I took a day trip to Cobh, who after Queen Victoria visited and loved so much, renamed it to Queenstown in 1849. Later, the town changed the name back in 1923. Cork harbour, which is located there, is one of the largest and safest natural harbours in the world. It is a naturally deep harbour so large ships can enter. The Vikings used it in the 9th century as well as the Normans later. From the 17th century, it was a strategic port for the British empire. Fortifications where created in the barrier islands. One of them was Spike Island, which coincidentally is where the Titanic was moored and passengers where refried from the harbour to the ship. This cut down on sailing time later (bur perhaps that might have changed the course of events.) In the 20th century it was no longer a military port and is known for tourism and transport.
The harbour was a major port of emigration for people headed to America, especially after the great famine. The first person processed at Ellis Island left from this port. Her name was Annie Moore.
Queenstown was the last port of call for the RMS Titanic in 1912.
I booked a tour at the Titanic Experience. When you enter you are given a card with the name of a person who was on the Titanic. You learn whether the person traveled 1st, 2nd, or 3rd class, and in the end whether the person loved or died in the sinking.
Spoiler alert: my person survived but even with hard times in the new world, died in 1968.
We were able to see the difference in the types of accomodations and what people would be taking the Titanic and whether they were emigrating or going on business.
The dock and in the distance where the Titanic was anchored waiting for ferried passengers.
3rd class accomodations and meeting/eating room.
2nd class accomodations. 1st class would be a suite that included a bathroom and veranda.
The sinking of the Titanic was outlined by the minute and included the actions of the owners of the White Star line and the crew.
The museum at the end had facts about the boats, icebergs, the effects of hypothermia, and stories from people aboard and those that eventually could dive and find the wreckage.
This is the information about my person and then what happened to her after she reached America.
I walked around the town. Very quiet as most of the places where closed.
The Titanic Memorial Garden.
Memorial of the owner of the White Star line who jumped into a lifeboat ahead of the women and children. He was fired and even his wife left him.
Deck of cards houses.
St. Colman’s cathedral.
The Lusitania memorial which sunk off the coast in the first world war.
Views from around town.
On the way back, pure Irish weather happened. Cold, rainy….. Made some food at the hostel and warmed up!