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Traveling to Ireland, changed my whole perspective on travel. What I know, and what I have learned through any education seemed only to be at a half level of truths.
Travel provides the best education through seeing and experiencing.
Through the CIE Irish Adventure TOUR, I learned so much via our local walking guides.
The phrase, ‘seeing is believing’ rings true with each step, through each town. It’s not just seeing, it’s also about understanding.
Each area in Ireland has a rich history, one that crosses to the United States.
Today’s stop in Cobh provided insight of Immigration, The Lusitania Memorial, to the last port of call for the Titanic.
Adventure. Eat. DIY. Repeat. and Discovering Cobh, The Quaint Seaport Town rich in history.
Discovering Cobh, The Quaint Seaport Town Rich in History
Off the bus and into the Cobh Heritage Center. It was a slightly chilly day, but oddly enough, plants are always still blooming in Ireland.
While the guide is interested in moving us along, I am more interested in stopping just for a minute to admire. I do, don’t worry!
I am both enthralled and enchanted by the vegetation and florals that grow amidst the odd weather.
The most joyous part of the trip truly was the lush greenery that abounds throughout the country.
While this short story is not about the greenery, it always is good to ‘stop and appreciate the small things.’
Even if we are supposed to be seeing and hearing the history. That’s been there forever, these blooms are not forever!
Our CIE TOUR guide always made certain that at any stop there were facilities for everyone to use.
DISCOVERING COBH – THE COBH HERITAGE CENTER STOP
As that was his first item on the agenda, once unboarded we were offered a quick stop in the Cobh Heritage Center.
Just a few steps and suddenly you see that this seaport town has a famed history from immigration to the Titanic.
Incredible that just this one-stop has so much in it.
The center can be overwhelming, but so perfect for educating and learning the area.
Spend as little or as much time here as you like. If it is raining, perhaps start here. Of course, there is much more to see on foot.
Even if you got to Cobh and were doing your own driving tour, there would be no way to mistake this stop as just a ‘stop.’
After all, the Heritage Center offers you plenty of hints as to what you will shortly be able to see.
Of course, it will take a small walk and very open eyes to see and take everything in, but you will unfold more in a few steps than you did in ANY classroom.
Just reading signs and seeing images, I learned more here in 10 minutes than 1 year in high school. So thank you Mrs. Bodies for nothing!
Annie Moore Statue – Discovering Cobh
We had just begun our foot journey and we stopped. Officially our tour had begun.
In fact, it was going to start with the story of a woman named Annie Moore. We gathered around our local guide, provided by CIE Tours and listened to the story.
Step by step, we came upon the statue. It is at this moment I realized how little I really understood about immigration.
Also, it put into perspective what my grandparents and all the others had truly gone through. Eye awakening realization of our past.
Annie Moore is officially the first immigrant to the US to pass through Immigrations Inspection on Ellis Island in New York.
The statute depicts Annie and her two brothers, Anthony and Philip.
Theirs was a 12-day voyage to the United States where she would be reunited with her parents who were already living there.
On Ellis Island, there is an additional statute dedicated to Anne Moore, making 2 statues, one in each country.
It’s an incredible tale for Annie Moore and all those who would follow and a large part of World History.
Discovering Cobh by Walking On Through
We continued our walk and of course, I can’t help myself but to take other photos. Cobh is picturesque and everything you would envision as a seaport.
From my right, I looked into the sea, and these enchanting, yet eerie steps into the water.
Before it, appeared this little dingy boat, just dressed with flowers and sitting as though to be captured by someone.
Today, that someone was me, appreciating the cheery on the less cheery stories and historical moments we were to hear about.
Across the street, this was my view, it seems so tranquil, so different from what this memorial will describe.
Spend a few minutes just letting time go by here and enjoying the seaport.
The town of Cobh is truly magnificent to ogle at and here you can take that time.
The Lusitania Memorial
The memorial is dedicated to the death of over 1198 of those 1959 onboard the Lusitania. A German-fired torpedo hit the Lusitania in 1915 and many were brought to Cobh.
In fact, many of the deceased were buried close by in the Old Church Graveyard.
A dedication to lives lost and those that were brought to COBH. Additionally, it is a vital component of what turned the opinion of Germany in many countries.
Further, a significant piece of history that created America’s entrance into World War I.
Hearing our guide describe this moment in history created solemnity amongst our group.
Walking & The Town
The beauty of the area continues as far as the eye can see. You can’t help but note the architectural beauty of the buildings and the lovely roads.
It’s all part of travel. Enjoying not only the history but the smaller components that create the ambiance.
Looking to the church, I said a small prayer for all those in the town and those that have passed on, it just seemed right.
This image is actually to the right of the Lusitania Memorial, and the buildings are picturesque.
Above, St. Colman’s Cathedral. We did not have a chance to tour it, but at least I got to capture its beauty just a bit.
There are a lot of restaurants, bars, and shops along the way, as you can see in my photos.
Not all were open, but it was earlier in the morning and our path later would lead us to Blarney Castle.
We spent just enough time in COBH to see the area and understand its history. We were not there to stop and shop.
I do wish to go back to this seaport because there is more there than what we had time for.
However, I am thankful I got a flavor for the area and learned the truths about tough immigration issues.
The Titanic’s Last Stop
Here you can experience the Titanic’s last port of call. There is an interactive experience and lots of facts you might not have been privy to before.
We only passed by the area, but if time allowed we would have spent more here, learning.
However, when we get to Northern Ireland, we have the Titanic Museum to visit so I know we will learn more there.
Additionally, as you can see there is a restaurant on the premises so that you can spend the time you want learning and enjoying the area.
Good info to have in case you visit. There are actually a few good places to dine in the area, so you are not limited.
COBH Rich In World History
Cobh is truly rich in world history and a historic must visit when in County Cork. Go for the history and make sure to indulge in the photoscape all around you. It’s like nothing I’ve seen before. ~ DANA XO
I was a hosted guest of CIE TOURS