Summer in Cobh is always an exciting time for locals and visitors. Aside from mostly dry weather and mild temperature, the town has fun activities that will get anyone on the summer mood. It’s no wonder summer is the busiest time in town for tourists. Before Covid and all the tourism regulations that go with it, cruise ships regularly stop during summer at Cork Harbour Cobh terminal to disembark thousands of passengers. If plans push through though, we may be seeing cruise tourism returns to Cobh on year 2022.
At any case, the easing of pandemic restrictions in the national and international level gives Cobh a much-needed bounce on the hospitality and tourism sector. We are again welcoming visitors on our heritage-rich and colorful town. For this blog post, i thought i would write some Summer-related activiites and events that would make your travel planning more convenient and your visit more enjoyable.
The Cobh Summer Swing
Summer at the Promenade or Kennedy Park is bustling and lively. Every weekend afternoon there are stalls of food, arts and crafts and other local retail shops on this area of the waterfront. The pretty park is very much look after (thanks to Cobh Tidy Towns) and has a grand view of the Cork Harbour. Perhaps the highlight of this event is the musical concert on the Victorian bandstand, but really one can just wander around and have a delightful time here.
Carillon Recital at St Colman’s Cathedral
Sundays during summer is a special treat for St Colman’s Cathedral visitors because the carillon is being played for a special recital. The one hour long session which starts at 4:30 p.m. has been a summer tradition on this famous Cobh cathedral. Consisting of 49 bells which is the largest in Ireland, the carillon is played on a keyboard and pedalboard from a console in the belfry.
Boat Tours at Cork Harbour
This family-friendly activity is ideal for those who want to see Cork Harbour up close and personal. This boat rental can be hired as self-driven or driven by the boat operator. It’s a leisurely and fantastic way to explore Spike Island, Irish Naval Base, Roches Point Lighthouse and others aboard this red boat.
Birdwatching at Cuskinny Marsh
Nature lovers, particularly bird enthusiast, woul love a trip to Cuskinny Marsh. Whether you are into birdwatching or like photographing birds or both, this is a nice place to see birds on their natural habitat. This place is also a gathering place for Dawn Chorus Day, an event when people camp in the reserve to listen to birdsongs.
Beach Fishing at the Pier
Bring your beach fishing pole and give yourself a day, afternoon or night off. Fishing at the pier or quay is a relaxing activity on this waterfront town. No fishing license needed, take advantage of nice summer weather and cast a line on the Atlantic waters of Cork Harbour.
Spike Island Day or Night Tour
One of the famous attractions on Cork, book a ferry and Spike Island package to see the infamous former prison, military base and monastery. Lots of stories to learn on the tour on this island fortress that is often called the prison from hell. The day trip and Behind the Scene Experience starts at 10:00 in the morning and there’s also the Saturday only tour for the Spike Island After Dark (usually during Summer).
Swimming & other water activities at Cuskinny Bay
On the other side of Cuskinny Marsh is the wide and open Cuskinny Bay, which is really a beach area mostly known to the locals. On a hot summer day, this becomes a cooling spot for those who fancy a dip on this recreational water. Expect kayakers, canoers, paddleboarders and others mingling on this off the beaten path in Cobh too.
Supporting Local Football Team
Most people would know Cobh as a prime tourist destination but some would probably not know that Cobh has a football team that currently competes on the League of Ireland First Division. Chances are during your visit, the Cobh Ramblers FC may have a home game on St Colman’s Park, so if you are up for a game, this is a good way to experience and support Cobh’s local football team.
So that’s 8 of only perhaps 100 or more activities that you can do on our lovely town of Cobh. As you can see, i did not include the usual touristy stuffs that you probably know already. I hope i gave you a different and fun-filled activities that you may add or consider on your to-do-list on your visit this summer. Enjoy!
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