This is one of the most iconic 'Titanic' photographs of Cobh (Queenstown). It shows passengers gathering on the dock in front of the White Star Line Offices waiting to board one of the tenders from the nearby White Star pier. Before passengers boarded one of the tenders their eyes would be inspected on the pier by US doctors. Any passenger suffering from trachoma or other contagious disease was not allowed to board the tender and could not travel to the US. Its almost like US customs at Shannon Airport today!!!The tenders Ireland and America would have then transported passengers from the pier to the waiting Titanic which lay at anchor at the harbour mouth.
The great thing about this picture is that you could take a photograph from this exact spot today and it would be almost exactly the same. The White Star Line building is still there and now houses the fabulous Titanic Experience, which has only recently opened. This is a fabulous exhibit which recreates the story of the Titanic and its visit to Cobh using innovative audio visual technology. It certainly brings it to life and is well worth visiting. The Commodore Hotel is now offering special Titanic packages incorporating a visit to the Titanic Experience. If you'd like to visit Cobh and retrace the steps of Titanic passengers visit our blog page here for more details.
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