Irish welcome to Cobh for Lá Fhéile Pádraig

A NEW initiative offers tourists a ‘Fáilte go dtí An Cóbh’ and an opportunity to learn some simple words and phrases as Gaeilge.

An Irish language bookmark has been launched by Cobh Tourism to give visitors to the harbour town a chance to learn some traditional Irish greetings and common sayings.

Backed by Cork County Council, the bookmark is being introduced in the run-up to St Patrick’s day and its launch coincides with Seachtain na Gaeilge.

Phrases on the bookmark include “Beatha teanga í a labhairt — The life of a language is in the speaking” and “Bain taitneamh as ár mbaile álainn — Enjoy our beautiful town” as well as the phrases’ phonetic pronunciations.

Describing the Irish language as “a unique feature of our culture and identity”, Jackie Coakley from Cobh Tourism said it was important to preserve and promote our own native tongue.

“We hope that learning and using some Irish phrases will be as memorable and positive an experience for our visitors as visiting St Colman’s Cathedral or Spike Island,” Ms Coakley said.

Speaking at the bookmark launch, Alan O’Connor, cathaoirleach of Cobh Municipal District, said he was very happy to support the project, welcoming any effort to improve the visitor experience and encourage the use of the Irish language.

Dúirt sé: “Tá an-áthas orm tacaíocht a thabhairt don tionscnamh seo ó Thurasóireacht an Chóibh, tá fáilte mhór roimh aon bhearta chun eispéireas an chuairteora a fheabhsú agus úsáid na Gaeilge a spreagadh.”

Named by Condé Nast as one of the 25 most beautiful towns in Europe, Cobh is known for its rich history, and is a popular destination for visitors, with increasing numbers arriving by cruise liner and coaches.

Formerly known as Queenstown, Cobh has deep connections to pivotal events such as the Titanic and Lusitania tragedies, the Irish famine, and the history of Irish emigration.

For more information about Cobh Tourism, and to download the Irish language bookmark, see www.visitcobh.com.