EAST
CORK
ST. COLEMAN'S CATHEDRAL
DOMINATES THE COBH SKYLINE.
What
this region may lose out just a little to the beaches of West Cork it
surely makes up for in variety. Just to the east of the city is Little
Island, Fota Island and Great Island. The theme of contrasts is continued
at Fota Island in one of Europe’s finest conservation centres.
Fota Wildlife Park provides an excellent opportunity to view
over 90 species of exotic animals including cheetahs, giraffes, zebras,
flamingos and a wide variety of monkeys. Many species wander freely
around the park’s tranquil surroundings and the ring-tailed lemurs
seem to be everyone’s favourites. Within the estate is the significant
Arboretum housing a wide variety of exotic shrubs, plants and
tree.
Close by is Fota Island Golf Club – a fine 72 par championship
course set in attractive wooded parkland. A good challenge for golfers,
with several interesting lakes coming into play. Tel: (021) 4883710.
COBH
A small bridge at a castle keep joins Great Island to the mainland.
Five miles or so to the south of the island is the charming seaside
town of Cobh (pronounced “Cove”). The residents may
not know it but the shallow and long descent down to the sea front is
reminiscent of the approach to Monte Carlo from the Grand Corniche.
The similarity does not end there as the town is impressively built
on a variety of different levels and facing south is bathed by the sun
when it shines. The pastel coloured fronts of the buildings have a distinct
Mediterranean feel and an attractive mix of Victorian and Flemish styles
sweeping up steep forelands from the pleasant seafront area with its
attractive seaside promenades. From the steep heights there are austere
Victorian terraces overlooking the town and seafront.
The story of Cobh’s unique origins, its history and legacy are
recalled at The Queenstown Story a multi media exhibition at
Cobh’s restored Victorian Railway Station. At the centre visitors
can explore conditions on board the early emigrant vessels, including
the dreaded ‘coffin ship’, learn about an Irish Wake, the
special farewell for emigrating sons and daughters – many of whom
never returned to Ireland. Visitors can also experience life on board
a convict ship leaving Cove for Australia in 1801 and discover Queenstowns
special connections with the Titanic – Cobh was its last port of
call.
