Glanworth: Cork’s Oldest Bridge

Cork’s Oldest Bridge

Glanworth, on the R512, is 8 km northwest of Fermoy in County Cork, and has the oldest bridge in the county. The 12 arched low stone bridge over the River Funcheon dates from 1446, at least according to an old guide by the Reader’s Digest! It is still carrying traffic but its one lane is nowadays regulated by traffic lights. 

The bridge is some 150 yards long and above it are the ruins of an ancient castle (13^th century)  and alongside is an old woollen mill (1840s).

Ring Of Cork Festival Showcases Community Spirit

Ring Of Cork Festival Showcases Community Spirit

Minister for Agriculture, Food & Marine Simon Coveney, T.D. Launches Ring of Cork Festival

More than one hundred local businesses from the craft, tourism, leisure and food sectors in South and East Cork came together at the weekend to celebrate the Ring of Cork.  There were dance flash mobs, a gathering of American travel and tourism writers, artisan food heroes and even surfing and bush-style survival demonstrations all happening in Midleton at the Ring of Cork Festival!

 

Lilly Higgins

Supported by SECAD, the South and East Cork Area Development company, the Ring of Cork brand endeavours to market the many splendours of the South East region from food, culture and stunning scenery to craft and adventure for people of all ages from all over Ireland and abroad.

Minister for Agriculture, Food & Marine Simon Coveney, T.D. was on hand to launch the Ring of Cork Festival in Midleton at the weekend.

“I originally launched the Ring of Cork brand in 2012 and it is inspiring to see how the Ring of Cork community have pulled together to get the brand and festival up and running.  It is invaluable in the current climate to work together for the greater good of the region. Today’s festival is a testament to the community spirit and collaboration here and I applaud everyone involved for making this festival a success”.

Ryan Howard, Chair of South & East Tourism and CEO of SECAD said “This super festival saw in excess of 100 businesses join forces to celebrate the Ring of Cork brand. This unique event showcases all the region has to offer from the best food in Ireland, to a vibrant craft sector and the wildest family fun and adventure in our woodlands and coastline, at the pet farms and of course Fota Wildlife park.  The region has a rich cultural heritage showcased by the Titanic Experience in Cobh, the Gunpowder Mills in Ballincollig and the Jameson Experience in Midleton.  All this and a community spirit that is second to none!  We are very proud indeed to support the Ring of Cork brand and activities in this Region”.

The variety of activities on offer at the Ring of Cork festival drew from the region’s specialities – food, craft, family fun, adventure, culture and heritage. 

The international travel and food writers, currently staying at Ballymaloe House for the World Travel Writers Conference, also attended the Ring of Cork Festival, which is a gathering event also.  The writers absorbed the vibrant atmosphere of the festival, viewing the cookery demonstrations and tasting artisan food samples including Cronin’s Pub Mad Fish stew, Lilly Higgins Peanut & Sesame cookies and The Old Thatch (Youghal) Chicken and black pudding with glazed streaky bacon and lots more.

Mouse roulette, piglet petting, balloon modeling, pottery making, clay modeling, face painting and even surfing lessons and wilderness skills were just some of the fun things on offer for all the junior festival goers. 

Many children joined in the flash mob dancing routines while others petted the goats, puppies and mammals provided by Leahy’s Pet Farm.   Local dance company, Studio D School which is run by Diane O’ Sullivan left festival goers speechless as they performed a number of upbeat flash mobs during the course of the festival.  Live cooking demonstrations from local restaurants also provided wonderful tastings and samplings for festival goers, while talks on the region’s heritage took place in the Midleton Courthouse. 

The Ring of Cork includes the towns of Cobh, Midleton, Youghal, Carrigaline, and Ballincollig and their surrounding areas, and is supported by the South and East Cork Area Development organisation (SECAD) as well as the town councils of Cobh, Midleton and Youghal.  For further festival details, visit www.ringofcork.ie

Music enthusiasts are in for a treat

IRISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA ‘STEEPLECHASE TOUR’ COMES TO CORK

St. Finbarre’s Cathedral to host Irish Chamber Orchestra Collaboration

Musicians and music enthusiasts are in for a treat as the Irish Chamber Orchestra joins forces with the National Chamber Choir of Ireland for the Steeplechase Tour. This musical tour which is kindly sponsored by Barry’s Tea will take place in iconic churches in Limerick (St. Mary’s Cathedral), Cork (St Fin Barres Cathedral) and Dublin (Monkstown Parish Church) on the 16, 17 and 18 May respectively.

“The Irish Chamber Orchestra is very excited about the upcoming tour which is also the ICO’s first tour of 2013. The programme offers a unique blend of choral and symphonic classic sounds by Mozart, Bach, Pärt and Piston. It is a great coup to have maestro Nicholas Kraemar leading this musical showcase,” said Maurice Healy, Director of the Irish Chamber Orchestra.

“We particularly wanted to bring the Steeplechase Tour to Cork, to the stunning setting of St. Finbarre’s Cathedral and its unique acoustics will ensure that the Cork event is a truly spectacular musical feast”.

The Irish Chamber Orchestra, which is renowned for its energy, unique sound and outstanding musicianship, has a strong tradition of collaborating with international musicians.

Maestro Nicholas Kraemer has a wealth of musical knowledge and expertise and is permanent guest Conductor of the Manchester Camerata and principal guest Conductor of Music of the Baroque, Chicago and has performed with orchestras from the four corners of the globe.

Walter Piston’s Prelude and Allegro for organ was commissioned for CBS TV in the 1940’s. The solemn Prelude depicts the tragedy of World War II and the Allegro, the determination to win it.  When Bach moved to Hamburg, he adopted a lighter style of writing and composed his Hamburg Symphonies. Many of his most characteristic touches can be found in Symphonies 4 & 5.

The Irish Chamber Orchestra and National Chamber Choir of Ireland perform the ground-breaking settings of Estonian composer,  Arvo Pärt – a deeply spiritual composer who found his own musical language with a love of every note at its heart.  Luke 5’s Gospel was adapted by him and the slow moving, ethereal reflective song entitled Which was the Son of, evolves.  This is particularly likable as it establishes a repetitive mantra in the elaboration of Jesus’s family-tree.  Silhouan’s Song is another deeply spiritual piece based on psalms written by an elder at a local monastery.   ‘My soul yearns after the Lord’ speaks from the very opening of wintry European landscapes, cold and unforgiving, in a prayer by the lonely soul.

Finally, Mozart’s popular Missa Brevis in G major (KV 275), is known for its sublime lyricism and grace.  It reflects a youthful composer, and the Irish Chamber Orchestra alongside the National Chamber Choir ring out its joyful tones.

Tickets are currently on sale at €20 for general admission, 10 for students and concessions at €18.

For further information visit www.irishchamberorchestra.com

Mizen Magic

Mizen: One of the Ireland's top sites!

What an Experience!

It has been five years since I last visited the spectacular Mizen Head, Ireland’s furthest south westerly point. In the meantime, many improvements have been made for visitors. The highlight for me is not the award winning new bridge but the elevated platform that gives visitors a fantastic close-up of the rugged cliffs that bite into Dunlough Bay. A thing of great natural beauty, a gem of the Irish coastline, though the drug smugglers than ran into trouble here a few years back will hardly agree.

And the trip in from Skibbereen is also a joy as you pass through Schull, Ballydehob, Goleen, Barleycove, with an easy detour to Crookhaven also on offer, either going or coming. On arrival in Mizen, park in the large car park at the Head and get your ticket (six euro for an adult, well worth it!).

There are various exhibitions in the main building and also at the lighthouse itself. Check them out here. 

We were anxious though to explore the new pathways that were constructed with the bridge in 2010. And they are all rewarding. The first one on the right on the way down is a very short walk indeed to a point that overlooks the new bridge.

Back then to the main path and you cross that very bridge with great views to the sea on your left, the tangle of massive rocks to your right. At the end of the bridge take the long path to your right. With the aid of the steps and well placed rails, you’ll soon see that magnificent view of Dunlough Bay

I must say I thought it was fantastic, better even than the Cliffs of Moher in the sense that the viewing platform takes you so close. It was a brilliant day weather-wise when we visited but I’d love to go back when the gales are blowing!

Dunlough Bay

Take your time here before going back down the steps and then turning right towards the Signal Station itself. After seeing the various exhibits, including a former lightkeeper (model) enjoying his full Irish, you can get right out to the edge with views all around. Brilliant, if breezy!

When we arrived at the Signal Station area, the guide there told us that we had just missed a whale surfacing. He was expecting the giant of the seas to breech again in five minutes. We waited. And waited. But the whale didn’t oblige! Why should it? Still, I’d have loved to have seen the action.

We lingered awhile and then headed back. As we neared the entrance, we saw a signed path down to our right, a long one, right down to the edge where you have a smashing view of a sea arch. Enjoyed that and then slowly – a lot of stiff walking had been done – we headed back up, getting another view of the bridge and the lighthouse as we climbed.

Mizen is on the jet trail.

After all that, a rest was called for and so we headed into the onsite Mizen Cafe. This is quite a good cafe serving Soups, Chowders, Sandwiches, BLTs, Toasties, Wraps, Paninis, Fish of the Day, Bantry Bay Mussels, and lots of specials, plus a children’s menu.

We had dinner booked that evening so just a cuppa and a slice of apple tart sufficed, €10.50 for the two of us. And yes that Apple Tart was homemade, real apple and real pastry unlike the awful Rhubarb tart concoction we got in a cafe at a Cork City tourist village earlier in the week. Very enjoyable this time.

Suitably refreshed, we headed back towards Skibbereen and Liss Ard making all the stops and all the detours without a care about time and with no wish to waste the afternoon sunshine watching Heineken Cup rugby which was obviously drawing the punters to various pubs along the way. C’est la vie. Free country. One way for you, another for me.

Stunning West Cork in yesterday's sunshine

Dunlough Bay (from Mizen Head viewpoint)

Sea Arch (Mizen)

Crookhaven

Gull Fight. Guy on left took off with the tasty bit!

Barleycove

Wedge Tomb

Schull

At the end of the day, one must eat!
Skibbereen Tapa: Pig's cheek served up by Riverside's Galician chef

See also Liss Ard Estate

Ring of Cork Festival on May 18th

Lily Higgins, chef and author, woodturner Paudie Manning, From Our Family Tree, William O'Halloran, Will and Away Outdoor Adventures, and Billy Mulqueen of Ring of Cork pictured at the launch of the new Ring of Cork Festival to celebrate and showcase all that is on offer in the South and East Cork region.  

SECAD LAUNCHES ‘RING OF CORK’ FESTIVAL

Ring of Cork Festival Promises Adventure, Crafts, Culture, Cookery, Craic and Ceoil

What better way to celebrate all that the Ring of Cork has to offer, than a super festival in the year of the Gathering. The Ring of Cork Festival will be held on Saturday May 18th in Midleton, Co. Cork and all are welcome from near and far to join in an impressive and truly unique line-up of activities, fairs and fun on the day.

Drawing from the Region’s specialities, there will be 5 key festival rings – food, craft, family fun, adventure, culture and heritage, inviting visitors to join in the fun and get involved in all sorts of interactive activities from tastings to bushcraft, pottery making to surfing and learning about the history of the South and East Cork Area.

Funded and organised by South and East Cork Area Development (SECAD), this project is also supported by South and East Cork Tourism, the body responsible for promoting the South and East Cork area to tourists and visitors.

“We wanted to create a truly unique event that would showcase the South and East Cork area, which as well as its beauty and people, has so much to offer tourists, whether they are from Ireland or international travellers”, said Ryan Howard, SECAD. “The artisan crafts and food producers and chefs from this area are world renowned, and our heritage from Cobh’s maritime history including Titanic and the Lusitania to the Jameson Experience at the Midleton Distillery, and family entertainment from Fota Wildlife to Trabolgan and Leahy’s Open Farm, all provide so much variety to visitors coming to the Ring of Cork area, that we have to celebrate our Region with this unique festival”.

Comprising of 5 themed areas, each with a unique yet fun flavour, festival goers and visitors on the day won’t be disappointed. There will be live cookery demonstrations by renowned Cork chefs including food writer and cook, Lilly Higgins. Artisan food producers and stalls from all over the South and East Cork area will showcase the finest delicacies and delights on offer in the Region. Tastings and market stalls will ensure that visitors really get a taste for the Ring of Cork. Demonstrations on bushcraft and survival skills as well as lessons and tips on outdoor adventures from kayaking and surfing to mountain climbing will also be on offer in the Adventure ring. For kids and families, there will be face painting and an animal petting area along with lots of fun and games.

Tourism Marketing Manager with the Ring of Cork, Billy Mulqueen said “We are very excited about the Ring of Cork festival and we have received fantastic support and interest to date. One of the key objectives for this festival is to make it as interactive as possible and with the plethora of food demonstrations and lessons available we would encourage all foodie, craft, heritage and culture vultures to sample the delights of South & East Cork”.

In 2012, the Ring of Cork brand was launched by Minister for Agriculture, Food & Marine, Simon Coveney T.D. on behalf of South and East Cork Tourism to attract people to the many scenic areas in South and East Cork.

“The Ring of Cork is particularly important as it encourages visitors to explore this ring of Cork from wonderful sites of cultural importance, marine activities, scenic trips, festivals and family activities, to great food and fun. Attracting visitors to this Region in the Year of the Gathering is a priority for the South and East Cork region”, said Billy Mulqueen, Tourism and Marketing Manager, Ring of Cork.

The Ring of Cork includes the towns of Cobh, Midleton, Youghal, Carrigaline, and Ballincollig and their surrounding areas, and is supported by the South and East Cork Area Development organisation (SECAD) as well as the town councils of Cobh, Midleton and Youghal.

For further festival details, visit www.ringofcork.ie or www.Facebook.com/ringofcork or follow us on Twitter @RingofCork or contact Liam Fitzgerald at SECAD, 0n 021-4613432 or email lfitzgerald@secad.ie for further information.

Titanic Artefacts Returned To Cobh

Historic Titanic Artefacts Returned To Cobh For Anniversary

Odell Family Artefacts unveiled at Titanic Experience Cobh

Tommy Barker, grandson of photographer Thomas Barker who took photos on board the Titanic at Cobh, with historian Vincent McMahon (right) at today's launch of the Odell family artifacts from their journey on board RMS Titanic.

Cork, 11 April 2013:  On the day and time that RMS Titanic dropped anchor in Cork Harbour over 101 years ago (Thursday 11 April 1912), a poignant collection of a number of passengers and survivors of the luxury liner’s maiden voyage was unveiled at the Titanic Experience, the permanent visitor attraction in Cobh, Co. Cork.

Among the items that will be on permanent display at the Titanic Experience Cobh is a beautiful 20^th century blue leather suitcase, purchased at Harrods for the journey on board Titanic. The suitcase was the personal property of Mrs. Lily Odell, a first class passenger on board the ill-fated ship.  Lily Odell travelled with some members of her family, including her son, Jack and sister in law, Kate and her two brothers, Richard and Stanley May. The Odell family party disembarked the Titanic at Queenstown, now Cobh, and collected a hire car from Johnson & Perrott Motors to travel around the south of Ireland.  To see the Odell family album from the Titantic, click here (includes their car hired from Johnson and Perrott!).

At the launch:
Managing Director of the Titanic Experience Cobh Gillen Joyce

Managing Director of the Titanic Experience Cobh, which is located in the original White Star Line building, Gillen Joyce said, “We endeavour to make the Titanic Experience as authentic as possible in providing information about Titanic, and depicting the story of the passengers on board.  With this in mind, we felt that it was vital to include artefacts from the liner to ensure a true visitor experience here in the original White Star Line building in Cobh. We are delighted that our hard work has paid off and it is an honour for us to have the Odell Collection exhibited here at the Titanic Experience”.

On hand to formally open the exhibition was Tommy Barker, property editor of the Irish Examiner and grandson and namesake of Thomas Barker, the Cork Examiner photographer who captured some of the best known images of RMS Titanic and her Irish passengers while in Cobh. 

There are a number of photographs in the Odell collection, including the original photo postcard showing Titanic survivors, Millvina Dean as a baby, with her brother Bertram in a pram and their mother, Eva. Another photograph shows young Jack Odell, in a Star Laudaulette automobile hired from Johnson and Perrott with Mr May (Lily Odell’s brother) and their luggage.

A hand painted and signed French silk lace and mother of pearl fan in its original silk covered box used on board the Titanic is also on loan to the collection by Titanic Experience Historian, Vincent McMahon. 

Titanic Experience Historian, Vincent McMahon gave a short talk at the unveiling of the Odell collection, which took place at 1.30 pm to coincide with ‘Titanic’ weighing anchor on this day on Thursday, 11^th April 1912, 101 years ago.  McMahon described the journey of the Odell family who travelled on board ‘Titanic’ on the 10^th and 11^th April 1912.  

“The loss of Titanic with so many lives has always been a very sad story. Today we recall the passengers on board.  It is a privilege to exhibit items carried on board Titanic on that voyage from Southampton via Cherbourg to Queenstown. The Titanic Experience Cobh looks forward to keeping their memory alive through this Odell collection going on display today.” added McMahon.

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About Titanic Experience:

Titanic Experience Cobh is a new permanent visitor attraction in Cobh, Co. Cork Ireland.  Situated in the original offices of the White Star Line, the location marks the departure point for the last 123 passengers who boarded the Titanic on its fateful maiden voyage to America. Titanic Experience tells the unique story of Titanic through the eyes of the Queenstown passengers and discovers the strong Irish links to Titanic.

About Project Cobh

Following the worldwide commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic last year, the Project Cobh initiative will embrace the connection between Cobh and the Titanic.  A number of events and activities have been scheduled from 8 to 14 April including ceilí nights, themed food tastings, lectures and a laying of the wreath at the Titanic Anchorage near Roches Point. 

‘A Night With Rory Golden’ promises to be a special evening, as Golden was the first diver to see the Titanic from a Russian MIR submersible in 2000 and again in 2005 at a depth of 3,875 metres.  Golden will tell his unique story of the search, discovery and dive to the world's most famous shipwreck on Saturday, 13 April at the Commodore Hotel in Cobh.  Tickets will cost €5 and will be available at the entrance to the lecture on 13 April 2013.