I'm in Dusseldorf tonight; flying to New York city tomorrow, and then home to Tucson on Wednesday.  I will continue where I left off when I get home.

Wednesday 14 August 2013

Cobh/Cork, Ireland

Not only does the Prinsendam dock alongside the port in Cobh (pronounced “cove”), but the Irish Rail station at which the commuter trains to Cork stop, is literally ten steps away.  It’s not surprising that the station is so close to the port; Cobh (or “Queenstown” as it was called in the 19^th century) was the final embarkation port for all shipping to America by the White Star Line.  The most well-known ship to have made a final stop in Queenstown was, of course, the Titanic.  Much of this small port city thrives on memories of and memorials to that famous ship.

Although the train station is close, it still takes about 20 minutes to purchase a cheap-day-return to Cork.  There are no self-service ticket machines and everyone has to wait in line for the single agent to issue the tickets and make the change.  A bus from the train station goes directly to the center of the city and a couple of hours are enough time to absorb what the city has to offer (like the local Irish sausage on sale at the English Market).  Back in Cobh in the afternoon, I have to admit that this small city is a much more pleasant place than its bigger sister.  The waterfront walk, the shops and restaurants bestrewn with fresh flowers, and the local children still on holiday from school, offer a much lovelier view than the streets of Limerick or Cork.

Today is my final day in Ireland and I am glad that I finally made it to the west coast, with all its literary and historical associations.  But I still haven’t really seen the idyllic beauty of the Irish countryside; for that a car and a lot of slow driving is really necessary.