Hidden and perhaps not so hidden gem in Cobh is the Bible Garden. It is located inside the St Benedict’s Priory and is just one of the revered attractions in the beautiful estate. There’s an Adoration Chapel, a Shrine to St Oliver Plunkett and even a cute TeaRoom.
Run and maintained by the Benedictine Sisters and volunteers, the one and one-half acre Bible Garden has been around for two decade and still continue to be a work in horticultural progress. On your visit, don’t be surprised if you see a new design being added on this tranquil setting.
To emphasize how collaborative and communitarian the spirit in this place, a Cedar of Lebanon tree was planted by the Irish-Lebanese Cultural Foundation to honor the memory of the 47 Irish soldiers who died on a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon.
There’s history on the walls of the priory. Before it was acquired by the Catholic Church, it was an Admiralty House and was an important post of Cobh’s military past. It is also now a routine stop for the well-sought Titanic Trail Walking Tour.
One of the touching fixtures in the Garden is The Leanbh Memorial and Remembrance Scroll. Leanbh is the Irish Gaeilge word for child. An engraved stone in the middle of a pond was erected and dedicated to children who have passed all too soon. The scroll is housed inside the Chapel and the children are remembered and prayed upon on evening vespers.
Not included on the picture of the colorful bench (below) is the view of the inspiring St Colman’s Cathedral. I’ll just leave your divine imagination to picture the vista of the Gothic tower on the Cobh’s skyline.
What is noticeable on the background though are the white crosses where a devotee can pray for each station of the cross.
Framed by a line of trees, the Garden is a lovely spot for a quiet time with a spectacular view of the Cork Harbour. Stroll around and see if you can identify some of the Biblical plants and trees that are part of the design of the Bible Garden. The biblical references are as rich and alluring as well, for you can also find thematic spaces for contemplation like The Garden of Song, The Garden of Olives, The Vineyard, The Pool of Solomon and others.
Ending this blog with a favorite passage: “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
Here. are a few FAQs and tips to make your visit enjoyable and stress free.
- Bible Garden is free but please observe silence and cleanliness.
- Bible Garden is a short walk from the back of St Colman”s Cathedral.
- Adoration Chapel is open to the public from 6.30am until 8.30pm.
- Retreat can be arranged and Recollection are hold monthly.
- Consider Donating to the Priory here
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