Introduction, p.1
General Charles Vallancey (1731-1812) Survey Report 1778, p.3
Sir Richard Griffiths report to Parliament 1828, p.3
An earlier account 1819 of the Mizen peninsula, Eliza (Dizzie) Townsend (Mrs. Lionel Fleming), p.4
Rev. Caesar Otway 1831, p.5
Projected Bandon to Bantry Railway 1845, p.6
Appeal to Sir Robert Peel to make Bantry a packet station, p.7
Courthouse meeting Dunmanway re projected railway, p.9
Report of Commission re Irish Packet Stations background, p.10
Extracts re West Cork report of Commission re Irish Packet Stations, p.12
Thomas Hungerford, Inspector Coastguards, family background, p.29
Emigration from Cork 1847-1850, p.34
Anthony Marmion author The Ancient and Modern History of the Maratime Ports of Ireland, p. 35
Crookhaven, p.36
Berehaven, p.41
Dunbeacon/Dunmanus, p.51
Viscount Bernard/Lord Bandon, p.55
1847 Report a memorial presented to the Lords of the Admiralty with regard to the Harbours and Lighthouses of Co. Cork, p.59
1863. Julius Reuter and William Siemens and the South-Western of Ireland Telegraph Company, Linking Cork to Crookhaven by Telegraph and British & Irish Magnetic Telegraph Company, Cork to Cape Clear, p.59
The start of the Communication Revolution, Picture of ‘The Atlantic Telegraph Cable Fleet’ at Berehaven, Bantry Bay, 28th July 1866, held at Cable and Wireless Archive, p.59
Bere Island British Naval Base, p.61
Introduction
Traditionally a packet station was a port used to carry mails or passengers over short channels. Here, in the 1851 report, however, what is contemplated is what port on the west coast of Ireland would be suitable for vessels going or coming to America.
The introduction of steam engines changed everything and competition with the Americans also. The level of technical detail considered in making their choice is fascinating. Then 8 years later they laid the first transatlantic cable for communication across the Atlantic from Valentia. That put the packet station to bed.
In terms of the earlier background you have a paradox, from the late 17th century West Cork was just off some of the main shipping lines in the world. At the same time transport links even to Cork were limited. By the end of the 18th century reasonable roads connected the main towns to Cork some had been built as turnpikes, an early version of tolled..
Click here:
1851 Proposed West Cork Packet Stations General Background.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FLpxJZX0PnDg1V5F-H2WgxlyseAUS5QfrDZqrhJ7CpM/edit
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West Cork History 