22/06/2026
Today, we’re continuing our celebration of Cork Harbour by looking at some of the familiar landmarks that have watched over the harbour for centuries. 🌊 🏰
First, we step back in time to a scene set in 1724 along the memorable silhouette of Blackrock Castle, where observers greet participants who are returning from the ‘Throwing of the Dart.’ ‘Throwing the Dart’ is an annual ceremony performed by each Lord Mayor of Cork, stretching back to at least the early 1700s. The ceremony, in which the Lord Mayor travels out to Roches Point at the mouth of the harbour before throwing a large ceremonial dart into the harbour waters, asserts the Lord Mayor’s position as Admiral of the Harbour.
Next, we move forward a few generations to a peaceful view of Rossleague on Great Island, and the Martello tower – a type of small, round coast defensive fort – visible near the shores. While the other two works seem rife with activity, this work by John E. Bosanquet seems to show the harbour during a time of stillness.
Last, we move to more modern times with this watercolour view of Haulbowline from 1900, where we can see the Industrial Revolution has led the way to the introduction of steamships into the harbour, along with more traditional sailing ships.
Images:
- CAG.0569 John Fitzgerald, The Old Castle, Blackrock, Saluting the Corporation 1724, undated, watercolour on paper, 40 x 57.6 cm. Purchased, 1986.
- CAG.0421 John E. Bosanquet, View of Rossleague, Great Island, Cork Harbour, undated, watercolour on paper, 36 x 60.5 cm. Purchased.
- CAG.0627 Joseph Poole Addey, View of Haulbowline, 1900, watercolour on paper, 23 x 36 cm. Purchased.
