There is a lot of seagoing history here in Cobh, and a much of it tragic. One such tragedy involved ocean liner RMS Lusitania, which belonged to the Cunard Steamship Company. Lusitania was torpedoed on 7 May 1915 by U-20, a U-boat belonging to the Imperial German Navy. This World War I tragedy resulted in 1,198 of the 1,959 passengers and crew perishing in the waters of the Atlantic. Survivors and discovered remains were brought here, to Cobh.
You’re in luck today and this Wednesday because I’ll be presenting more photographs than usual. We have a lot to cover here in Cobh, and I have a great many photographs that deserve a viewing. Take for instance the Old Town Hall, now home to a Chinese restaurant:
Even here, at this cheerful looking structure, a memorial to tragedy awaits. On a dark and stormy night (yep — I just did that, so sue me) on the twelfth of December 1942. Two launches had a run-in with the propellers of the Irish Poplar, a tramp steamer. Both launches lost the encounter, and five men perished as a result. It is here you will find a commemoration of that tragedy.
Soon West Beach becomes East Beach. The mural below depicts the women of the Cumann na mBan — A Company, 4th Battalion, 1st Brigade in 1921 during the Irish War for Independence:
After West Beach becomes East Beach, East Beach becomes Harbour Row. Looking back onto East Beach where it meets Harbour Hill:
Now begins the trek toward St. Colman’s Cathedral. As you head up Harbour Hill, take a look down back toward the city center for this view:
A few minutes later, after Harbour Hill becomes Cathedral Place, you’ll reach St. Colman’s Cathedral. I’ll take you on a tour inside on Wednesday. For now, here is a photo gallery/slide show of the exterior of the cathedral, as well as views of Cobh on the trek back down the hill.
Слава Україні! (Slava Ukraini!)
Decisions — Murder in Paradise
The Globe — Murder in Luxury
R. Doug Wicker — Author 