Cobh Town, County Cork was the last port of call for Titanic before undertaking its maiden voyage across the Atlantic in April 1912.

The town has been transformed to mark the centenary of the event. The streets are alive with music and colour to commemorate this tragic episode in Ireland’s history.

However 100 years have now passed and both Cobh & Belfast also combine commemoration with Celebration.  Titanic’s sinking was indeed a tragic event but it should not diminish the fact that the construction of the world’s largest steamship was a momentous occasion back in the early months of 1912.

Titanic Leaving QueensTown (Cobh)

For those who are unacquainted with the story of Titanic, here is my interpretation of it.

Titanic

One of the 19^th century’s greatest Ship Building Industries, Harland & Wolff, was established in Belfast City, in 1862.

In 1909, the world’s largest and most luxurious liner was commissioned by the White Star Line shipping company, to accentuate their existing fleet of Transatlantic Steam Liners. This new ship was designed by Alexander Carlisle, chief designer at Harland & Wolff.

To facilitate construction of the enormous ship, a whole new dock section was built at Harland & Wolff’s Quayside, known as yard number SS401, slipway 3. The number 401 was allotted to the world’s grandest ship, until it was christened ‘Titanic’ by Bruce Ismay, owner of the White Star Line.  Titanic, its name alone conjures up an image of gigantic proportions, was 882.9 ft in length, 92 ft wide, 175 ft high and weighed 46,328 tonnes. It was to be the biggest ship the world had ever seen.

During the building phase of Titanic, a severe code of discipline existed within the Harland & Wolff shipyard. An employee could be sacked on the spot, for arriving to work a few minutes late. Workers were permitted to use the toilet for no more than seven minutes each day. A company manager was employed to ensure this policy was strictly enforced, any man wishing to answer a vital call of nature, had to sign a log and was timed for the duration of his visit. Harland & Wolff stressed that the Health and safety of its workers was an important consideration within the shipyard, but it would seem not as important, as speed and efficiency. Fatalities were common place amongst the 14,000 people employed at Harland & Wolff six days a week, many on less than a weekly wage of £1. Working on the construction of Titanic was hazardous and claimed the lives of a number of men.

The Awesome Ship in Port

When the ship was near completion, Lord Perrie, the owner of Harland & Wolff, issued an instruction to reduce the number of proposed lifeboats, from 48 to 20. Alexander Carlisle the chief designer was adamant the ship should have the suggested number installed, in keeping with his original design and to cater for all possibilities.  Senior management chose to apply the board of trade regulations, which required only 16 lifeboats, insisting that the ship would appear cluttered, with too many lifeboats festooned all over the upper deck. Alexander argued that board of trade regulations were drawn up, having never considered a ship the size of Titanic, which could carry up to 3000 passengers. Lord Perrie, accepted Alexander Carlisle’s resignation over the issue. He was replaced by junior designer Thomas Andrews, Perrie’s nephew. Andrews was content to accept the company’s position on the lifeboats and the ship was put into service, with the minimum number required by the regulatory body. This rather vulgar assertiveness regarding the implementation of company policies would eventually bring about the premature and catastrophic end to the world’s greatest Liner.

Titanic sank during its maiden voyage, on the night of April 14^th 1912, after it struck an iceberg in the Atlantic Ocean, on route to New York. The captain of the stricken liner Edward Smith, had ignored warnings received from other vessels crossing the Atlantic earlier that night, about large pack Ice floating in the path of all transatlantic ships.

Titanic which was designed to stay afloat with four of its compartments fully flooded and was regarded by Thomas Andrews as practically unsinkable, sank in under three hours, after six of its compartments were breeched by an Iceberg.

Over fifteen hundred people, men women and children, perished in the freezing Atlantic waters in April 1912. The grandest ship in the world designed to carry well over 2000 passengers and crew, had lifeboats for less than half that number.

The story of Titanic has been the subject of many books and films since it set off on its maiden voyage across the Atlantic Ocean, almost 100 years ago.

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John Daly - Ireland Chauffeur Travel Historical Driver Guide

Round Towers were important monastic buildings and had a number of functions. They were typically between 50 and 120 feet in height and acted as an indicator to identify the location of a religious settlement, rather like the steeple of a modern day church. Ireland was covered in dense forestation during the 1^st millennium so Monastic Towers were generally visible above the treeline. They also acted as bell towers to call locals to prayer. A hand held bell was rung by a monk from each of the four windows at the top of the tower. The windows were orientated north, south, east and west. It was once believed that round towers with their entrance doorways twelve feet above ground were constructed as a place a refuge from Viking Invaders, but this is not the case. The base of the tower was built without a door in order to provide stability to the overall edifice and this is why entrance doorways were installed 12 feet above ground level.

The towers were used as a sanctuary for monks working on various projects, such as manuscripts and other religious artefacts. Most Round Towers had between 5 and 7 storeys. Each storey was accessed by means of a ladder through a trap door at the centre of a wooden floor. A window at each level provided light and air. The Monks would pass the ladder from one floor to the next until they reached their respective areas. Confinement within a tower was not without its hazards. It is recorded that many went on fire as a result of lightning strikes. Accidents with candles also resulted in disaster. For those who did seek refuge in them during Viking attacks, they frequently perished as a result of a lit arrow finding its way through a window and engulfing the entire structure in flames. The nature of the tower made it extremely vulnerable to fire as once it became ignited it behaved like a chimney, consuming everything within it, in smoke and flame.

There are numerous Round Towers located throughout Ireland all in various states of repair. One of the finest examples can be seen at the Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary.

John Daly 

Ireland Chauffeur Travel

Driver Guide & Historical / Genealogy Tour Specialist

Below is our List of the Top 10 Places to Celebrate ST Patrick’s Day This Year.

We will be in Dublin & Tipperary, Ireland. Next Year its Chicago, Savannah, Montserrat .. who knows ???

Dublin (Ireland) – the Home of the greatest St Patrick’s Day celebrations on Earth, and the home of Guinness, the best partnership since Adam & Eve.

Dublin City

Chicago (Illinois) – The Chicago River officially turns green at 10:45 a.m. on March 17, and the official parade starts at noon.

Chicago River

Montserrat (Caribbean) – This tiny Caribbean Island celebrates St Patrick’s Day as a National Holiday. Where would be better than here enjoying a warn bottle of Guinness in the Caribbean Sun.  The official stamp of Montserrat is the shamrock.  Read Article Here

Wheres My Bottle of Guinness ?

Toronto (Canada) – Unofficially started in a green Cadillac by the founder of Ireland Chauffeur Travel in the sixties, it is a much larger parade today. Also you can visit Niagara Falls which will be turned “green” to celebrate .. (just lights ,, no green dye used here )

Skippin in Avenue

Galway (Ireland) – The capital of the West of Ireland and the most artistic and traditional of all St Patrick’s Day Parades.

Galway's Parade

Savannah (Georgia) – Savannah’s first St. Patrick’s Day Parade took place in 1813. Today, Savannah hosts the world’s second largest St. Patrick’s Day parade and features more than 350 participating groups including several U.S. military divisions, award-winning bands, and the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales.

New York (New York) – New Yorkers have been celebrating St. Patrick’s Day since 1766, initially by Irishmen in a military unit rerouted to serve in the American colonies. Expect lots of weird and wonderful in the “Theme of Green”

"You Lookin at Me Punk ?"

Boston (Massachusetts) – Nearly 1 Million “Irish” People take to the streets in one of the largest parades in the world.

College Kids go Green

Sydney (Australia) – The home of the new Irish Diaspora and the famous iconic “Sydney Opera House” turns green to mark the occasion.

Green Opera House

Cashel (Tipperary) – The home of Ireland Chauffeur Travel. The parade starts at the beautiful ST. Patricks Rock of Cashel, where the Patron Saint himself accidentally impaled the local King in the foot during the ceremony, the King did not complain however, believing the pain to be part of the rites of passage into Christianity. Full Story Here

Rock of Cashel Fireworks !!

‎”La Fheile Padraig” (Happy St. Patrick’s Day)

St Patricks Day Parade Circa 1950 New York

Irrespective of any historical evidence contrary to the afore stated, the fact remains that on the 17^th March of every year, almost one third of the World’s population becomes Irish for a Day.

What makes St. Patrick’s Day so special that such vast numbers of people, many of whom have never set foot in Ireland, suddenly desire to embrace all things Irish?  I mean, let’s face it! St, Patrick wasn’t even an Irishman, so why all the Irish Parades?

I think I have the answer!  The Irish are taking over the world in a most Machiavellian fashion.  The Irish diaspora, with their charm, wit and peculiar accent, cast a mysterious spell on the 17^th March each year which compels adults & children, of various nationalities, to don green costumes and parade through the streets of their respective towns and cities.

However the only place to truly celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, is right here in dear old Ireland.

"Modern" St Patricks Day Parade in Rural Ireland

So this year, why not banish all thoughts of recession in the same way St. Patrick banished the snakes from Ireland and come join us in our Patrick’s Day Parade. An Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade will lift the spirits and elevate one to the sheer heights of absolute contentment.

St Patricks Day Parade in Dublin

If you are unable to make it to our shores for this St. Patricks Day then be sure and put a date in your diary for the 17^th March 2013, when all Ireland will celebrate the ‘Gatherings Festival’.

By John Daly – Ireland Chauffeur Travel Driver Guide

St Patrick's Day in Ireland - Tractorfest !!!

We are offering 5% off all new & provisional tours confirmations over St Patrick’s Weekend – March 17th – 20th 2011. Also Complimentary Heritage Ireland Cards for all bookings made before March 31st  2011 .The Heritage Card allows you access to Irelands most loved attractions such as Kilmainham Jail, Kilkenny Castle, Rock of Cashel, Charles Fort & Muckross House & Gardens.

1. Best Place to Renew Your Wedding Vows

Kilmalkeadar Church on the Dingle Peninsula – Renew your wedding vows in the ogham stone here which has a hole big enough for each partner to slip their finger in ..

2. Best Place to Pray for a Happy Marriage

At the shrine of St Valentine in Whitefriars Church in Dublin – Contains the original relic of the Saint of Love brought from Rome in 1835.

3. Best Place to Propose

Its February, and there is nothing more romantic that to get on one knee in a field of Bluebells at Belle Isle Estate in Fermanagh.

4. Best Place to Have a Romantic Dinner

The Cliff House Hotel in Ardmore – The beautiful dining room at Ireland’s only one star Hotel Michelin Restaurant overlooking the Atlantic.

5. Best Place to Have a Romantic Break

Gregans Castle Hotel in the Burren .. Ireland’s most hauntingly beautiful landscape is on your doorstep and a nice drink after a long walk in the Corkscrew Bar is to die for.

6. Most Romantic Room in Ireland

The Suite at Moy House in Lahinch, a converted lighthouse overlooking the Atlantic.

7. Best Place for a Pampered Couples Break

The amazing Spa at the G Hotel in Galway is hard to beat and the vintage Hollywood glamour of the décor is great. Enjoy a great cocktail afterwards.

8. Most Romantic Castle Stay

Book into the Presidential Suite at Ashford Castle and have a private dinner in the Connaught Room with vintage Bordeaux.

9. Most Romantic “Lovers” Drive

There is nowhere more beautiful than Killiney Hill to evoke the charms of the Irish Riviera followed by a trip to the pretty village of Dalkey for a stroll.

10 . Most Romantic “Awe Inspiring” Beauty!!

Waterfalls have a particular energy and there is no waterfall more mystical and romantic than Glencar Waterfall in Sligo, immortalized in the poetry of Irelands great Romantic, WB Yeats.

Traditional Irish Family Homestead

Tracing your Irish Ancestry is a bit like putting together a jigsaw puzzle and discovering that some of the pieces are missing. This is particularly the case if your ancestors were Catholic.

It is vital you begin your search equipped with some basic information.

1. What was the name of the last known ancestor who left Ireland and the year of his/her departure. Name of spouse and date and place of marriage?  One shouldn’t be surprised if the year of departure was between 1846 & 1852. Some 1 million people left Ireland during this period as a direct result of the Potato Famine. Many departed from the Southern port of Cobh, which was known as Queenstown prior to 1922.
2. What was the name of the last family member buried in Ireland, the burial location and if possible, the date of death. This should be easier to discover if the family were Protestant. I make this distinction because it tends to be a large black hole -metaphorically speaking- regarding Catholic records beyond the year 1820.
3. Where was the last known area of residence of Irish relatives before they departed Ireland i.e. Village, Town, City, County or Province.
4. Keep in mind  the following (a) if you have an obvious Irish name which has or had O or Mac attached to the surname, there is a strong likelihood that your ancestor was Catholic, irrespective of your current religious status. (b) Many Irish who migrated to America could neither read nor write and the pronunciation of their names was often misinterpreted by officials and became corrupted, for example the surname O’Kelly may have evolved into Shelley, or Corcoran into Condren, neither of which are uncommon names in Ireland so be careful not to bark up the wrong family tree.
5. Finally, remember it is not beyond the realms of possibility that a member of your recent ancestry was adopted, so carry out as much research as possible before undertaking this kind of investigation.

When you are sure you have discovered definitive evidence relating to your family’s Irish background, further family connections can be unearthed by viewing Irish church records.

Cemeteries are Great Research Sites

The satisfaction one feels having successfully traced an ancestor and reuniting a guest with a long lost relative is wonderful, however not all investigations are successful and attempting to achieve a positive outcome within a short period of time, may only lead to disappointment.

Filling in Your Family Tree is Fun

John Daly is a  National Tour Guide & Ireland Chauffeur Travels Historical & Genealogical Tour Expert

With its endlessly green hills, dramatic cliffs, infectious music, and welcoming good nature, Ireland is hard to beat as a vacation destination. As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, what better time to take a tour of Ireland’s (and Northern Ireland’s) best attractions, not to mention a few of their best-kept secrets?

1. Skellig Michael, Co Kerry

Just eight miles off the coast of Portmagee and towering more than 700 feet above the water, you will find the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Skellig Michael, which houses a well-preserved sixth century monastic settlement. Visitors are welcome to walk in the footsteps of the monks who once inhabited this island by climbing the 670 steps leading to the now abandoned beehive-shaped huts. Puffins make the island their home in the late spring, while gannets consume every ledge on the nearby Little Skellig.

Skellig Islands

2. Dingle Peninsula

Consistently voted one of the most beautiful places on earth, the Dingle Peninsula wins the hearts of so many with its lush landscape, which includes narrow cliff-side roads, mountain ranges, and sandy beaches. Jutting 30 miles into the Atlantic Ocean from Ireland’s southwest coast, the peninsula offers unmatched sightseeing, surfing, swimming, and walking trails. The small market town and fishing port of Dingle provides a great place to listen to live music, grab a pint, and rest your head for the evening.

3. Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne

Located in Downhill Demesne near Castlerock, the Mussenden Temple is precipitously perched atop a 120-foot cliff edge overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Originally built in 1785 as a summer library, the temple forms part of the estate of Frederick Augustus Hervey, Bishop of Derry and Earl of Bristol, and its dramatic setting offers unparalleled views of the surrounding area. Visitors are welcome to explore the 18th-century ruins of the mansion, take a cliff-side walk, stroll along the gardens, or learn about 17th-century life in one of Northern Ireland’s oldest surviving buildings, the Hezlett House.

4. Giant’s Causeway, Co Antrim

The only World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland, the Giant’s Causeway is one of the world’s truly must-see destinations. Once said to have been built by giants, the 40,000 or so hexagonal columns were actually formed by volcanic eruptions. The legends that surround this area run deep, however, and visitors may get swept up in the myths of massive men and shipwrecks—Girona of the Spanish Armada foundered here in 1588—by walking among the stones.

5. The Burren, Co Clare

With more than 100 square miles of natural limestone in County Clare offering ancient stone structures, grassy fields, caves, and jagged countryside, the Burren is an explorer’s dream. Among the top sites to see while visiting are the Ailwee Caves, a two million year old cave system; the Poulnabrone Portal Dolmen, an ancient stone tomb dating between 2,000 and 2,500 B.C.; Leamaneh Castle, with its 15th-century residential tower and 17th-century fortified home; and Caherconnell Stone Fort, a nearly perfectly preserved structure dating back between 400 and 1200 A.D.

6. Glendalough, Co Wicklow

About an hour south of Dublin, Glendalough, or Valley of the Two Lakes, houses the ruins of what was once one of the leading monastic settlements in Ireland. A hermit monk named Saint Kevin founded the monastery before his death in about 618. The settlement flourished for the next 600 years. Today, visitors can explore stone structures, churches, a cathedral, a round tower, and a cemetery.

7. Cliffs of Moher, Co Clare

One of the most photographed places in Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher ascend more than 700 feet above the water and cover nearly five miles. The dramatic cliffs are home to several species of sea birds, including the only mainland colony of Atlantic Puffins, Razorbills, and Choughs. Visitors are welcome to climb the stairs leading to O’Brien’s Tower, which provides panoramic views. On a clear day, you may even catch a glimpse of the Aran Islands.

8. Ring of Kerry

Medieval ruins, sandy beaches, lakes, mountains, a lush forest, and a jagged coastline all call the Ring of Kerry home. Part of the Iveragh Peninsula, it’s 110 miles of pure beauty. The drive takes place in County Kerry in southwestern Ireland, and begins and ends in the town of Killarney, which makes a good base camp for a trip. It’s easy to travel the circuit in one day, but to see some of the sites off the beaten path, such as Valencia Island and the Gaeltacht area around Portmagee, requires a bit more time.

9. Aran Islands

Located in Galway Bay, the three Aran Islands provide a perfect glimpse into some enduring Irish traditions—Gaelic is still spoken and most people get around by horse and buggy or bike. The largest of the three islands, Inis Mor, is the most well-known and offers the greatest amount of modern-day conveniences. Inis Meain, or the middle island, is the least visited and clings proudly to its Irish cultural tradition. On a clear day, Inis Oirr, or the East Island, provides unparalleled views of the Cliffs of Moher.

10. Cobh, Co Cork

Once briefly named “Queenstown” in honor of a visit from Queen Victoria in 1849, Cobh reverted to its original name in 1921. Located on the Great Island in Cork Harbor, the town’s streets climb a hill crowned by a cathedral overlooking the water. As the embarkation point, including the Titanic’s last port of call, to America, Cobh was the last glimpse of Ireland for many people.

Article Appeared in USA Today Newspaper

There are single advantages to the first three but number four has the major advantage of having all of the advantages of the first three combined.

1. Self drive with Guide Books- ( You get to see Ireland at your own pace and get off the beaten path)
2. Organized Coach tour ( Its comfortable, convenient and you don’t have to think to much about the roads)
3. Bicycle or Boat Tour – (Its slow enough that you can mingle with locals and take lots of nice pictures)
4. Private Guided Tour.  - (slow/ fast, intimate, guided, expertise, comfortable, convenient, relaxing, memorable)

The chauffeur guided tour option has the best of the other options as it give you the relaxed pace of the self drive, the comfort and convenience of the coach tour and the photo opportunities of the Bicycle Tour.

It also has the benefits of being completely private so you get to travel at your own chosen route with an expert who will add flavour and colour at every turn of the journey.

Enjoying A Private Guided Tour of Ireland

The “wise travellers” these days see the “Private Guided Tour” as the very best option to see a “scenic touring country” like Ireland in style.

READ ABOUT US IN  - INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL NEWS – DECEMBER EDITION 2011