MV “Independence of the Seas” and Cork Convention Bureau to Bring 900 Brazilian Delegates to the Shores of Cork

MV Independence of the Seas on a previous visit to Cobh




Up to 900 delegates from the fuel industry in Brazil are being rewarded for their business with a high end incentive trip in 2012 which will include a visit to Cork. They will travel on the cruise liner MV Independence of the Seas which will berth at Cobh Cruise Terminal overnight. The group, which is being co-ordinated by Kuoni Destination Management Company will experience Cork over a day and a half. This is a fantastic opportunity to highlight the region of Cork, voted one of the top ten European destinations to visit in 2011 by Yahoo Search Engine.

Cork Convention Bureau (CCB) has been working with Kuoni on an impressive itinerary for next year. A group of 12 visited Cork on September 17th and 18th last on a fact finding mission. CCB ensured they experienced the best of the region including a visit to the coastal town of Kinsale, the Queenstown Heritage Centre in Cobh, Fota House and even a night at the dog races! As a result of this site inspection a programme has been devised. A gala dinner in the grounds of Castlemartyr Resort Hotel with the backdrop of the castle ruins has been proposed followed by a day of excursions including the Jameson Distillery in the town of Midleton and the obligatory kissing of the Blarney Stone. Two hours of free time in Cork’s city centre will allow the group to browse the chic boutiques and have lunch at many of Cork’s great restaurants tasting local artisan produce. ‘This business will be worth an estimated €500,000 to the Cork region. Since its inception in 2007, CCB has been responsible for more than €20 million worth of conference, meeting and incentive business in Cork. Cork is at its peak right now and international event organisers looking for new destinations are very impressed with the product offering.’ Evelyn O’Sullivan, Business Tourism Manager CCB. (Cork Convention Bureau is an initiative of Cork City and County Councils, Failte Ireland and is also supported by the regions hotels.)

Commenting on the delegate visit to Cork, Captain Michael McCarthy Port of Cork said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Cork to leave a very positive welcoming experience for the 900 visitors. It is very encouraging to see commercial companies using the cruise liner business as a method of visiting the region. Statistics available from the cruise lines indicate that 30% of cruise passengers make a return visit to a region they visited on their cruise itinerary. This would be excellent for Cork if some or all of these delegates return in the future with their family or friends or indeed looked at future business opportunities.” In order to ensure that their visit is memorable, the Port of Cork will coordinate a special welcome with the Tour Operator, Cobh Tourism, Town Council and Chamber, Irish Rail and Cork City TEAM.

He continued: “The Port of Cork has been involved for the last 3 years with Spanish, French and Portuguese Ports in developing the European Atlantic Area as a premier cruise destination. This work under an EU Initiative “Cruise Atlantic Europe” is aimed at developing the historic links between these countries and the Latin nations in South America, particularly Brazil to encourage them to visit this region. The Independence of the Seas is due to berth in the Port of Cork between the 6th-7th May 2012 with over 5,000 passengers and crew. 




Port of Cork Website

Launch of Maritime Cluster to Shape the Future

An Taoiseach, Mr Enda Kenny launches the IMERC Strategy on the 25th November 2011. Picture by David Jones, INS




The launch of a major maritime and energy resource cluster by An Taoiseach, Mr Enda Kenny, will affect the transformation of the future development of Ireland as a maritime nation. The Irish Maritime and Energy Resource Cluster (IMERC) is a tripartite alliance between University College Cork (UCC), Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) and the Irish Naval Service (INS). The IMERC vision is to become a research and commercial cluster of world standing, by realising Ireland’s potential in the maritime and energy markets of tomorrow.

Speaking at the launch, An Taoiseach commended all those involved from UCC, CIT and the Irish Naval Service for their vision in developing a new research and commercial campus in Ringaskiddy Co. Cork. The initial phase will see the delivery of 70 new research jobs by 2014, with industry suites, incubation units and enterprise centres to be developed as part of an extended campus adjacent to the NMCI by 2016.

In his response to An Taoiseach’s speech, Dr Michael Murphy, President of UCC said that: “research and commercial clusters are increasingly appreciated as engines for economic growth from Europe to China. IMERC puts Ireland on the map as a location for a maritime and energy cluster par excellence. It provides a one-stop-shop which focuses our attention on new and emerging opportunities in four distinct areas: Marine energy; Maritime safety and security; Shipping, logistics and transport; and Marine recreation”.

“Dr Val Cummins, IMERC Director explains: “The aim of IMERC is to promote Ireland as a world-renowned research and development location that will unlock Ireland’s maritime and energy potential. The creation of research posts will require a close working relationship with state agencies such as the IDA and Enterprise Ireland, and support from local bodies such as Port of Cork and Cork County Council”. According to Dr Cummins “the Taoiseach’s endorsement of IMERC is testimony to the national interest which IMERC aims to serve. This boils down to developing an environment where innovation can take place, creating new ideas, ventures, and jobs in support of the maritime economy of Ireland”.

Also at the launch, Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Mr Simon Coveney, stated that: “IMERC is an engine for economic growth, both for Cork and for the country as a whole. A unique aspect of IMERC is the involvement of the Irish Naval Service, which provides expertise, equipment and infrastructure in support of SMEs and new commercial ventures. This critical mass will be brought to bear on the realisation of the IMERC strategy, which will see the integration of industry partners across all IMERC activities”. The IMERC Strategy 2011-2016, describes the plans in detail, and can be accessed from the website www.imerc.ie. 


IMERC website 

Arkady Feed Ltd and Port of Cork Announce Major Investment in Agri-food Sector

An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny T.D. and Minister Simon Coveney T.D. at the Port of Cork's Deep-water berth in Ringaskiddy


An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny T.D. and Minister Simon Coveney T.D. recently helped start construction on Arkady Feed Ltd.’s 110,000 square foot bulk feed store at the Port of Cork’s Deep-water berth in Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork.

Arkady Feed Ltd is a leading player in the importation and trading of feedstuffs for the animal feed sector in Ireland. The animal feed sector is a vital link in Ireland’s €8bn agri-food sector. The construction of this new store by Arkady Feed Ltd is a vote of confidence in the animal feed and agri-food sectors by the company. BAM contractors have been awarded the contract to build the facility on behalf of Arkady Feed Ltd.

Minister Coveney today said: “I wish Arkady Feed Ltd every success for their new bulk feed store here in Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork. The dry bulks sector is up 9% for the first 9 months of 2011, according to figures recently published by the IMDO, which shows that this sector is likely to see further growth in the future.”

Gary McGuigan, a Director of Arkady Feed Ltd said: “This very important strategic investment in our own storage facility in the Port of Cork, will allow us to grow our business here in Ireland and be a stronger partner with our customers as they too grow over the coming years. While our industry is facing a number of serious issues that will hamper growth in the short term we feel very strongly that our industry is well placed for growth in the medium to long term.”

Brendan Keating, CEO of Port of Cork Company said: “The Port of Cork Company is delighted that Arkady Feed Ltd has chosen Ringaskiddy as the location for this significant investment. We are confident that with our unique deep-water port facilities in Ringaskiddy we can help and support Arkady as they expand their business. In offering our full support we commit to working with Arkady Feed Ltd in the achievement of growth.” 


Port of Cork Website 

Cork Harbour Community Radio - Podcast stream

Following the live broadcast on Cork Harbour Open Day in September, Cork Harbour Community Radio is delighted to announce that an audio stream of each hour of the broadcast is available to listen to from the CorkHarbour.ie website and the CHCR podcast site. With a mixture of interviews, music and information on the Open Day itself, CHCR delivered an engaging snapshot of a 'Day In The Life' of Cork Harbour. 

Individual interviews from contributors from every corner of the harbour will be added separately over the coming weeks, so check back regularly. 

CHCR plans to stand up a committee this month to discuss the next steps for the project which next year will include more live outside broadcasts, a continuation of the collection of interviews reflecting the myriad activities ongoing around the harbour, and the creation of downloadable podcasts from our PodOMatic website. 

A full hour by hour schedule of the Open Day broadcast is available from the Community Radio resource page on this website (link below). 

Pre-recorded interviews were recorded by Cormac Gebruers, Suzanne Gebruers and Ken Cotter. Technical assisstance was provided by Kieran Hurley (UCC 98.3FM). Dj's for the day were Ken Cotter (11-3 & 5-6) and Conor Lyons (3-5). 

Related links for this article 

Cork Harbour Community Radio Podcast website

Community Radio resource page: 

SECAD walking trails

SECAD has a vision to establish a high-quality network of community walking trails that are well constructed, managed, advertised and maintained in the South and East Cork area from Nohoval to Youghal and including many around the Cork Harbour area. 

The benefits of creating community trails are manifold. They allow people to explore new areas, promote a healthy lifestyle, attract tourists, and generate income for the local community. 

Trail ideas are being suggested by communities from all corners of the habour, from the tip of Crosshaven to Whitgate, with plans to develop a trail from Aghada all the way to Ballycotton. 

Following the SECAD Community Trails Seminar in May, many communities across the South and East Cork area have become involved in the SECAD Trails Development initiative, moving to develop a number of high quality, safe trails for use by their local community, and those visiting their area. 

A Facebook page has been created and a website developed. If you would like to keep abreast of trail development in the harbour, or if you would like to explore the possibility of creating a trail for your community, plenty of information is available from these links. Click on the links below. 

CorkHarbour.ie also contains information on harbour walking trails in the resource section More information will be added to this page over time. 

Related links for this article 

SECAD trails Facebook page

SECAD trails website

MERC3 rebranded as IMERC

MERC3, the Ringaskiddy based Maritime and Energy Resource Cluster, has been rebranded as IMERC, the Irish Maritime and Energy Resource Cluster. 

A result of a tripartite alliance between University College Cork, the Cork Institute of Technology, and the Irish Naval Service, IMERC aims to harness and integrate diverse research and industry expertise through the development of an innovation cluster. 

Launched in March 2010, specific targets for IMERC are for the creation of 70 new research jobs by 2014, five companies incorporated by 2015, and two foreign direct investment clients secured by 2016. 

To date IMERC has secured a funding package of €14 million for UCC’s Beaufort Laboratory on the IMERC Campus and has already created 15 new research jobs. 

The first FP7 projects have been secured for the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI), and the first Foreign Direct Investment client, a US-based naval architecture firm, will be announced shortly. 

The IMERC initiative comes at the dawn of a new era for maritime Ireland, stimulated by the growing realisation of the economic opportunities around maritime and energy, and in particular with regard to marine renewables. 

See www.IMERC.ie for more details of this fascinating venture which will place Cork Harbour at the heart of maritime research and innovation well into the future. 

President McAleese visits the NMCI, the Naval Base and Cork City

On one of her last official duties as Uachtarán na hÉireann, Mary McAleese visited the Irish Naval Service in Cork. She was welcomed outside the National Maritime College of Ireland in Ringaskiddy by one of the largest naval guards of honour in the history of the Service. She was given a tour of the NMCI, which is a 14,000m2 facility built on a 10 acre waterside campus. Here she was shown the state-of-the-art marine simulator and the sea-survival pool. She also met with personnel from IMERC (formerly MERC3), Ireland’s maritime and energy research campus. 

Next her itinerary brought her to the Naval Base on Haulbowline, where she met and spoke with naval personnel, being guided by Commodore Mark Mellett, Flag Officer of the Irish Naval Service. 

From there she was welcomed onboard the LE Niamh (P52). She travelled the length of Cork Harbour from Haulbowline to the city quays, and her passage was made all the more special by local school children who waved their best wishes from the shore. 

The naval service photographer, Dave Jones was on hand to capture the events, and a selection of those photos are available to see on our Facebook page. 


Cork Harbour Facebook Pictures 

New Port of Cork Cruise Promotion Video

The Port of Cork have a new cruise promotion video aimed at highlighting all the great activities a cruise visitor can do when visiting the Port of Cork. From hillwalking to horse riding, golf, mountain biking or simply soaking up the atmosphere in a local pub or taking in the attractions of Cork City - there is certainly plenty to do! 

Titanic Websites & Links

With the centenary of the sinking of the Titanic fast approaching, it is time to explore the Irish stories associated with this famous vessel. Cobh town is also planning a series of events commemorating the 100th anniversary in April 2012. Many events have already been confirmed such as a commemorative ball and a national tribute. A series of concerts and markets are also planned. 

Titanic Stories 
http://www.the-titanic.com/Home.aspx 

‘Titanic Stories’ is a website that is designed to direct you to some of the most authentic information and experiences about the Titanic on the island of Ireland. There is a wealth of undiscovered stories to find within the pages of the website and on many other linked sites. Based in Belfast, ‘Titanic Stories’ contains links to tours, historical sites, towns and cities, and has a fantastic gallery of photographs and videos. 

The Titanic Trail – Guided Walking Tours of Cobh 
http://www.titanic.ie/

Closer to home, it has never been a better time to acquaint (or re-acquaint) yourself with the long-running Titanic Trail in Cobh. The Titanic Trail is a fascinating guided tour that explores the town of Cobh in Cork Harbour, which was the last port of call of RMS Titanic. This Irish heritage walking tour takes visitors through the historic town of Cobh where the buildings, streets and piers have not changed since the Titanic’s sinking nearly 100 years ago. 

Titanic 100, Cobh 2012 
http://www.titanic100.ie/ 

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Titanic’s journey and to remember and pay tribute to all who have been involved with her, Cobh in County Cork, Ireland, will play host to a memorable series of events. This event series – Titanic 100 Cobh 2012, will include many and varied events and will appeal to a wide audience. We look forward to seeing you in Cobh to share the experience with us. 

Cork Harbour Open Day 2011 - A Huge Success

Cork Harbour Open Day 2011 proved to be another huge success with great activities around the harbour for all the family.

This year MV Julia opened to the public offering tours of the ferry and also lunch on board. Ireland's only maritime college, the National Maritime College of Ireland opened its doors to the public offering tours of the college facilites including their state of the art ship simulator and sea survival pool. A free ferry operated around the lower harbour calling to Ringaskiddy, Monkstown, Cobh, Aghada and Crosshaven. This proved to be very popular with people opting to visit the different locations by boat rather than by land. 

Organisers of the Harbour Open Day said the ferry idea was utilised to promote the harbour and promote how accessible places around the harbour are by boat. 

Cork Harbour Community radio was also broadcast for the first time on 98.3FM offering listeners stories and history of the harbour, as well as in depth interviews with the Irish Navy, Port of Cork, Maritime College and many more. 

Other events on the day included, the Irish Naval vessel L.E. Ciara berthed in Cork City Quays which was open to the public, a search and rescue demo by the Irish Coastguard, SARS and Crosshaven RNLI, crab fishing in Cobh, stories of the south east side of Cork Harbour in Aghada, maiden call of MV Queen Elizabeth to Cobh, Camden Fort in Crosshaven was open to the public for free, walking tours and music on Spike Island and the annual Cobh to Blackrock race also took place. 

Check out our Facebook Page for photos from the Cork Harbour Open Day 

Free Ferry for Cork Harbour Open Day

A FREE ferry will operate between Aghada, Cobh, Crosshaven, Ringaskiddy and Monkstown for Cork Harbour Open Day. This is a great way to get around the lower harbour and to see all the great activities happening. This is a FREE service sponsored by Port of Cork and the National Maritime College of Ireland. 

Click on the link below to download you’re free route map. 

Related links for this article 

Download your free map here

Download the full programme of events here

Atlantic Sea Kayaking & Surf 2 Heal

2 events happening on the city quays during Cork Harbour Open Day. Atlantic Sea Kayaking See Cork city from the River Lee. Tours begins at Lapp's Quay in the heart of Cork - often spoken of as the Venice of Ireland. This tour lasts two hours, and during the tour we slip under the bridges and see the city centre from a uniquely unusual perspective. To book call Jim 028 21058 Surf 2 Heal Custom House Quay between 2-4pm Surf 2 Heal is a nonprofit organisation teaching children with autism to surf. A fantastic initiative built by volunteers, running Surf 2 Heal surf camps around Ireland. They will be collecting donations on the quay.

Surf 2 Heal website 

Latest Cork Harbour Open Day programme of events - updated 7th September

Newly added:
Cannonball Run charity event
Half price walking tours of Spike & Spike Island Open Day
Free entry to Fort Camden


Download the Programme of Events 

Cork Harbour Open Day Set to Be a Great Day for All

This year Cork Harbour Open Day is set to be a great day with so much happening all around the harbour. Now in its third year, Cork Harbour Open Day has grown and each year offers more and more activities both on and off the water. The day itself is a great day for people to see exactly what Cork Harbour has to offer, and this year is no exception with the second largest natural harbour in the world will playing host to the Cobh to Blackrock sailing race, kayaking on the River Lee, crab fishing in Cobh, and for the first time a free open day at the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) in Ringaskiddy and Fastnet Lines MV Julia open to the public for tours and lunch.

Cork Harbour Community Radio will broadcast throughout the day on frequency 98.3FM live from the NMCI. This community radio initiative is part of a response to the great sense of community developing in the Cork Harbour area and has been made possible by the combined effort and support of many harbour side groups and organisations. 

This year will also see the first ferry shuttle service operated by ‘Whale of a Time’ and sponsored by the Port of Cork and NMCI running in the lower harbour calling at Ringaskiddy, Monkstown, Cobh, Aghada and Crosshaven. Free to anyone who wishes to use it, this ferry will be a great way to see the harbour and get around to the different locations and attractions. 

Visitors to Ringaksiddy will be given the opportunity to go on a free guided tour around the National Maritime College of Ireland and see their panoramic bridge ship simulators, the survival pool and the marine workshops. Staying in Ringaksiddy, at the Deepwater Quay, Fastnet Lines’ MV Julia will open to the public giving people the chance to go onboard the ferry and even have some lunch if they wish. In the evening, Cork Corona Film Festival will hold a fundraiser themed the ‘Amazing Cork Maritime Experience’ at the NMCI from 5pm onwards. Tickets for this event are available at https://corkfilmfest.ticketsolve.com/shows/126518308/events 

In Cobh, Cunard’s MV Queen Elizabeth will make her maiden call to the Port of Cork and to coincide with this visit, Cunard and the Port of Cork have organised a Lusitania Memorial Service in Cobh led by the Captain of Queen Elizabeth. To add to the occasion, Band 1 Southern Brigade will play in the promenade after the service. Both events are free and open to all. 

In the afternoon ‘See You in Cobh’ will run a crab fishing competition for kids. The Irish Coastguard, RNLI and the Search and Rescue Helicopter will perform a search and rescue demonstration in the lower harbour near Monsktown and Ringaskiddy at 3pm. At 5pm when MV Queen Elizabeth departs a ‘Fond Farewell’ is being organised to encourage spectators around the harbour to wave this great ocean liner off as she departs Cork harbour. Great locations around the harbour to see the departure are Roches Point, Weavers Point, Camden Fort, Cobh town or Whitegate. 

Spike Island will be open to the public all day, with boat rides operating from Kennedy Pier in Cobh to the island throughout the day. Live music, face painters, clowns and jugglers will be on the island to entertain and visitors to the island are being encouraged to bring their own picnic for the day. 

In Crosshaven, the Rescue Camden Committee have organised a free open day from 12-6pm. The fort will host the Airborne 101 re-enactors and a weapons display and a ‘Port in Pictures’ photograph exhibition. Camden Fort is a perfect location to watch MV Queen Elizabeth as she departs Cobh at 5pm. Crosshaven will also hold their annual triathlon at 4pm. 

In Cork City, the Irish naval vessel L.E.Ciara will be open to the public for free tours of the ship from 11am to 4pm. Also in the morning visitors will get to see the amazing 150 cars taking part in this year’s Cannonball Run in aid of Barretstown Kids charity, as they depart Custom House quay at 11am. Blackrock Castle Observatory will present their theatrical tours bringing the colourful story of the castle to life from 400 years ago to present day. A great venue for all the family and a super location to watch the Cobh to Blackrock sailing race, as the yachts head up the river.

In Aghada, there will be tales and stories of the south east side of the harbour throughout the day held in Rosies Bar. Visitors can use the ferry shuttle which would take them to Aghada’s new pontoon facility recently opened. 

Aimed at embracing what Cork Harbour has to offer, the Cork Harbour Open Day aims to raise awareness of the different activities available for people in the harbour both on and off the water. It’s a great day for all the family with many events free to everyone. 

The idea for a Harbour Open Day emerged from discussions between various stakeholders involved in the development and implementation of the Integrated Strategy for the Harbour. A group comprising representatives from UCC, City and County Councils and the Port of Cork set about working together to engage users of the Harbour and to organise the Open Day. For more information on Cork Harbour Open Day and see the full programme of events visit www.corkharbour.ie or email harbourevents@corkharbour.ie for information. 

Cork Harbour Open Day, Saturday 10th September

Follow Us on Twitter @corkharbour 

NMCI open day

The National Maritime College of Ireland will be opening their doors to the public on Cork Harbour Open Day from 12pm – 5pm and they will be providing free guided tours of their superb facilities. 

The tour includes a sea survival pool showcase that can demonstrate world-class special effects that includes wave generation and strobe lighting. 

The multi million euro 270-degree Kongsberg simulator will also be on show. This will be opened to the public for the first time and is capable of simulating our very own harbour along with famous ports such as New York and Sydney harbour. This family friendly event will also have a face painter along with local food producers set up around the campus. 

Cork Harbour Community Radio will be broadcasting from the foyer with a mix of music, chat and news from around the harbour area.

There is a possibility of a water taxi/shuttle ferry between surrounding harbour areas including NMCI-Monsktown-Crosshaven-Cobh….please keep an eye on the NMCI Blog  for further updates!

Corona Cork Film Festival Fundraiser at NMCI, Ringaskiddy

Corona Cork Film Festival will host a fundraiser in association with NMCI Services and the Port of Cork at 5pm on Cork Harbour Open day, which takes place on September 10th. The National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) will host the event which is entitled ‘The Amazing Cork Maritime Experience” this will be an evening of the arts, film and entertainment. 

The fundraiser includes arrival via a Harbour Cruise, a Maritime Art Exhibition, Music on the lawn, a selection of Maritime Short-Films, Guided Tours of the College’s Facilities, and finally ‘The Great Cork Boat Race’ which is a remote controlled boat races with prizes. 

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Mr. Simon Coveney T.D was at the NMCI to officially launch Cork Harbour Open Day 2011. This is the third year of event which aims to embrace and showcase what Cork Harbour has to offer and organisers are hopeful that the wide range of events will attract many people.


Purchase tickets for the fundraiser 

NMCI Blog

Three reasons to cheer for lovers of ships this Cork Harbour Open Day

Cork Harbour Open Day is giving three good reasons to smile for people who love ships. The Irish Navy vessel the LE Ciara will be docked at the city quays and will be open to the public during the day. 

In Ringaskiddy the ferry that plies the Cork to Swansea route, Fasnet Line’s MV Julia, will be open to the public between 11am and 3pm. The Julia will serve food from its self -service restaurant on Deck 6 and teas, coffees and snacks from it’s café also on Deck 6. You can also be in with a chance to win a voucher for a car and up to four passengers to travel on the MV Julia, which is valid until September 2012

Finally, Cunard Line’s Queen Elizabeth will be entering Cork Harbour bound for her maiden call to Cobh at 9 am and will depart at 5 pm. There will be many excellent vantage points all over the harbour. One of the most unique spots to see her will be from Fort Meagher, Camden which is open to the public free of charge between 12 midday and 6 PM. 

Spike island open day

To celebrate Cork Harbour Open day, Cork County Council is offering a family day out on Fort Mitchel on Spike Island. This is an opportunity to explore the historical fort and picnic in the grounds with the family. Enjoy the music of relaxing Blues band 'The Vipers' while the children are entertained by performers and face painters. You will get a chance to view the cell blocks and see the magnificent Gun Emplacement overlooking the wonderful entrance to Cork Harbour. 

Boats to Spike Island will leave Cobh's Kennedy Pier at 11.30 am and will continue to run until 2.30 pm.. Trips from Spike island back to Cobh will run until 5.30 pm. Tickets for boats and entrance to the fort are priced at €5 per adult and €10 per family. 

Tickets are available from: 
The kiosk on Kennedy Pier in Cobh, 
Dave's Coffee Shop in Cobh, 
The Heritage Centre in Cobh, 
Union Chandlery on Penrose Quay in Cork City, 

On-line - www.tickets.ie (booking on-line will incur surcharge)


Get your ticket on www.tickets.ie