When we first booked this cruise this port of call was originally Cobh. Then it was changed to Ringaskiddy, such is life. We are hoping Disney Cruise Line will offer a shuttle to either Cork or Cobh. We had initially done a lot of research on Cobh and we looking forward to exploring Titanic sites there. On our last cruise I asked if there would be a shuttle for cruisers who wished to explore on their own. I was told when the ship docks away from the primary city a shuttle is provided. Some information sites suggest there is a ferry to Cobh. We will see.
Cobh - Originally known as Cove, then changed to Queenstown by the British, then to Cobh about the time the Irish Free State was formed.
Strong ties to the Titanic as it was its last port of call where 123 passengers boarded. Cobh was a major embarkation port for men, women and children who were deported to penal colonies such as Australia. Another ship to be associated with the town, the Cunard passenger liner RMS Lusitania , was sunk by a German U-Boat while en route from the US to Liverpoolon 7 May 1915. 1,198 passengers died, while 700 were rescued. The survivors and the dead alike were brought to Cobh, and the bodies of over 100 who perished in the disaster lie buried in the Old Church Cemetery just north of the town. The Lusitania Peace Memorial is located in Casement Square, opposite the arched building housing the Cobh Library and Courthouse.
Getting from Ringaskiddy to Cobh is rather time consuming unless a ferry across the harbor is offered.
Ringaskiddy - Research indicates Ringaskiddy was a fishing port and during the 20th Century it became an industrial port. Pfizer has a large plant there and one can find the National Maritime College of Ireland, where both merchant navy and naval personal receive training.
Ringaskiddy also has a Martello tower. Martello towers can be found all over the coast lines of the UK. These are small round defensive forts usually about 40 feet high with 8 foot walls.
Ringaskiddy is also a ferry port with service to France.
After our breakfast we learned Disney Cruise Line would be offering a shuttle to Cork, so off we went to Cork.
Cork is known to the locals as “the real capital of Ireland” as Ireland’s Second City.
The shuttle bus dropped us off at the City Hall and using the map we had printed out we made our way to the English Market with plans of going to the Visitor Information center.
During our walking I Cork to be a treasure trove of grand Georgian Street and cramped 17th century alleys. A perfect local to get lost in and find a treasure or two.
We first stopped at the English Market, housed in a grand victorian style building. This market started in 1788 and it predates many of the grand markets of Europe. The market was bustling with activity and imagine this is the norm. The stalls are varied from produce, cheese, breads, meats, jams, soaps and sausages to mention a few. We found the sandwich stall and purchased a fresh roll filled with ham and cheese and some veg and a sweet pepper garnish. The meats in the various butcher shop looks amazing in their quality. Also noted was the availability of kidneys, hearts, brains and more.
Using our map we made our way to the Visitors Information only to discover it had moved. Our quest continued t the new location. At the Visitor Center we get an updated map and learned about the Butter Museum and a recommended old pub.
Off we went in search of the Butter Museum, which is located in the Shandon area of Cork. As we are in the heart of the worlds largest butter market. Admission was reduced as we are most senior students LOL.
Here the video delves into the butter industry, the history of Irelands most successful food export. From the days of butter being bad to butter being good. The taste of the Irish Butter is derived from the grass fed cows milk production. There are several styles of butter churns as well as butter labels and butter production tools. I found our visit most interesting.
We next went to the Tower of St. Anne’s Church Shandon, recognizable with the Golden Salmon perched on the top. This is one of the oldest churches in cork which is still in use. Here is housed the Shandon Bells ninth clock tower, affectionately know as the “four faced liar”. Visitors can pay a fee and ring the bells, hearing protection is offered.
We were going to make a stop at the Shadron Sweet House, but alas a recent fire has closed this establishment.
We then made our way to The Long Valley, one of the oldest Pubs in Cork. Here we enjoy a pint and soak in the warm atmosphere of the warm wood interior.
We make our way back to the shuttle bus stop for a return trip to Ringaskiddy and the ship.
On board we went to O’Gill’s Pub and played trivia and actually WON!!!!
Dinner, followed by bed as we gain an hour of sleep each night as we sail across the Atlantic .
Yes I wish could have visited Cobh for the history, makes me think about a return trip to visit several of these port cities.
Strong ties to the Titanic as it was its last port of call where 123 passengers boarded. Cobh was a major embarkation port for men, women and children who were deported to penal colonies such as Australia. Another ship to be associated with the town, the Cunard passenger liner RMS Lusitania , was sunk by a German U-Boat while en route from the US to Liverpoolon 7 May 1915. 1,198 passengers died, while 700 were rescued. The survivors and the dead alike were brought to Cobh, and the bodies of over 100 who perished in the disaster lie buried in the Old Church Cemetery just north of the town. The Lusitania Peace Memorial is located in Casement Square, opposite the arched building housing the Cobh Library and Courthouse.
Getting from Ringaskiddy to Cobh is rather time consuming unless a ferry across the harbor is offered.
Ringaskiddy - Research indicates Ringaskiddy was a fishing port and during the 20th Century it became an industrial port. Pfizer has a large plant there and one can find the National Maritime College of Ireland, where both merchant navy and naval personal receive training.
Ringaskiddy also has a Martello tower. Martello towers can be found all over the coast lines of the UK. These are small round defensive forts usually about 40 feet high with 8 foot walls.
Ringaskiddy is also a ferry port with service to France.
After our breakfast we learned Disney Cruise Line would be offering a shuttle to Cork, so off we went to Cork.
Cork is known to the locals as “the real capital of Ireland” as Ireland’s Second City.
The shuttle bus dropped us off at the City Hall and using the map we had printed out we made our way to the English Market with plans of going to the Visitor Information center.
During our walking I Cork to be a treasure trove of grand Georgian Street and cramped 17th century alleys. A perfect local to get lost in and find a treasure or two.
We first stopped at the English Market, housed in a grand victorian style building. This market started in 1788 and it predates many of the grand markets of Europe. The market was bustling with activity and imagine this is the norm. The stalls are varied from produce, cheese, breads, meats, jams, soaps and sausages to mention a few. We found the sandwich stall and purchased a fresh roll filled with ham and cheese and some veg and a sweet pepper garnish. The meats in the various butcher shop looks amazing in their quality. Also noted was the availability of kidneys, hearts, brains and more.
Using our map we made our way to the Visitors Information only to discover it had moved. Our quest continued t the new location. At the Visitor Center we get an updated map and learned about the Butter Museum and a recommended old pub.
Off we went in search of the Butter Museum, which is located in the Shandon area of Cork. As we are in the heart of the worlds largest butter market. Admission was reduced as we are most senior students LOL.
Here the video delves into the butter industry, the history of Irelands most successful food export. From the days of butter being bad to butter being good. The taste of the Irish Butter is derived from the grass fed cows milk production. There are several styles of butter churns as well as butter labels and butter production tools. I found our visit most interesting.
We next went to the Tower of St. Anne’s Church Shandon, recognizable with the Golden Salmon perched on the top. This is one of the oldest churches in cork which is still in use. Here is housed the Shandon Bells ninth clock tower, affectionately know as the “four faced liar”. Visitors can pay a fee and ring the bells, hearing protection is offered.
We were going to make a stop at the Shadron Sweet House, but alas a recent fire has closed this establishment.
We then made our way to The Long Valley, one of the oldest Pubs in Cork. Here we enjoy a pint and soak in the warm atmosphere of the warm wood interior.
We make our way back to the shuttle bus stop for a return trip to Ringaskiddy and the ship.
On board we went to O’Gill’s Pub and played trivia and actually WON!!!!
Dinner, followed by bed as we gain an hour of sleep each night as we sail across the Atlantic .
Yes I wish could have visited Cobh for the history, makes me think about a return trip to visit several of these port cities.
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