Cobh is another small town worth visiting by the Irish coast, much like Kinsale or Malahide village. It is essentially a port town, and you will see that most activities in Cobh are connected to the sea. One of the most noteworthy attractions in Cobh is the unique Titanic Experience. However, you will find plenty of other things to do in Cobh, Ireland.
Under British rule, the town’s name was Queenstown, and it only changed to Cobh (pronounced Cove) in 1920. Cobh has a cruise terminal, and it was the last port where the Titanic stopped before its tragedy.
Where is Cobh and how to get there
Cobh is about 22 km east of Cork City, and it is also well connected to Cork. The easiest is to get to Cobh by train from Cork City. The ride takes 26 minutes, and there is a train every hour. The Cobh Connect bus is also a good option, with single tickets at 4€ and return tickets at 6€.
If you drive to Cobh, there is free parking behind St.Colman’s Cathedral. During the summer, a ferry service runs from Cork city as well.
Things to do in Cobh – The Titanic Experience and More
There are a few things you just shouldn’t miss while in Cobh, and they are right below:
The Titanic Experience in Cobh
Cobh is most famous for being the last port where the Titanic stopped before sinking. As such, you can have a very emotional Titanic Experience in Cobh. The former ticket office of the White Star Line Company that owned the Titanic is now a museum hosting a Titanic Experience.
Maybe I shouldn’t spoil it for you, but here it is:
As you enter the Titanic Experience Museum in Cobh, you will receive a random name. It represents the name of a passenger who boarded the Titanic in Cobh in 1912. Touring the museum, you will learn a lot about the ship and its final hours. In the end, you will find out if the person with that name survived. It’s a unique Titanic experience that becomes somewhat personal through the name thing.
An adult ticket for the Titanic Experience in Cobh costs 11€, and you should pre-book your tour here.
St. Colman’s Cathedral
The Cathedral is the first building you’ll notice in Cobh. The one-spire cathedral sits high on a hill, dominating the town. It is impressive on the outside and also beautiful on the inside, with marble pillars and a gorgeous wooden ceiling.
A boat trip to Spike Island
Spike Island is a small island in Cork Harbor and it became one of the top attractions in Cork Co. Initially a monastic settlement, it later became a fort and then a prison. It is also known as Ireland’s Alcatraz. Prisoners were being held here before being shipped to Australia.
You can get to Spike Island on a 10-minutes ferry ride from Cobh. You can buy a return ticket here, but make sure to read the guidelines and get to the pier in time.
The Cobh Heritage Centre
There is more to Cobh’s story than the Titanic. At the Cobh Heritage Center, you will find more about a different story, that of the Irish emigration. Desperate people, pioneers, people seeking a better life over the seas, as well as criminals being shipped to the penal colonies, all passed through Cobh port.
It’s all part of Ireland’s story, and you shouldn’t skip a visit to the Heritage Center.
An adult ticket to the Cobh Heritage Center costs 12€, and the hours are Wednesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM.
Colorful houses a.k.a. the Deck of Cards
There are many colorful houses in Cobh, but if you’re looking for your Instagram shot, head to the Deck of Cards. It’s a line of two-story, colored houses looking amazing with St.Colman’s Cathedral in the background.
Other things to do in Cobh, Ireland
When you’re done with all of the above, between them, or if you just don’t feel like visiting museums, you can also take it easier in Cobh. Having lunch by the sea, wandering through the steep but colorful streets, renting a boat, or even taking a bath are all good options when you’re visiting Cobh for a day or more.
You can also join a guided tour – the Titanic trail to learn more about Cobh and the ships coming through here.
Where to stay to visit Cobh
If you want to spend at least one night in Cobh, book your accommodation at the WatersEdge Hotel. It’s right on the water, and you can fully experience Cobh’s very heart – the sea.
Disclosure
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Love all those cute houses! I would like to visit the Titanic experience.
I would have loved to visit here if time would have permitted. Those colorful houses are darling!
We were only in Cobb for a couple hours to visit the Heritage Centre. It’s a pretty nice museum. Tons of artifacts and information.