I’ve been wanting to take more pictures of my hometown of Cobh and share with the world some of the sights it holds that entice thousands of visitors to it from around the whole world each year and I thought what better place to begin with than one of the most historical places in the town and one of my personal favourites – the Old Church Cemetery, final resting place of those who perished in the sinking of the Lusitania as well as other shipping disasters off the coast of County Cork.
The Old Church Cemetery in Cobh is a place I have always loved. It’s so peaceful there and it is a place steeped in history, with graves dating back to the 15th century. I always loved to visit there and see all the old graves, reading the old-fashioned names on them as a child and deciding which ones I liked. Anytime I visited there always seemed to be something new to catch my attention, things which I had missed before and now that I’m an adult I still discover new sights everytime I visit.
The old church which is so decrepit now is always awe inspiring to look at. The tombs and headstones in there have always captivated me and I remember reading one as a child and wondering what a baroness was. The headstones in the graveyard are dotted all over the grass in no particular order and each one is different, making them a fabulous photography subject.
It is an incredibly peaceful place and instead of having an eerie feeling, it instead has one of peace and tranquility, with beautiful flowers growing on the graves, walls and grass – it’s amazing how things so beautiful and full of new life such as spring flowers can grow in a place which is a symbol of death.
Most of the graves in the older part of the graveyard are of those who perished in sinking ships off the coast of Cork and it was actually the centenary of the Lusitania disaster which drew me to the graveyard during the week. There are some individual graves of the remains of those who drowned when the Lusitania sank but also three mass graves for those who died. The graveyard now has glass plaques and wreaths in place to honour the memory of these poor souls. Cobh had lots of events to commemorate the anniversary of the Lusitania sinking and I sadly missed them all but it was great to go and pay my respects myself in the graveyard and to see the new plaques.
The Old Church Cemetery draws visitors from all around the world, as well as the town folk of Cobh. I think it’s the unique and interesting headstones that makes people curious to visit. I really do love how peaceful it is there and it’s such a lovely place to pay respect to those who’ve sadly passed away.
The Old Church Cemetery is pretty neat. There is something about an old cemetery that I like… when I travel, I usually take pictures of old cemeteries.
It's such a beautiful, peaceful place. It's the only cemetery I've ever photographed.
I love experiencing old cemeteries as there is always so much to do and see! Don't get my started re the residents and their colorful history!
They really are beautiful aren't they?
That does look really peaceful there. Not sure I would want to visit as I tend to get really sad at grave sites.
I like to go to cemeteries and snap off images as well. however, the ones in the states do not compare to this one
These photos are beautiful!! You are such a talented photographer!! This cemetery looks like such a peaceful and loving place! I would like to visit it one day! Thank you for sharing this with me!
What a cool place! I'd love to hear more about the history and background of the area. Your photos really are neat too. What kind of camera and lens do you use?
Love the photos. I don't know if I could walk in a cemetary I would be kind of nervous. They have one here in Atlanta that I have wanted to go to but I just can't bring myself to do it.
the photoes are really nice.You have taken pictures of all minum details and thats very nice. I would love o visit this place if i had chance one day.Thannx for sharing (brook)
What a hauntingly beautiful place. I love all of the gorgeous flowers in this cemetery. It's amazing how much beauty can be in a place of death.
That is beautiful church I've ever see, I really love seeing old church cemetery like this.
Wow these photos. They are absolutely stunning. So gorgeous. When I was younger a school I attended had a graveyard down the road. We'd often walk there although I can't remember why… But I remember just looking at the church and all the old headstones and beautiful statues around it. It was really something. This really reminds me of back then! Beautiful work. – jeanine
Thank you so much Jeanine. I'm glad this post made you remember your schooldays 🙂
Beautiful pictures, Fiona! Just like yourself, I am always drawn to cemetery. I found cemetery a humbling place, a reminder that one day I will be resting in the ground, too. That we are not immortal. That before we head to our final home, we should make a difference and positive impact to people around us.
Thanks for sharing your picture with us 🙂
Yes they really are such humbling places and they make you want to cherish life and live it to the full, you are so right 🙂
These photos are fantastic! Do you sell any of your work? There is something so lovely about cemeteries. I'm not sure what it is. These are just beautiful photos.
Thank you so much Jenn. Oh no, my skills aren't good enough to sell. There really is something lovely and so peaceful about cemeteries.
I haven't been to many cemeteries while i traveled, but this place is really beautiful. I'd love to visit one day.
Old cemeteries are fascinating and intriguing and eerie all at the same time. And your photos are gorgeous!
The pictures are just gorgeous. I find cemetery peaceful and full of nice colors with the flowers. Great job on the shots
Looks so peaceful. There is a lot of history behind this place.
These are amazing shots you took!! I love the hedge stones they are beautiful and amazing in the photos.
Visiting places like this when we travel is one of my favorites to do. I love to take photographs and I love older buildings like this to photograph. Your photos turned out amazing and are beautiful.
My husband says all the time "people are dying to go here" so we might visit them and check the history.It was odd for me at first to visit old cemetery but it become our favourite spot to see when we're traveling.
I love your photos! Growing up in New England, old cemeteries have both fascinated me and been my photographic muse for years. Have you been to Pere Lachaise in Paris? It's like an enchanted fairlyland, one of the most memorable and photogenic places I've ever had the pleasure of visiting.
Beautiful photos. Although it is cemetery, its old but new things blossom and bloom there. I don't know why I am in awe of the pictures but its something about it with the flowers everywhere just makes you appreciate things.
The Old Church Cemetery is truly an amazing place to visit. I would so love to go there to with all that history. I love places like this because of the beauty and the history Thanks for shairng.
Contrary to what people perceive about cemeteries such as being creepy, I find that cemetery to be peaceful and relaxing. The photos are great too!