PASSAGE WEST MARITIME MUSEUM

Bringing the Maritime Heritage of Cork Harbour Alive

The town of Passage West, in Southern Ireland, boasts an impressive industrial heritage dating back over 300 years. Known as ‘the original port of Cork’, it was the birthplace of the first steamship built in Ireland named ‘The City of Cork’, which was constructed in 1815 on the actual site of where the Museum now stands. It was also the port from which The Sirius, the first ship to cross the Atlantic entirely under steam, left in 1838 under the command of local man Captain Richard Roberts.

And of course, Passage West and its shipbuilding industry is probably best known through its association with the Royal Victoria Dockyard, which provided so much employment to its townspeople throughout the years. As the original location of the Port of Cork until the late 1800s the town predates Belfast as the home of Ireland’s steamship industry. The first steam ship constructed in Ireland was built at Hennessy Brothers shipyard in Passage in 1815.

The town has a strong history of seafaring, and many local families had links to the British and Irish Naval Service and the merchant Navy. It was twice the 'beach head' for the taking of Cork City. The Duke of Marlborough’s troops landed there in 1690 as did Gen. Emmett Dalton's Irish Free State troops, during the Irish Civil War in 1922.

The initial impetus for a maritime themed museum in Passage West, Co. Cork was launched by local historian Jim Murphy in January 2015. Writing to several news publications he put forward the case that Passage West would be the natural home for a maritime museum. In February 2017 a motion to formally establish a museum was unanimously agreed upon and thus the concept of a maritime museum to service the Passage West area was formalised. The town now has a permanent home in which to store and display the wide variety of rare artifacts and archival material from various sources locally as well as from nearby Glenbrook, Monkstown and the general lower harbour area.

The museum’s collection comprises a wide range of categories including maritime history, shipbuilding and associated trades, emigration, US naval presence in Cork Harbour, the Cork Blackrock & Passage Railway, folk life, social and political history and accounts relating to famous personalities. The broad spectrum of objects on view includes historical photographs and film, documents and a wide range of ships implements and of course the stories of the generations of seamen associated with the town. While the focus of the Museum is centered upon the story of Passage West and its relationship to the sea, past exhibitions have also included many other aspects of local history.

Obituary

It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Robert Allison, a valued friend and dedicated member of Passage West Maritime Museum, who has been associated with the museum since its foundation.

From the earliest days of the museum, Robert played an important role in supporting its development and growth. His commitment and willingness to give his time was appreciated by all with whom he came in contact. He was a steadfast supporter of our museum’s mission to preserve and share the history and heritage of our community.

Throughout the years, Robert generously shared his knowledge of local and maritime history and took a keen interest in every aspect of the museum's work. Robert was never one to seek recognition or attention. He preferred to work quietly in the background, contributing in his own unassuming way to the success and development of the museum.

His quite presence was always appreciated, whether at committee meetings, exhibitions or behind the scenes where so much valuable work is done.

Beyond his contributions to the museum, Robert will be remembered for his kindness and friendship. He was a familiar and respected figure whose dedication inspired all who had the privilege of knowing him.

On behalf of everyone at Passage West Maritime Museum, we extend our sincere sympathies to his family, friends, and all who mourn his loss. His contribution to the museum and to the preservation of our local heritage will not be forgotten.

May he rest in peace.