Own a slice of Cobh’s naval history

THERE should be a border crossing at Belvelly Bridge because going to Cobh is like entering another country — and another time.

This a town that embodies the last stand of Empire, a town with grandeur and fine buildings and an independence allied with a long seafaring tradition.

High up above Haulbowline Island, the one-time home of the British Royal Navy and now the headquarters of the Irish Navy, is No 3 Fort Villas, the latest market entrant in Cobh this Christmas season.