SPG.com
Niall Twamley is the Branded Experience Analyst at the Starwood Cork CCC office and thelobby.com's expert on Ireland.
The Sheraton Fota Island Golf Resort and Spa is located on Fota Island in Cork Harbour, which along with Sydney Harbour, is one of the world’s great natural harbours. Consequently Cork has a long and distinguished maritime history. The town of Cobh, a short drive away from the Sheraton Fota Island hotel was the last sight many emigrants had of their homeland as they left for North America in the 19th century. In 1912, Cobh (then Queenstown) was the Titanic’s last port of call before her ill fated voyage to New York. Interested visitors can see a monument to the dead as they walk along the town’s charming 19th century style seafront promenade. Those who have more time can visit the “Queenstown Experience," attached to the local railway station, to learn more about the town’s links to the Titanic and the many emigrants who passed through the port on the way to a better life overseas.
Further around Cork Harbour is the village of Crosshaven, which is home to the oldest yacht club in the world, the Royal Cork Yacht Club. Every 2 years in July, the club plays host to “Cork Week,” Ireland’s largest sailing regatta. The event attracts yachting fans from all over the world for participation, For those who have left their sea legs at home, the village comes alive as visitors come from far and near to sample the atmosphere in the village’s cozy pubs and to enjoy the entertainment laid on for the revelers.
Also on a nautical theme, another more recent tradition in Cork Harbour is the Ocean to City race where the competitors row their small boats the 15 miles from Crosshaven along the river Lee to the quays in Cork city centre. This year’s even takes place on Saturday, May 31. First thought up as an event for the 2005 City of Culture celebrations, the event has gone from strength to strength in the years since and sees the city’s quays thronged with interested bystanders. Last year’s event saw a food market on one of the city’s quaysides where French market traders from Normandy tried through sights, sounds and smells to re-create the illusive atmosphere of France. For those who want an extended stay in Ireland’s Southern capital, the Cork City Marathon www.corkcitymarathon.ie
More
Just thought i would mention that Rowing boats from all over Europe come to the beautiful city of Cork for the Ocean to City Race.
In fact this year (2007) see's Trinity House of London entering two classic boats in the race a gig and a Thames Waterman Cutter.
It won't be to long before this is a world wide event with rowers from all over the world coming back to their roots on Cork's majestic River Lee.
March 7, 2008 6:09 PM | Reply