Cobh Celebrates Togetherness this Festive Season

As part of Cork County Council’s “A Real Cork Christmas” campaign in county towns and villages, and in collaboration with Cobh and Harbour Chamber of Commerce, Cobh Tidy Towns and Port of Cork, the charming East Cork town of Cobh sets in motion its unique ‘Togetherness' Cobh Christmas Plan 2020 from this weekend.

The Cobh Christmas plan will see the rollout of a festive walking trail through the town centre incorporating three main stops with Christmas Trees at Kennedy Park, Casement Square with its special Tree of Togetherness, and Kennedy Pier. Santa’s anticipated nautical arrival by boat to Cobh in December, courtesy of the Port of Cork, will be live streamed to be safely enjoyed by all.

The Tree of Togetherness, decorated with locally made laser cut hearts, red and green during the day, is fully lit up in the evening. School children, Councillors and locals had the opportunity to inscribe a word on the theme of ‘togetherness’ on each Christmas heart.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley said,

“In the run up to December 25th, Cork County Council’s “A Real Cork Christmas” is bolstering communities and businesses affected by renewed restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19. We’re bringing the campaign to every corner of the county in a bid to support County Cork businesses in reaching their customers, promote the vibrant range of gifts and products on sale locally and to ensure Christmas is still celebrated in a safe and meaningful way. This campaign was created to inspire a sense of solidarity and hope among the people of County Cork for the future, despite our ongoing challenges. The plans for Christmas in Cobh are uplifting and heart-warming and I really look forward to a stroll around this festive wonderland that the whole community can enjoy!”

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey commended all involved in the initiative,

“The Cobh Christmas plan is the fruit of collaboration by stakeholders coordinated by the Cobh and Harbour Chamber of Commerce and Cork County Council and demonstrates best practice for cooperative projects between local communities, businesses and the Local Authority with great results.”

Funded by Cork County Council through Cobh Municipal District’s Town Development Fund, Project ACT for Cobh and from “A Real Cork Christmas”, it has involved the Capital Project Implementation Unit, Cobh Municipal District office, Cork County Councillors, Cobh Tourism, Cobh Tidy Towns, Port of Cork, Cobh Chamber of Commerce, Students at Colaiste Mhuire, Cobh Community Hospital and MK Illumination.