From Spring to Fall, Cobh Ireland is a hub for cruise ships. The Port of Cork welcomes thousands of passengers each cruise season as they disembark on the Cobh Cruise Terminal. With a day to spare on our lovely hometown, they often venture out of town by taking a tour or commuting by train and bus or hiring a taxi.
The places listed on this list are favorites not just for cruise passengers but also for any tourist who wants a day trip outside of Cobh. These fascinating places definitely paints a different and unique setting in the beautiful county of Cork.
Blarney Castle and Gardens
The charm of a real castle is high and tourists especially want to see one in Ireland. Blarney Castle is a major attraction in the country and it happens to be in Cork and close to Cobh. Bus tours usually go there but some prefer to take a taxi too.
The ticket allows you entry to the castle where you can kiss the famous Blarney Stone which is said to bless the kisser with the ‘gift of gab” and also included on the admission is the 60 acre gardens and parklands. The management recommends alloting 3 hours for your visit to both the castle and the gardens.
Cork City
For those who prefer the city vibe, Cork City has both the modern and the historic, the new and old within the center of the city. Old and renovated buildings and structure like bridges, churches and even a fort blend beautifully with the local shops and restaurants.
The train to Cork City can be conviniently accessed at the nearby station, literally across the Cobh Cruise Terminal. Some favorite places to explore in the city are English Market, Elizabeth Fort, Butter Museum and more.
Fota Zoo
Not too far from Cobh, and just one train station stop away, is the wonderful Fota Wildlife Park. This is an ideal family trip for kids and animal lovers. The park boast of a wide enclosed area where giraffes, zebras and other non predators cohabitate with one another and also some animals like wallabies and lemurs that are allowed to roam freely with the park visitors.
Jameson Distillery
Irish original and world famous Jameson whisky is a pride of Ireland, and It so happen the distillery at Midleton is located 30 minutes away from Cobh. Immerse yourself on a distillery tour like no other; there’s tasting, cask opening and a behind the scene experiene too.
Kinsale
The charming seaside town of Kinsale is postcard and selfie-worthy for a visit. Take a stroll on their lovely waterfront, wander inside quaint shops, explore a star-shape fort, and many more, Kinsale has that marina and fishing town vibe that would make you fall in love with this place.
Youghal
The medieval town of Youghal awaits a leisurely trip to the beach. The long stretch of beach in this East Cork holiday town is ideal if you want to swim, sail, take a boat ride, have a picnic or simply walk on their boardwalk. The main beach is next to the town center where shops and restaurant are aplenty and also some medieval buildings are still standing.
I should mention that if you are heading on this direction, you could stop first at Jameson Distillery at Midleton first then take the 20 minute drive to Youghal.
The six places i mentioned here are all tourable on your cruise stop at Cobh but you have to be mindful of your departing time. Whether you take the tour bus or public transportation or taxi, it is best to get back early. I would definitely recommend to allot some time to explore our town because there is so much to see and do in Cobh.
I hope i give you some of the best and favorite places to visit outside Cobh. If i forget something, please do let me know on the comment.
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