Perhaps one of the most popular pictures of Cobh is the iconic Deck of Cards houses with the imposing St Colman’s Cathedral in the background. This vista alone has been shot and viewed by Cobh locals and visitors a million times at least. Chances are this is already in your to-do-list on your next visit to Cobh so i thought i’ll write a post about this truly special photo location.
Did you know there are many spots just as there are many ways to shoot these colorful 23 houses in West Hill? If this is your first time in my lovely hometown or just want to repeat your Deck of Cards shot, then here are 5 (just 5) places where you can capture this wall and instagram-worthy picture.
West HIll Park
The reliable park right across the houses is the usual first go-to-place to check out the Deck of Card houses, plus an added bonus of the towering cathedral as backdrop. This park is a short uphill walk from the Town Centre, just walk your way up from the Lusitania Memorial. It also has a well maintained garden and a bench, and if you’re lucky you can have the whole area as your photo shoot runway.
West Hill (top of hill)
Head on to the very top of the hill and you have the descending view of the stack houses on one go. Be very careful though because cars and other vehicles passed by this road to get to town. This glamourous streetview extends all the way to the waters of Cork Harbour.
Cathedral Place
This shot was taken at the driveway of St Colman’s Cathedral. Yes, the Deck of Cards is just a stone-throw away from the great cathedral. You are presented with the back view of the the 23 neat houses and a grey or blue sky background. You’ll be amazed at how the sunlight (sunset) falls and accentuates the colours of the buildings too.
Cannon O’Leary Place
Running between West Hill and Sandymount is a small street block called Cannon O’Leary Place. This one way street offers the side view version of the Deck of Cards. You are up this close that you can see the back yard and garden of these houses. Feel free to crop the back yard if you like, but for good measure marvel at the sight of Cork Harbour in the background.
Spy Hill (not recommended but offers the best view)
Parallel to West Hill, Spy Hill is a street that sits at the east of the Deck of Cards. If you are reading a lot of travel forums, it would tell you this is the most prominent spot to get the perfect selfie or DoC landscape, but as a local i would probably have to caution you on that. First of all, there is that WALL that sometimes even your most adventurous feet can slip on. Secondly, if you happen to be living next to this wall, you wouldn’t want your residence be disturbed in some way or form, right?
That’s it, thank you for taking this hill walk with me. Deck of Cards is a place not to be missed in Cobh and a beautiful view that you would want to keep in your travel memory forever. I hope i gave you some advance travel planning in capturing this enduring image of Ireland. Best of luck and enjoy your stay in Cobh.
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