Cork Harbour Open Weekend A Huge Success

Pictured at the launch of Cork Harbour Open Weekend at the Irish Naval Base, Haulbowline is Minister for Agriculture, Food & The Marine Simon Coveney T.D with Niamh O’Mahony (age 8)

Cork Harbour Open Weekend proved to be a huge success once again, with hundreds of families turning out at events which took place around the harbour on Saturday and Sunday, 15th & 16th September 2012. There were lots of events on offer, both on and off the water and many were free to all to enjoy. In Ringaskiddy, the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) opened their doors for the weekend and gave visitors guided tours of the facilities including their state of the art panoramic bridge ship simulators, the survival pool and the marine workshops. In the city, Irish Naval Vessel the L.E Ciara was open to the public and an exciting display by the Emergency & Statutory Services took place which saw thousands line Kennedy Quay to watch organisations such as the Irish Coast Guard, SARDA dogs, Defence Forces and the Fire Brigade demonstrate their capabilities. Saturday also saw the annual Cobh to Blackrock sailing race which brought over 50 boats into the Port of Cork City Marina. In Cobh, Spike Island hosted a family day out on the Island with live music, children’s entertainers and an opportunity to walk on the recently completed Walking Trail around the perimeter of Fort Mitchell with stunning views of Cork Harbour. Military Exhibitions were also on display for visitors. Also in Cobh, In Cobh, there was crab fishing at The Promenade, a ‘Life Along the Seashore’ walk and the ‘Cobh Great Island, Great harbour, Great Ships, Great Puzzle’ treasure hunt which proved great fun for all. In Crosshaven, Camden Fort Meagher hosted military re-enactments on both days and proved a fantastic day out for families. The weekend marked their last opening for the 2012 season and certainly left most visitors already looking forward to returning next year. The idea for a Harbour Open Day, now extended to a full weekend, emerged from discussions between various stakeholders involved in the development and implementation of the Integrated Strategy for the Harbour in 2007. This has been taken forward by the Harbour Management Focus Group (HMFG) which meets quarterly to exchange information on Harbour issues. A HMFG working 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. Related links for this article  View the Programme of Events 2012