Cobh – A Hidden Paradise – Guloiu Daria
At a distance of less than 25 km from Cork, a little town greets its visitors with a quaint train station. Originally named Queenstown, Cobh is now a touristic seaport town that attracts over 30.000 visitors each year. Historical stories, scenic promenades and daring activities are just a few reasons to encourage you to come and explore this heavenly place.
The most notorious attraction is The Titanic Experience, a guided tour starting at the White Star Line ticket office. Cobh was the last port in which the newly unsinkable ship stopped on her maiden journey to New York and received 123 passengers. Although everybody knows Jack and Rose’s story, this visit will allow visitors to get a clearer image of how life was for the travellers based on their class and the feelings they experienced during the tragic hours on a sinking ship lacking in lifeboats.
For those who seek a photogenic scene The Deck of Cards is the perfect place, since this row of coloured houses on a steep hill defies gravity through its engineering marvel. What is more, overlooking them from the hill’s summit is St. Colman’s Cathedral, the tallest Cathedral in Ireland. This gothic structure is a work of art itself, being the result of many artists’ work. For a complete visit in Cobh a relaxing stroll through the Bible Gardens will enchant everyone with its peaceful atmosphere, given by the memorial plaques and monuments dedicated to those who passed away.
Whether it’s the curiosity for less knows stories or yearning for charming scenes, Cobh is the perfect destination for one-day journey that will remain in your memories forever.
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Modern Cork – pictures and stories – Guloiu Daria
‘Cork is the real capital of Ireland’ – it is a common statement tourists can hear coming from the locals. And their devotion to this charming city is well-founded, as this settlement, with its center placed on an island in the middle of the River Lee, radiates a friendly, laidback atmosphere, where quirky museums, snug pubs and artisan coffee shops welcome travellers to explore their stories.
The first thing that struck me when I set eyes on this city was the mixture of old and modern elements. A paved street with a pedestrian button at a crosswalk, a modern coffee chain in a 300-year-old house, and the variety of historic and new buildings as a consequence of the ‘Burning of Cork’ are just a few aspects that make this city so outstanding. Two of my favourite places that preserve the old fashions in a modern approach are The English Market, where local products are promoted and Mother Jones Market, a lovely antique store that sells unique objects with intriguing history.
Founded by the Vikings around 915 as a trading community, Cork is one of the oldest settlements in Ireland and it had thrived by keeping the tradition of butter and beef trade. Built on a set of rigorous customs and beliefs, Cork is now a surprisingly modern city with progressive attitudes and open-minded people. While walking through the city I had the pleasure of seeing many LGBTQ flags painted near crosswalks, a charity project helping homeless people receive warm coats for the winter and many mural paintings depicting different important subjects.
A charismatic city with a youthful ambience, where traditions go hand in hand with contemporary ideas, Cork is undoubtedly a city that comprises the best Irish customs and ways of life.
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