The 114th anniversary of the sinking of the RMS Titanic, which tragically claimed 1,504 lives on her maiden voyage, will be commemorated this month as the British Titanic Society gathers in Cobh, Co Cork, for its annual convention.
Cobh, formerly known as Queenstown and famed as Titanic’s final port of call, will welcome hundreds of Titanic historians, enthusiasts, and relatives of passengers from across Ireland, the United Kingdom, Europe, and the United States.
Delegates will assemble at the Commodore Hotel, a historic waterfront venue overlooking Cork Harbour, steeped in the maritime heritage that defines the town.
The convention will take place from Thursday, April 9, until Sunday, April 12, offering a rich and immersive itinerary of specialist lectures, guided experiences, and commemorative events.
One of the major highlights of the 2026 convention will be Dr Michael Martin’s world- famous Titanic Trail, providing attendees with a unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Titanic’s final passengers through the historic streets of Cobh. Delegates may also experience an atmospheric evening harbour ghost walk, exploring the town’s lesser-known maritime stories.
British Titanic Society Committee members have been visiting Cobh over the last year to plan the event.
A special boat excursion to Roche’s Point, marking the point where Titanic last dropped anchor before heading into the Atlantic, will offer a powerful and reflective experience for attendees.
The convention will also feature a special appearance by acclaimed actress Audrey Dalton, including a screening of the 1953 Titanic film in which she starred, offering a rare opportunity to hear first-hand insights into cinematic portrayals of the disaster.
Adding a unique creative dimension to the event, the Cobh Animation Team will headline the opening ceremony and deliver a dedicated talk showcasing their acclaimed work and ability to bring the history of Cobh to life through their costumes.
Throughout the weekend, renowned Titanic historians from around the world will present a series of lectures, sharing their perspectives on the ship, her passengers, and her enduring legacy.
The Cobh Animation Team, pictured here at the 2022 BTS Convention.
A key attraction of the 2026 convention will be the display of a rare balustrade from RMS Olympic, Titanic’s sister ship. This remarkable artefact will be exhibited at the Commodore Hotel for the first time in many years, and potentially the only time it will ever be displayed in Ireland, offering delegates a rare and tangible connection to White Star Line history.
In tribute to those who lost their lives, a memorial wreath-laying ceremony will take place at the Titanic Memorial Garden in Cobh. Members of the public are warmly invited to attend and join in this moment of remembrance.
British Titanic Society Chairman, David Scott-Beddard, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming convention, “Cobh holds a deeply emotional place in the story of Titanic as her final port of call.
"Bringing our 2026 convention here allows us not only to explore that history in a meaningful way, but also to engage with a community whose connection to Titanic remains strong to this day.
"With such a unique programme of events, from historic trails to rare artefacts and commemorative moments, this promises to be one of our most memorable conventions yet.”
Tickets for the main programme of lectures are now sold out, but anybody with an interest in the event can find out more about the itinerary can visit the society’s website BritishTitanicSociety.com
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