A major tourist attraction in east Cork, the Titanic bar, is preparing to be relaunched, some eight months after it ran into financial difficulties.
The Titanic Queenstown bar and restaurant in Cobh opened in 2000 after lotto winner Mr Vincent Kearney set about creating a fitting memorial for the ill-fated ship. The port-side bar was based in Scotts Building, one-time point of departure for passengers on the Cunard White Star Line, and where the last 123 passengers departed for the hapless voyage across the Atlantic in April 1912.
It was modelled on the design of the ship's first and second-class smoking rooms and added to the harbour town's tourism appeal, complementing existing attractions such as the Queenstown Heritage Centre, the Titanic Trail and the Titanic burial plot.
The recreation of the emigrant experience was a major tourist attraction for the east Cork town, even drawing Titanic survivor Ms Millvina Dean to open the theme bar.
The community of Cobh was stunned at the closure of the establishment, worth over €2 million, last December.
Financial difficulties were cited at the time for the closure.
However, preparations are under way in Cobh for a Titanic comeback. Mr Kearney is to apply to the State to have the licence transferred into his name.
The businessman is to make his application at Fermoy District Court today.