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The port town of Cobh has a very interesting history. During the 18th century the fleets assembled here before sailing off to the Napoleonic wars. By 1830 Cobh had become a health resort town, and in 1849 when Queen Victoria visited the town was renamed in her honour, Queenstown.. It was to be 1920 before the town was given it's original name back and is known as Cobh now (it is pronounced Cove).

It's place in the world's shipping history has been cemented by such famous events as the last port of call for the "Titantic" before it hit an iceberg on it's way to the US with tragic consequences. It is associated with the "Lusitania" which was torpedoed in 1915.

It is also associated with the many Irish folk who left the country over a long period to escape the troubles in Ireland and seek fresh fortunes in the US, and Australia. Thousands upon thousands left.

So, for the maritime history buffs this is a great place to be. Much of the museums and other places of interest are along the waterfront. There is the Lusitania Peace Memorial, the Titanic Memorial, Cobh Heritage Centre and Railway Station, Sirius Art Centre, and so very much more.

The Irish Naval Service has been based in this area, on Haulbowline Island in Cork Harbour nearby since 1946. The Irish Naval Service main mission is border protection, arms and drug intervention, fishery protection and similar duties.

I stayed in a Cobh B & B for the night, and though it was cold and drizzling I wandered into the town centre for an evening meal at a little Irish Pub. It was quiet (too wet to be out?), and I wandered back up the hill in the rain to the B & B where I spent a comfortable night.

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