Cobh, one of the top destinations in Ireland, is a port town in County Cork that received 180,000 plus cruise passengers last year. 2024 is again set to become another banner year for the cruise industry in Ireland.
In this post, i like to highlight things to see for a visitor, whether from the cruise or not, to do in our charming little town. Majority of the places mentioned here are walkable from the Cruise Terminal and train station, and also are situated on main (small) Town Centre.
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 association to the international disasters of Titanic and Lusitania, and many more.
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.
Spike Island – If you want to go this route, i suggest you take the morning trips to Spike Island so you have more time to explore the town of Cobh later. The journey starts at Kennedy Pier for a scenic ferry ride of Cork Harbour towards Spike Island. Voted Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction 2017 at the World Travel Awards, Spike Island has been a monastery, a fortress, a prison and an island home. Today it is a leading tourist attraction not just in Cobh but also in the whole province of Cork.
Aside from the regular tour, Spike Island also has an After Dark, Behind the Scene, school and group tours and other special tours. As for snack, there is a cafe that serves soups, sandwiches and refreshment in the island, and picnic areas should families prefer to eat outdoors.
Deck of Cards – the 23 colourful houses in West Hill Rd. is a Cobh icon and is a favourite spot for the perfect souvenir photo of our town. Midway through the hilly street is West Hill Park where you can shoot the houses with St Colman’s Cathedral in the background.
St Colman’s Cathedral – Whether you are looking up from the Town Centre or right on church ground, St Colman’s Cathedral is a marvel of engineering and architecture. After your photo shoot at Deck of Cards, walk all the way up the hill and visit this gothic giant. It is free to enter and to check the amazing interior and hear the 49 bell carillon of the tower.
Bible Garden – A very short walk from the church is a quiet area for reflection. The Bible Garden is inside the St Benedict Priory and is the right place to sit down, rest those legs and reflect for a while. This is also a beautiful spot with a nice view of St Colman and Cork Harbour.
Pub – If you are thirsting for a pint of Guinness or some local brew , try one of our traditional pub and have a pint and food at the hillside pub or at the foot of town. Cobh prides itself with some old pubs that still carry its old world charm so be sure to bring the craic.
Titanic Memorial Garden – Time to take a leisurely stroll to the beautifully maintained and free Titanic Memorial Garden. The Glass Memorial where the 123 passenger names (79 of whom perished) are inscribed is the true highlight of this garden. Come sit on their benches, relax and remember them as you watch the shimmering waters of Cork Harbour in the distance.
Old Church Cemetery – Outside of town centre, Cobh’s Old Church Cemetery is an interesting and quaint place to visit. Check out the old headstones and metalworks, statues of saints, famous locals and the 3 mass graves of the Lusitania victims.
Fota Zoo and Gardens – Fota Zoo and Gardens lies just outside Cobh and is close enough to go by car or train. Kids would love this major zoo in Cork and renowned family attraction in Ireland. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon watching wild animals from around the world like giraffe, lion, cheetah, rhino, penguins and many more in this enclosed haven.
Thank you for reading.
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