studio of Cobh Pastimes.
Thursday 7th May Daytime
Cobh Museum Lecture series: 11am, 3 pm and 4 pm in Cobh Library
Cunard liner Queen Victoria in Cobh on a Lusitania Remembered voyage. Ceremony in Old Church Cemetery at 11.30 am. President of Ireland arrives in Cobh at 12.45. Ceremonies in Cobh Town Centre culminating at 2.28 pm the exact time that Lusitania slipped below the sea. Musical performances throughout the afternoon and evening.
Thursday 7th May Twilight Event
As the sun sets a parade of boats with white lights will proceed towards Cobh in remembrance of the rescue boats arriving in Cobh with victims and survivors on 7th May 1915. Ceremonies in Cobh Promenade with 1198 white flowers tossed in the sea in memory of all those lost.
Sunday 10th May Mass of Remembrance Flower displays in Cathedral by Cobh Flower Club
Cobh Classic Car Club display of vintage vehicles in town centre
Sunday 10th May Funeral re-enactment
100 years to the day that 169 victims were buried in the Old Church Cemetery, people will gather in a respectful manner to retrace the steps of the funeral cortege. The parade will leave Cobh Town centre at 3 pm and follow the exact route to the Cemetery. Prayers, musical honours and wreath laying will occur here.
