2014 Irish Open - they're back!

The Irish Open Golf Tournament is back at Fota Island Golf Resort. After a gap of over 12 years the Open is being held in Fota in less than three weeks time. With Rory McIlroy featuring a lot in the news lately and after his success at Wentworth his presence at Fota is much anticipated, as are a host of other international star players including Shane Lowry, John Daly, Padraig Harrington, Graham McDowell and many more.

Shane Lowry recently came to Cobh during the visit of the liner 'Brilliance of the Seas' to officially launch the 2014 Open. This video, courtesy of the Europeantour.com, recorded the visit.

Liners so far in May....

One liner passing another - MSC Magnifica at dock

Well as we come to the end of May there has been some fabulous liners visiting Cobh so far. In fact
there has been a liner in harbour almost every second day.

As is usual, most of these docked at the Cobh Cruise Liner Terminal only 200 yards from the Commodore Hotel and are in plain view.

Thompson Celebration at Cobh Cruise Terminal

Many of the passengers availed of organised coach trips to various tourist sites in the South West of the country. Some of the favoured destinations include Killarney, Blarney, and Waterford Glass. When the ships arrive early in the morning there is already a flotilla of buses waiting to take passengers away. Depending on the size of the ship and number of passengers on-board there can be anything up to 50 buses waiting on quayside. However, not all passengers avail of the these organised trips. Many alight and make their own way about. Some take the train from the adjacent train station to Cork city but probably many more take the opportunity to wander and explore the town of Cobh. The town centre is only a few minutes walk away.

Celebrity Infinity pictured from the Quays Bar

Its estimated that roughly 1/3rd of passengers stay onboard, 1/3rd avail of the organised excursions, and 1/3rd get off the ship and explore the local environs. With upto 5,000 people on some of the ships that can result in a lot of people wandering about locally and in Cobh there is a lot to explore. Many take a trip to Spike Island. Still more visit the local Titanic Experience Centre and the Queenstown Heritage Centre or join on the Titanic Tour guided walking trip. Most wander around the local streets, soak up the unique heritage and history and visit the local restuarants, cafes, and bars.

Brilliance of the Seas departing Cobh

By 5pm most wander back to the ship to await departure. The local confraternity band usually play on the pier to see them off and they are joined by a lot of locals and visitors alike. In fact, if the weather is kind, it can make for quite a carnival atmosphere.

As the ship departs it passes down the main channel right in front of the hotel. In fact it feels like you could almost reach out and touch them. Any guests of the hotel are treated to a great view and most can watch the ships progress from the comfort of their rooms.

Celebrity Infinity pictured from the steps of the Hotel

One of the more unusual liners was the 'Fram' which was in during the first week of May. This was quite a small liner and unusually shaped. However, it shape was for a purpose as this liner is used mainly for Arctic and Antarctic cruises where the passengers engage in whale watching aswell as enjoying the spectacular polar scenery....icebergs included!

The Fram at Cobh Cruise Terminal

The 'Fram' had a complement of 570 passengers.

This was followed by the Artania which carried 1,780 passengers. The Thompson Celebration was in on the 9th May with 1,918 onboard.

The Artania pictured from the Promenade

The first of a succession of really big liners came in the following day with the Celebrity Infinity. The Celebrity carries 3,449 passengers and was back in less than a week later on the 15th May for a second visit.

Celebrity Infinity at Cobh Cruise Terminal

The Celebrity was followed by the Brilliance of the Seas on the 11th May with 3,354 passengers and the Ruby Princess was in on the 13th May with 4,797 passengers. Wow, now that was a big liner!!!

Brilliance of the Seas at Cobh Cruise Terminal

Ruby Princess at Cobh Cruise Terminal

In the last week we had Mein Schiff with 2,957 passengers on the 18th May and the following day the MSC Magnifica with 4,592 onboard.

Mein Schiff passing in front of Hotel

Over the next week its going to get very busy again with the MSC Magnifica visiting once more, followed by the Amadea, Minerva, Queen Victoria, Ruby Princess, and the Minerva, all visiting over the June weekend.

In fact, if you would like to visit Cobh when one of these magnificent ships are in port the June weekend would be a great weekend to do it. Why not visit our website for some great deals on accommodation!