Cobh (Cork)/Ireland

21.7.2024 Cobh

Cobh is a small seafaring town with a remarkable history. The Titanic took the last passengers on board there for its fateful voyage. And in an old cemetery outside the town, around 170 victims of the sinking of the Louisitania, which was sunk by a German submarine, are buried.

It's no wonder that Cobh is taking advantage of the fascination that the "Titanic" has for its own ends. The former office building of the "White Star Line", which all passengers had to pass through on their way to the "Titanic", is now home to the "Titanic Experience" museum, which, although it doesn't have any original exhibits, does have a lot of information and replicas of a 3rd and 1st class cabin.

I bought a ticket for the 10:30 a.m. tour, which I still had some time to spare. The ticket was a replica of an original Titanic ticket, printed with the random name of one of the passengers who had boarded here. So I was now Dr. Minahan, a first class passenger.

I explored the city a bit more before returning on time for the tour. After an introduction, we were allowed "on board". As a first class passenger, I had priority. After we had met some of the passengers and inspected the third and first class cabins, the sinking came up. The "Titanic" was originally supposed to be equipped with 60 lifeboats, but this was reduced to 20 at short notice so as not to block the view for the first class passengers. "So it's your fault," said the museum guide, turning to me. I took the blame with a grin.

After the museum, I visited the "Titanic Memorial Garden", which was about a quarter of an hour away from the museum. On the way back, I bought some flavored sparkling water with the lovely name "Liquid Death"

I wanted to take the opportunity to eat Irish food and chose the Titanic restaurant in the museum building, but had to wait until 12.30pm for it to open. There I ate an excellent "Atlantic Seafood Chowder" and "Titanic Loaded Fries" and enjoyed a dark Murphy beer.

Then I went back to the ship and took a break until the next tour started at 3 p.m. Royal Caribbean had sponsored it for us. The tour took us to Cork-Midleton to the Jameson Distillery. There we were given a guided tour and tasting. I had six whiskeys. I declined the snacks, I was too full (in two ways after the whiskeys) and lay down for a bit after returning to the ship.

Not for long, though. I watched the show "Cobh's Celtic Tales" with music and tap dancing.