BUSINESS AS USUAL
The commercial life of Queenstown/Cobh 1900 -1999

Queenstown/Cobh grew extensively during the 20th century. The commercial life of the town was much influenced by the harbour traffic. Sailing boats, fishing boats, merchant and naval vessels have all played their part. Visitors arriving in Ireland and many emigrants departing from Queenstown purchased souvenirs of the town including lace and china. These and other goods were often taken by boat out to the steam ships anchored in the harbour.

1914/18 was war time but despite the threat from German U boats, Cork harbour was alive with the usual commercial, passenger and naval shipping serviced by 5 shipping agents and 6 ships chandlers. Troops and horses waited in Queenstown for transport abroad. The presence of the Royal Navy and the Customs and Excise service brought further prosperity to the town. Business was brisk; 20 grocer provision dealers had premises in the town.

The Queenstown Sea Baths and the Royal Cork Yacht Club provided facilities for those with some wealth and leisure to enjoy themselves.

Early in the century, under British rule, English regiments were stationed in the harbour and the British navy were based in Haulbowline Island bringing a certain amount of wealth to the town. This ended in 1922/23 with the adoption of the Treaty which declared Ireland a self-governing nation to be known as the Irish Free State. The Irish took back the harbour forts and established the headquarters of the navy in Haulbowline.

Queenstown was renamed Cobh pronounced Cove in 1921.

The effect of World War II 1940/45 and a fall off in the number of liners calling to Cobh had an adverse effect on trade.

However, businesses and the liner traffic began to grow again in the 1950s. Shops were supplied with fresh produce from the local area. Several combined a general store with a ships chandlery business supplying a wide range of equipment used by ships, together with grocery and vegetables.

Small industries opened and thrived including the Queenstown Laundry, Cobh Milk Producers, boat building and ship repairs. The opening of Irish Steel works on Haulbowline Island in 1939 and Verolme Cork Dockyard in 1959 was a huge boost to the town, each company employing up to 1,000 workers. Both companies have closed but the town, now recognised as a Heritage town, continues to grow and welcome visitors all year round.