Cobh Titanic Memorial Garden – Remembering the 123 passengers

123 passengers. On RMS Titanic last stop at the Cork Harbour, 123 passengers boarded on 11th April 1912 on what would be the final voyage of the ill fated cruise liner. Cobh’s association with the myth and popularity of the Titanic runs deep in history, in fact it is this living history that this memorial stands for.

This serene and respected place is a garden, and may i say a fitting place to remember all of them, victims and survivors. Located at Cove Fort, the lovely garden overlooks the spot of Titanic’s final anchorage.

Welcome, walk around, read the stories, say their names, sit and reflect, utter a prayer, remember them at any way.

In the heart of the garden is the glass memorial wall where the names of the 123 passengers are inscribed. Out of respect, I remember pausing and calling them the “family” wall. On the day of my visit, and not to my surprise, there is also a commemorative wreath.

79 passengers. That’s the number of passengers not lucky enough to survive. A touching tribute comes to mind at the “Promenade” where 79 white flowers were threwn at the sea in memory of the “Cobh” passengers lost in the tragedy.

You hear so many stories about the ship but here it’s all about the people. Two stories and a notable contrast, Edward Smith (captain) and J Bruce Ishmay (Titanic owner). The former was heard shouting instructions up until the Titanic sunk, while the latter, together with William Clark (a first class passenger) claimed there were no women and children around and boarded the few remaining lifeboat to safety. Another twist to this story is that Ishmay reduced the number of lifeboats from 46 to 16.

A 15 minute walk from the Town, the garden is a relaxing place to unwind and watch the Celtic Sea of Cork Harbour. Pretty soon you will find for yourself that it’s so easy to fall in love with this body of water. Let your eye wander to the waves and follow the direction of the wind. If you are here, and is open for a suggestion, go find a wildflower and throw it at the sea. For the 79.

Here are a few FAQs and tips to make your visit enjoyable and stress free.

• Garden is open and free to the public.
• No parking facilities within the garden.
• Park on the roadway outside which is just 100 metres walk to the garden.
• From top of the hill at St Colman’s Cathedral, follow the signpost to the garden.
• It might be chilly and windy in the seafront, so bring a jacket just in case.

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