THE ROOFTOPS OF COBH
THE ROOFTOPS OF COBH [6 JUNE 2012 - I USED A SONY NEX-7 AND A VG10E]
When I was young I had a summer job with the Irish Tourist Board. One day a visitor entered the office in Dun Laoghaire and asked me how to get to "Cob H" and when I phoned my supervisor everyone burst out laughing. For the next few months I was known as the "Cob". What was worse was the fact that we, as a family, often spent the summer holidays in Whitegate across the harbour from Cobh.
Rooftop Challenges in Cobh:
Cobh's unique topography and the age of its buildings contribute significantly to the difficulties of maintaining its rooftops. When I photographed the rooftops in 2012 I noticed some were in poor condition. I suspect that the situation probably hasn't improved dramatically since. The steep hills make access for repairs and inspections incredibly challenging and, therefore, more expensive. Scaffolding, materials, and even the movement of workers become a logistical puzzle. The harbour location also exposes the buildings to harsh weather conditions, including strong winds, salt spray, and heavy rain, all of which accelerate the deterioration of roofing materials.
Older buildings often have traditional roofing styles and materials that require specialist skills and are more costly to repair or replace than modern alternatives. Finding qualified craftspeople experienced in working with these older materials can be difficult. The combination of accessibility issues, harsh weather, and the age of the buildings creates a perfect storm for roofing problems in Cobh, making maintenance a costly and ongoing battle.
Cobh, formerly known as Queenstown, boasts a rich and varied history. Its strategic location in Cork Harbour has made it an important port for centuries. It was a major departure point for Irish emigrants, particularly during the Great Famine and later waves of emigration to the Americas and Australia. Cobh's role as a transatlantic port is poignantly illustrated by its connection to the Titanic. It was the last port of call for the ill-fated liner in 1912, and the town's museum and heritage centre commemorate this tragic event. Cobh was also a significant naval base for the British Empire, and its historic forts and fortifications are reminders of this past. Today, Cobh is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its historical significance, colourful streets, and scenic harbour views. The town's maritime heritage, its emigration history, and its connection to the Titanic all contribute to its unique character and importance.
The pronunciation of Cobh as "Cove" often confuses visitors. The name "Cobh" derives from the Irish word "an Chabhach," meaning "the cove." Over time, the English pronunciation evolved to "Cove," while the Irish spelling remained. The confusion arises from the fact that "Cobh" is not pronounced as it appears to an English speaker. This is a common phenomenon in Irish place names, where the spelling often reflects the Irish language origins, while the pronunciation follows English phonetic rules. The visitor who inquired about "Cob H" was likely trying to pronounce the name phonetically based on its spelling, unaware of its Irish origins and the correct pronunciation. This highlights the importance of providing clear information to tourists about the pronunciation and meaning of Irish place names, helping them to navigate and understand the local culture and history.
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