Are you planning a day trip in Cobh? If you are, then chances are you are browsing through the attractions in Cobh and trying to squeeze everything that can be seen on a day. Yes, there are a lot to see in our beautiful seatown, but you can only do so much in a day.
The purpose of this post is to suggest an itinerary that would paint the identity of Cobh and at the same time leave you wanting to see more of what Cobh has to offer. This is just our personal recommendation and we believe this is the very best way to spend your day on our very hospitable town.
9:30 a.m. Cobh Heritage Centre – Start your visit with a quick brush up on the history of Cobh. This is an ideal way to learn about the town’s historic and maritime past because it has every bits and pieces you need to know about Cobh. The exhibit touches the Queenstown (old name of Cobh) significance in Irish emigration and potato famine, and also local history of what is now Spike Island, it’s associaltion to the international disasters of Titanic and Lusitania, and many more.
The museum opens at 9:30 a.m., naturally we would recommend going there early so you will have a full and productive day on your trip. The brick building is a very convinient stop if you are leaving the Cobh train station or alighting at the Cobh cruise terminal. This is where you can purchase the cheaply combined Cobh Cultural Tour package ticket too (online booking is available too), which includes the visit to the Heritage Centre and the Titanic Trail Guided walking tour. The latter can be taken at 11:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m. but for the purpose of this day trip, we are recommending the 2 pm guided tour.
Depending on your pace and interest, you can spend half hour to an hour in the centre, and then take a snack in the cafe at the stall inside.
11:00 a.m. Titanic Experience – Having soak a good deal of Cobh history at the Heritage Centre, it is now time to walk at one of the most charming waterfronts in Ireland. Hard not to miss, say hello to the statue of Annie Moore and her siblings and take a moment to absorb the universal importance of immigration.
The stroll to the Titanic Experience exhibit is a short walk towards the town centre. This will give you enough time to check out Kennedy Park where the Promenade is located. As a preview, you would also be able to see the Heartbreak Pier where last passengers of the Titanic made their last land contact.
According to their website, pre-booking is essential and it is recommended that you arrive 10 minutes early to assure of entry especially during peak season. The audio visual exhibit comprises of 30 minutes guided tour and then you are free to explore on your own. For a detail breakdown of what to expect during the “Titanic Experience”, read their page here.
Lunch at Titanic Bar or at one of pub restaurants around town – By the time you finish the exhibit, it is lunchtime already. You have many options actually: you can go to adjoining Titanic Bar and Grill restaurant, other resto with waterfront view of Cork Harbour, or at one of many pub restos across the street.
We like to recommend a proper meal not just to try the great cooking of Cobh but also because you would need that extra calorie for the walking tour.
2:00 p.m. Titanic Trail Walking Tour – Allot an hour for this unmissable tour which would delight not just Titanic fans but also regular tourists. Started in 1998, the tour has been enchanting visitors with Titanic stories, Irish heritage and other maritime accounts of Cork Harbour.
The tour would take you to the top of the hill where St Colman’s Cathedral is located so wear comfortable shoes. Aside from a local historian guiding you throughout the tour, you would also hit and pass many of Cobh’s top attractions here.
If you haven’t taken a lot of photos, don’t worry because you still have a good two hours or more for your own exploration, and the good news is all these sights are walkable.
Free time to explore
Suggestions:
Pictorial/Selfie of Deck of Cards houses at West Hill Park
A return walk to St Colman for the view of Cork Harbour.
Shopping at Town Centre
A pint at one of the pubs
Ice cream or snacks at the bench on Kennedy Park Promenade
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