Background

RMS Lusitania Memorial in Casement Square, Cobh

A powerful tribute in Cobh honoring the lives lost on RMS Lusitania and the heroic local fishermen who rescued survivors in 1915.

4.6

The RMS Lusitania Memorial in Casement Square, Cobh, County Cork, commemorates the tragic sinking of the Cunard ocean liner Lusitania in 1915. Sculpted by Jerome Connor, the memorial honors the 1,198 lives lost and the heroic local fishermen who rescued survivors. It stands as a symbol of peace and remembrance in the town that played a pivotal role in rescue and recovery during World War I.

A brief summary to RMS Lusitania Memorial

  • Casement Square, Cobh, Ballyvoloon, Co. Cork, P24 KX99, IE
  • Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit during the annual Lusitania Commemoration in early May to experience solemn ceremonies and historical reenactments.
  • Combine your visit with the Lusitania exhibitions at the Cobh Heritage Centre and the Old Church cemetery nearby.
  • Take time to observe the intricate details of Jerome Connor’s sculpture, especially the expressions of the fishermen and the Angel of Peace.
  • Explore the wider maritime history of Cobh, including the Titanic Trail, to understand the town’s rich nautical heritage.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Train

    Take the train to Cobh railway station from Cork city, a journey of approximately 25-30 minutes. The station is about a 10-minute walk to Casement Square. Trains run frequently but may have limited service on Sundays. Tickets cost around €7-€10 one way.

  • Bus

    Catch a local bus from Cork city to Cobh town center, typically taking 40-50 minutes. Bus stops are near Casement Square. Service frequency varies, with fewer runs on weekends. A single fare costs about €6-€9.

  • Car

    Driving from Cork city to Cobh takes approximately 30-40 minutes via the R624 road. Parking is available near Casement Square but can be limited during events. No tolls apply. Car rental costs vary.

RMS Lusitania Memorial location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
  • Weather icon Windy Conditions

Unlock the Best of RMS Lusitania Memorial

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about RMS Lusitania Memorial

A Monument to Maritime Tragedy and Heroism

The RMS Lusitania Memorial, prominently located in Casement Square in the town of Cobh, County Cork, stands as a solemn tribute to those who perished in the sinking of the Lusitania on May 7, 1915. This Cunard passenger liner was torpedoed by a German U-boat off the Old Head of Kinsale, resulting in the loss of 1,198 lives out of nearly 2,000 aboard. The memorial was created by Kerry-born sculptor Jerome Connor, who captured the tragedy and heroism in life-size bronze figures. Central to the design are the Angel of Peace and two exhausted fishermen, symbolizing both mourning and the courageous local fishermen who risked their lives to rescue survivors amidst ongoing danger.

The Historical Context of the Lusitania Disaster

The Lusitania was en route from New York to Liverpool when struck by a torpedo at approximately 2:10 pm. The ship sank within 18 minutes, leaving little time to launch lifeboats. The tragedy had a profound impact on international sentiment during World War I, influencing public opinion and contributing to the United States’ eventual entry into the conflict. The nearby town of Cobh, then known as Queenstown, became the focal point for rescue and recovery efforts. Local fishermen launched flotillas of boats to save survivors despite the threat from the attacking submarine, ferrying the rescued to Cobh’s shores.

Cobh’s Role in Rescue and Remembrance

Cobh’s deep connection to the Lusitania disaster is reflected in its ongoing commemorations and heritage. Hundreds of victims’ bodies were brought to Cobh, with many buried in mass graves at the Old Church cemetery just outside town. The memorial in Casement Square not only honors those lost but also expresses gratitude to the local community’s bravery and compassion. Annual ceremonies, including wreath-laying and musical tributes, are held here to remember the lives lost and the resilience of the town’s people.

Artistic Significance and Symbolism

Jerome Connor’s memorial is a masterpiece of early 20th-century sculpture, combining realism with symbolic elements. The Angel of Peace hovering above the fishermen conveys a message of hope and reconciliation amid the horrors of war. The fishermen’s weary, compassionate figures pay homage to the real-life heroes who braved danger to save lives. This artistic narrative elevates the memorial beyond a simple monument, making it a poignant statement on peace and human solidarity.

Visitor Experience and Surroundings

Situated in the heart of Cobh’s town center, the memorial is accessible and surrounded by other historical points of interest related to maritime history and the Lusitania story. Visitors can explore exhibitions at the Cobh Heritage Centre and follow the Lusitania Trail, which includes museum displays and the Old Church cemetery. The memorial’s location in Casement Square makes it a focal point for reflection and learning about one of the most significant maritime tragedies of the 20th century.

Legacy and Continuing Commemorations

The Lusitania Memorial remains a site of international remembrance, attracting visitors and descendants of those affected by the tragedy. Annual commemorations on May 7 and related events keep the memory alive, fostering reflection on the human cost of war and the enduring spirit of community aid. The memorial’s presence in Cobh ensures that the story of the Lusitania and its impact on history continues to resonate deeply with all who visit.

Busiest months of the year

Busiest hours of the day

Popular Experiences near RMS Lusitania Memorial

Popular Hotels near RMS Lusitania Memorial

Select Currency