More than just a new member for the Atlantic Alliance – Port of Cork!

The ATLANTIC ALLIANCE is a marketing project of 18 ports along Europe’s West coast

The ATLANTIC ALLIANCE is a marketing project of 18 ports along Europe’s West coast between Hamburg and Lisbon, including Britain and now an Irish port. The project highlights to cruise companies that there is in Europe an attractive alternative to the Mediterranean and Baltic. The multifaceted character and diversity of the Atlantic Alliance members offer a versatile portfolio of cruise content for the cruise companies. Hamburg, 23rd of September 2013. The Atlantic Alliance is delighted to welcome the Port of Cork to the association. With the addition of Cork, the first Irish port to join the Alliance, the marketing project now covers in total eight countries. “The Alliance is proud to extend the region by aiming towards establishing a Euro-Atlantic destination on its own”, says Nadine Palatz, Manager Atlantic Alliance. Cork represents a key strategic member in terms of the implementation of the new EU sulphur directive which is due to come into effect in 2015. Within a North Sea context, this gives Cork an advantage for future cruise calls. Port of Cork is on the South Coast of Ireland and makes the Euro-Atlantic picture more complete, as marketed by the Atlantic Alliance. “Cork is home to some of Ireland’s most famous tourist attractions such as Blarney Castle and Jameson Whiskey Distillery and also serves as a convenient gateway for visiting the many picturesque towns and sights of West Cork, Waterford and Killarney. We are delighted to be joining Atlantic Alliance in promoting Cork as a ‘must see’ destination on Ireland’s south coast” commented Captain Michael McCarthy, Commercial Manager, Port of Cork Company.  The Port of Cork is home to Ireland’s only dedicated cruise berth in Cobh and will have welcomed a total of 61 cruise vessels carrying over 100,000 passengers and crew by the end of the 2013 season. This is up from 35 calls in 2005 and the Port of Cork has ambitions to grow the number of cruise calls to 80 over the next five years and to increase turn-around calls and overnight stays. All cruise vessels that call to Cork are given a very special welcome courtesy of Cork Cruise, providing tourist representatives who go on board each vessel, a display of traditional Irish dancing for passengers and a fond farewell on the quayside with a performance by a local brass band. These efforts do not go unnoticed by the passengers and the cruise lines and in 2011 the Port of Cork was awarded two Cruise Insight Awards for ‘Best Shore Side Welcome’ and ‘Best Tour Guides’.

Cork Harbour Open Weekend Programme

Download the Open Weekend programme below

Celebrate and enjoy Cork Harbour both on and off the water with plenty of activities for all ages, over two days, 14th & 15th September. Why not try out sailing or cheer on the dragon boats!  Please note, the tours of the navy ship have been cancelled due to operational reasons This year, Cork Harbour Open Weekend has another packed programme with lots of activities on offer for all ages. Taking place on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th September 2013, Cork Harbour Open Weekend will offer lots of events and activities for all the family, both on and off the water. The open weekend is a great opportunity 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 playing host to a number of events. An Inter-Firm Dragon Boat Race on Lapps Quay Cork City organised by Meitheal Mara will take place on Saturday at 3pm, kayaking in Cobh and Cork City, a raft race organised by Scouting Ireland, and a free open day at the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) in Ringaskiddy. For anyone interested in trying their hand at sailing the world’s oldest yacht club, RCYC in Crosshaven will open their doors to provide sailing for adults and children on Saturday at 11am. This is a great way for everyone to experience the wonderful sport of sailing within Cork Harbour. Cork Boat Club in Blackrock invites the public to come along and tour their boathouse, meet the rowers and enjoy a coffee or some home baking in their café on Saturday at 11am. To celebrate Cork Harbour Open Weekend, Cork County Council is offering individuals and families an opportunity to visit Spike Island to experience the rich history which this Island has to offer at significantly reduced rates. Children’s Entertainment will be provided on both days from 12pm – 5pm with free guided tours of the Island taking place on the hour from 11am – 3pm departing from the Coffee Shop, Spike Island. The Cobh Animation Team dressed in appropriate period costumes will also be present. Visitors also have the opportunity to stroll on the 1.6km Glacis Walk, a walkway developed around the perimeter of the fort with its unique views of the harbour. The ferry will leave Kennedy Pier, Cobh regularly from 11am – 3pm with return ferries available until 6pm on both days. The cost is €5 per adult and €15 per family (1adult& 3 children or 2 adults & 2 children, each additional child will cost €3). Camden Fort Meagher will be hosting Military Re-enactments from the Celts, Romans right through to World War 1&2 with over 60 re-enactors on site. There will also be a fancy dress themed weekend with prizes for different categories. Admission details can be found on www.camdenfortmeagher.ie In Cobh, there will be crab fishing for kids at The Promenade from 3 – 5pm on the Saturday, while on Sunday the Band 1 Southern Brigade will perform on the Victorian bandstand at 3pm. Also in Cobh on both Saturday and Sunday, there will be a final opportunity to see the magnificent photograph exhibition on Cork Dockyard in Cobh Heritage Centre. Admission is free. For anyone with an interest in the Lusitania tragedy, local historian Jack Gilmartin will attend the Lusitania graves in the Old Church Cemetery in Cobh and outline the town’s links with the tragedy of the sinking of the Lusitania in 1915, on Sunday at 2pm. Taking place on Saturday, 15th September at 2.30pm will be an air/sea rescue demonstration in the lower harbour carried out by the Irish Coastguard. This is a super spectacle for everyone to watch from the shoreline and see the incredible work carried out by our Coastguard. Aimed at embracing what Cork Harbour has to offer, the Cork Harbour Open Weekend 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 are free to everyone. 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. For more information on Cork Harbour Open Weekend and see the full programme of events visit www.corkharbour.ie or email harbourevents@corkharbour.ie Follow Us on Facebook and on Twitter @corkharbour using the hashtag #corkharbour13 Related links for this article  Open Weekend Programme Open Weekend Poster

Family tickets to Camden Fort Meagher, Crosshaven for the Cork Harbour Open Weekend

Picture from www.camdenfortmeagher.ie

Winners Saturday John Kavanagh Jim Lawton Sunday Tommy Ahearn Brian Barry Camden Fort Meagher is internationally recognised as being "One of the finest remaining examples of a classical Coastal Artillery Fort in the world". Admission is between 12 noon and 5PM on both Saturday and Sunday with last entry being at 4.15PM Re-enactors across the ages will be on site offering weapon displays and battle re-enactments from the Celts, Romans, right through World War 1 & 2 with over 60 re-enactors on site. This will be a fancy dress themed weekend with prizes for different categories. Admission is as follows: Adults €4 Under 18 - €3 Under 4 – Free Family of 2 adults and 3 under 18’s €14. Only guide or assistance dogs please. See the programme linked below for more details. THE COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED Question: Camden Fort Meagher is situated above which Cork Harbour village? Answer: Crosshaven Keep an eye on our Twitter and Facebook for up-to-the minute information on this competition and Cork Harbour Open Weekend. Related links for this article  Camden Fort Meagher website Cork Harbour Open Weekend Programme

Win a family pass to Spike Island during Cork Harbour Open Weekend 14th / 15th September - Winners announced

Answer a simple question to be in with a chance of visiting Spike Island for free!

Winners: Saturday: Ted Creedon Jim Lawton Sunday Brendan Sisk Frans Bakx To celebrate Cork Harbour Open Weekend Cork County Council offered two family passes each day, during the Open Weekend, to Spike Island*.  The tickets will include a ferry to Spike and admission to the fort. The ferry will leave Kennedy Pier, Cobh, regularly from 11AM- 3PM with return ferries available until 6PM on both days. Don’t worry if you did not win the competition. There are special low prices in place for the Open Weekend. The cost is €5 per adult and €15 per family (1 adult & 3 children or 2 adults & 2 children. Each additional child will cost €3)  This is an excellent opportunity to experience the rich history which this island has to offer. Children’s entertainment will be provided on both day’s between 12-5 with free guided tours of the island taking place on the hour from 11AM -3PM, departing from the Coffee Shop on Spike Island. The Cobh Animation Team dressed in appropriate period costumes will also be present. All visitors will be able to stroll on the 1.6KM Glascis Walk, a walkway developed around the perimeter of the fort with its unique views of the harbour. See the programme linked below for more details.  THE COMPETITION Competition is now closed Question: What is the name of the new 1.6KM walkway developed by Cork County Council around the perimeter of the fort on Spike Island? Answer: The Glascis Walk Keep an eye on our Twitter and Facebook for up-to-the minute information on this competition and Cork Harbour Open Weekend. IMPORTANT *A family ticket permits 1 adult & 3 children or 2 adults & 2 children. Each additional child will cost €3 Related links for this article  Download the programme Download the Open Weekend promotional poster

Cork Harbour Open Weekend – Focus On Ringaskiddy and the Lower Harbour

The National Maritime College of Ireland

To celebrate Cork Harbour’s unrivalled maritime research pegigree, The National Maritime College Of Ireland will hold an open day on both Saturday and Sunday between 10AM and 4PM. Tours of the college will include a short video, a visit to the 360 degree Bridge Simulator and a visit to the state-of-the-art Environmental Survival pool. This is a FREE event. On Saturday at 2.30PM in the Lower Harbour near Monkstown (but also viewable from Ringaskiddy, Whitepoint, or Cobh), there will be a sea and air rescue demonstration by the Irish Coastguard and SAR helicopter. Related links for this article  The NMCI website Cork Harbour Open Weekend Programme

Cork Harbour Open Weekend – Focus on Crosshaven

Try the sport of sailing in RCYC this Open Weekend

There will be an Open Day at the Royal Cork Yacht Club (RCYC) on Saturday 11AM-4PM where those who have not enjoyed the thrill of sailing before will get a chance to try it out in the company of experienced sailors. Places are limited so contact the club to book your place and avoid disappointment. (email: Miriam@royalcork.com or call 021 4831023). The RCYC look forward to introducing this increasingly popular sport to both adults and children. A welcome addition to this years programme is the opening to the public of Crosshaven’s state-of-the-art Coastguard Station. The station will be open to the public from 11AM to 1PM on both Saturday and Sunday morning. The Crosshaven CGU RIB will be assisting with the sea air rescue demonstration in the Lower Harbour /Cobh Road on Saturday at 1430. Camden Fort Meagher will be open on Saturday and Sunday between 12PM and 5PM with last entry at 4.15PM. There will be over 60 re-enactors on site offering weapon displays and battle re-enactments. There is also a fancy dress theme with prizes for different categories. See the programme for the special admission rates for the Open Weekend. There will be a Farmers Market on Saturday between 10AM and 2PM showcasing local food and crafts. Related links for this article  Camden Fort Meagher website Open Weekend Programme

Cork Harbour Open Weekend – Focus On Cobh

Crab fishing on Cobh promenade during Cork Harbour Open Weekend

Cobh will be one of the main centre of activities during this years Open Weekend celebrations. Most events are FREE, but please consult the programme for full details. An old favourite returns on Saturday on Cobh’s promenade. The ever-popular Crab Fishing event, organized by Cobh Tourism takes place between 3PM and 5 PM and is FREE of charge. Children can fish safely from Kennedy Park (the Promenade) and a fishing line, bait and bucket will be supplied. On Sunday 15th between 2PM and 4PM Cobh historian Jack Gilmartin will attend at the Luisitania graves in the Old Church Cemetery in Cobh and will outline the towns links with the tragedy of the Luisitania. This is a FREE event. Also on Sunday at 3PM the Band of 1 Southern Brigade will perform on the Victorian Bandstand on the Promenade in Cobh. For those more energetic souls, midday Sunday sees the start of the Great Island Row, a 15 Mile charity row, which takes place around the Great Island. The race usually takes about 2 to 3 hours to complete and finishes back in Cobh town centre. This event is FREE to watch. For entry details please consult the Cork Coastal Rowing website linked below. On Saturday and Sunday, Cobh Tourism and John Brennan present the final opportunity to view the magnificent Cork Dockyard Photographic Exhibition in the concourse of the Cobh Heritage Centre. Opening times for Saturday 14th are 9.30AM to 5PM, and on Sunday, 11AM – 5PM. Admission is FREE. The ferries to Spike Island also leave from Cobh at Kennedy Pier. The island will host children’s entertainment and free guided tours. There is also a chance to amble on Cork County Councils new 1.6KM Glacis Walkway, which runs around the perimeter of the fort and provides unique views of the harbour. There are significantly reduced rates on the ferries to help celebrate Cork Harbour Open Weekend. For ferry times and fares, please consult the programme (linked below) Related links for this article  Cork Coastal Rowing website Cork Harbour Open Weekend Programme

FREE Hop-on Hop-off/ Harbour Boat Tour

A free harbour boat tour, with the option to hop-on hop-off at different locations around the harbour will operate from the following locations – Cobh (Kennedy Pier), Lower Aghada and Crosshaven (Hugh Coveney Pier). The boats will also service the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) in Ringaskiddy. Please note this service will operate on a first come first served basis. *** Service operates on Saturday only between 2.15PM and 5.15PM *** Related links for this article  Open Weekend Programme

Crosshaven Coastguard Station joins the Open Weekend Programme

The Coastguard RIB will be assisting with the SAR demonstration on Saturday afternoon.

A fabulous addition to the Cork Harbour Open Weekend programme has been announced. The Crosshaven Coastguard station will be open to the public from 1100 to 1300 hrs on both Saturday and Sunday morning. In addition on the Saturday afternoon, the Crosshaven CGU RIB will be assisting with the POC /IRCG SAR Demonstration in the Lower Harbour /Cobh Road. This event starts at 1430 and there will be good vantage points in Ringaskiddy, Whitepoint, Cobh or Monkstown.

Cork Harbour Open Weekend – Focus on Cork City

The Port Of Cork City Marina

Although the ever-popular tours of a Naval vessel have had to be cancelled this year, there is still plenty to enjoy in Cork City. On Saturday Scouting Ireland host a fun raft race at the City Quays at 1PM. Meitheal Mara’s Inter-Firm Dragon Boat Race takes place at Lapps Quay between 3PM and 7PM. The Dragon Boat Race will be followed by a sizzling BBQ on the boardwalk with music and face-painting, topping off a spectacular day’s racing. Also on Saturday there is an Open Day at Cork Boat Club from 11AM, where visitors can view the facilities while enjoying a coffee and home baking in the café. On both Saturday and Sunday at 6.30PM, Atlantic Sea Kayaking will be launching from Lapps Quay and available to take you under the bridges of the river Lee at a special Open Weekend price of €40 per person. Call 028 21058 to book, or for more details see the website linked below. The Kayaks launch from Lapps Quay opposite the Boardwalk Bar and Grill and is suitable for all levels. Related links for this article  Atlantic Sea Kayaking website Open Weekend Programme

*** Important Change to the Open Weekend Programme – Irish Naval Ship tours cancelled****

The Naval Service is unable to provide a ship for tours this Open Weekend

Unfortunately the Irish Naval Service are unable to provide a vessel for tours during this years Open Weekend due to operational reasons. A ship was due to be at the City Quays on both Saturday and Sunday, and over the last number of years has proved to be hugely popular with the public. The Cork Harbour Open Day committee and the Irish Naval Service regret this unavoidable development, and apologise for any disappointment caused. However, there will still be plenty of activity in Cork City. On the Saturday Scouting Ireland host a fun raft race at the City Quays at 1PM and there is an inter-firm Dragon Boat Race at Lapps Quay between 3PM and 7PM. Also on Saturday there is an open day at Cork Boat Clubfrom 11AM where visitors can view the facilities while enjoying a coffee and home baking in the café. On both Saturday and Sunday Atlantic Sea Kayaking will be there to take you under the bridges of the river Lee at a special Open Weekend price of €40 per person. The launch from Lapps Quay opposite the Boardwalk Bar and Grill. See their website, linked below, for more details. Related links for this article  Atlantic Sea Kayaking website