COBH in Co. Cork is to mark the centenary of the RMS Lusitania later this year.
The luxury British ocean liner was torpedoed by a German U boat in May 1915, with 1,198 passengers perishing. The ship sank 27km off of the Cork coast.
Cobh will kick off its five month long celebrations soon with the carillonneur of St Colman’s Cathedral Adrian Gebruers presenting a recital on the 49 bells of the cathedral.
169 of the victims of the disaster are buried in Cobh, though many of the bodies have never been recovered.
The seaside town is renowned for its maritime links, with both the Lusitania and the infamous RMS Titanic having links to the Cork dwelling.
A series of events are set to take place over the next five months, culminating with a commemoration on the night of the centenary, May 7.
The Cunard liner Queen Victoria will be in Cobh as a part of its 'Lusitania Remembered' voyage.
That evening, a fleet of boats illuminated with white lights, will head for Cobh, symbolising the return of the boats from the town that were sent to rescue the survivors and bring the victims back for burial 100 years ago.
Neighbouring Kinsale is also expected to commemorate the tragedy with the opening of a new museum in the ship’s honour on the anniversary of its sinking.
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