#CorkHarbour – As previously reported the Cork Harbour Open Weekend which began today is packed with lots of free activities for all the family to see and enjoy throughout the natural harbour, writes Jehan Ashmore.

As previously reported, due to operational reasons, unfortunately the Naval Service are unable to provide the L.E. Orla (P41) for public tours at City Quay as part of this weekend's Cork Harbour Open Weekend. 

Should you however be taking an excursion to Cobh today, notably two flagships, one belonging to a French ferry firm, the other a German cruise company will be in local waters.

The impressive flagship Pont-Aven (2003/44,000grt) of Brittany Ferries is a cruise ferry that is scheduled to pass off Cobh from 16.00hrs onwards. The Breton based ferry company celebrates 35 years of service running between Cork Harbour to Roscoff.

Approximately two hours later at 18.00hrs the other flagship, the Amadea (1991/29,008grt) of German cruise operator Pheonix Reisen is set to depart Cobh's deepwater quay. As previously reported she sailed last night from Foynes as part of a cruise to include Irish ports.

Prior to these ship movements there will be an air/sea rescue demonstration early this afternoon at 14.30hrs and held 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.

At the Cobh Heritage Centre the Cork Dockyard Photographic Exhibition continues with a display of around 200 photographs which is a must for those interested in the history of local shipbuilding. The exhibition which is admission free is open today and closes tomorrow.

On Sunday at 14.00hrs there will be an event 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.

For further information on the Port of Cork Open Weekend visit the programme www.corkharbour.ie or to download a PDF version of events click HERE.

#CorkHarbour – As previously reported the Cork Harbour Open Weekend (14-15 Sept) programme is packed with lots of activities on offer for all ages and activities for all the family, both on and off the water. Why not try out sailing or visit an Irish Naval Ship or cheer on the dragon boats!

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, a free open day at the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) in Ringaskiddy and the Irish Naval vessel L.E.Orla will be open to the public for free tours on both Saturday and Sunday.

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 [email protected]