17 Best Things To Do In Cobh, Ireland (For 2024)

Cobh was developed as a Victorian spa retreat in the mid-19th century and became Ireland’s most important port for trans-Atlantic travel.

If you would like to create some memories that will last a lifetime, take the plunge and visit Cobh. It is one of the captivating towns in Ireland that will hold you in its spell long after you’ve left.

READ MORE: Best Hotels In Cobh.

There’s so much to see in this town so we put together a list of top things to do in Cobh, Ireland. And if you are staying in Cork, this can be a good day tour from the city.

17 Best Things To Do In Cobh, Ireland (For 2024)

1. Experience Titanic in Cobh

Titanic Experience Cobh is a visitor center located in the original White Star Line Ticket Office in the center of Cobh town (formally known as Queenstown).

Cobb was the departure point for the final 123 passengers who boarded the Titanic before heading to New York.

The Titanic Experience will let you experience how it was to be in Titanic in 1912 as you learn about the historical British passenger liner.

Aside from the visitor center, you can also visit the Titanic Gardens and relax with views overlooking where the Titanic last dropped its anchor.

Opening Hours

Summer

April 1st – September 30^th

9:00am to 6:00pm

Tours run every 15 minutes throughout the day
(last tour at 5:15 pm)

Winter

October 1^st – March 31^st

10:00am to 5:30pm

Tours run every 30 minutes throughout the day

(last tour at 4:45 pm)

Contact Information

Address: White Star Line Building, 20 Casement Square, Cobh, Co. Cork, Ireland.

Phone: (021) 481 4412

Email: info@titanicexperiencecobh.ie

2. Marvel at the beauty of St. Colman’s Cathedral

 

Visit St Colman’s Cathedral and marvel at the wonderful French Gothic architecture and beautiful stained glass. The cathedral is the only Irish Catholic Victorian cathedral to preserve its interior fully intact.

It took 47 years to build this cathedral which started in 1868.

In 1916 a Carillon of 42 bells was installed. The largest bell is 200 feet above the ground and weighs 3.6 tons. The Cathedral organ, by Telford and Telford, contains 2,468 pipes.

The Cathedral is a regular venue for Recitals by choirs from all parts of the world. St. Colman’s remains one of the top attractions in Cobh.

Contact Information

Address: 5 Cathedral Pl, Kilgarvan, Cobh, Co. Cork, Ireland

Phone:+353 21 4813222

Email:  info@cobhcathedralparish.ie

3. Learn the history of Spike Island

Spike Island is a 103-acre island in Cork Harbour. This island is Ireland’s Alcatraz and it was used as a prison.

Since the early 21st century, the island has been developed as a heritage tourist attraction in Cobh and it was named as the top tourist attractions in Europe by World Travel Awards in 2017.

Opening Hours

Daily- 12pm-2pm

Admission Fee

Please ring in advance to check admission fees and bookings.

Contact Information

Address: c/o Cork County Council, Carrig House, Cobh, Co. Cork, Ireland

Phone: (021) 237 3455

Email: admin@spikeislandcork.ie 

4. Feed the ducks or relax at Cuskinny

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Just 10 minutes from Cobh center is a natural hideaway set on beautiful Cuskinny Bay.

Cuskinny Nature Reserve is a serene bird sanctuary with lots of water-based activities, stunning woodlands to explore, and hiking routes.

If you want to find things to do in Cobh with kids or for families, the relaxing scenery is ideal to have a picnic while feeding the ducks and swans in the area.

Opening Hours

Monday – Friday 9.30am – 5.30pm

Contact Information

Address: Cuskinny Court, Cobh, Co. Cork Ireland.

Phone:+353(0)21 2428868

Email: bookings@cuskinnycourt.ie

5. Visit Cobh Museum

Visit the Cobh museum and learn about the rich maritime history of the area. Cobh has a long maritime history and is known throughout the world for its association with emigration and was the last port of call for the RMS Titanic.

The Museum holds the last written record for the RMS Titanic in the Pilot’s Logbook.

Cobh Museum is housed in the former Presbyterian Church overlooking the harbor. It is a small but excellent museum.

There is so much information on display here. Its well laid out with areas where you can sit and look through the various booklets which contain paper cuttings and records.

Opening Hours

Monday-Saturday

11am – 1pm & 2pm – 5pm

Sunday

2.30pm – 5pm

Admission Fee

Adult 4.00

Student/Senior 2.50

Child 2.00

Family 10.00

Contact Information

Address: Cobh Museum Scots Church High Road Cobh County Cork P24 AY26 Ireland

Phone:+ 353 21 4814240

Email: cobhmuseum1@gmail.com

6. Check out Fota Wildlife Park

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Fota Wildlife Park is a 100-acre wildlife park located on Fota Island, about 9 km from the center of Cobh.

This park is a not-for-profit charity that is also one of the leading tourism, wildlife and conservation attractions in Ireland. It is home to several species of mammals and birds.

The Wildlife Park in Fota can be enjoyed by all the family with a wide range of activities to keep everyone entertained.

Opening Hours

Mon-Sun: 10.00 a.m.

Gates closed: 6.00 pm

Last entry: 4.30 pm every day (5 pm for members)

We are closed on Christmas Eve to St Stephen’s Day (24th, 25th & 26th Dec).

Admission Fee

Adults: €16.70

Children (Under 16)  €11.20

Students (with valid student card), Seniors: €12.30

Toddlers (Up to 36 months): Free

2 adults + 2 children: €49.00

2 adults + 3 children: €57.00

2 adults + 4 children: €65.00

Car park/visit: €3.00

Group (20+) Adults: €12.30

Group (20+) Children, Seniors, Students (with valid student card): €8.20

Contact Information

Address: Fota Wildlife Park, Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork, Ireland

Phone: +353-21-4812678

Email:info@fotawildlife.ie

7. Explore Cobh Heritage Center

The Cobh Heritage Centre is a museum located in Cobh, County Cork, Ireland. It is attached to the Cobh railway station.

The “Queenstown Experience”, located at the center, has mostly permanent exhibitions of Irish history and Irish Emigration.

From 1848 – 1950 over 6 million adults and children emigrated from Ireland.

Over 2.5 million departed from Cobh, making it the single most important port of emigration in Ireland.

Opening Hours

Summer

Open 7 days a week.

April 15th to October 13th ( Last admission is 5 pm)

9:30 am- 6pm

Winter

October 15th-April 14th

Monday- Saturday

9:30 am-5pm

Sundays and Bank holidays

11 am- 4pm

Closed December 23rd-27th and

December 31st –January 8th

Admission Fee

Adults: €10

Concession: €8.50

Child: €6

Family: €25

Contact Information

Address: Cobh, The Queenstown Story Cobh Heritage Centre, Cobh, Co. Cork, Ireland.

Phone: + 00 353 (21) 4 813591 

Email: info@cobhheritage.com

8. Relax at St. Benedict’s Priory Bible Garden and Tea Rooms

St. Benedict’s Priory Bible Garden & Tea Rooms are located at the high end of Cobh, behind St.Colman’s Cathedral. It is the perfect getaway in Cobh Ireland.

Once you enter, it becomes one’s own personal sanctuary. The tranquil surroundings are perfectly conducive for a calm and peaceful atmosphere that makes people feel completely relaxed.

Admission Fee

donations only

Contact Information

Address: St. Benedict’s Priory, The Mount, Cobh, Co.Cork

Phone: +353 21 481 1354 

Email: cobhtyburnconvent@gmail.com

9. Take a trip around town on Cobh’s very own Road Train

The most relaxing, informative and fun way to view Cobh’s historic sites and beautiful sea vistas are aboard the Cobh Road Train.

The Cobh Road Train takes you on a tour through the historic town of Cobh from the point where passengers boarded the ill-fated Titanic to the magnificent St. Coleman’s Cathedral.  

All key historical areas are also covered and there is no better way to quickly learn everything you need to know about Cobh than taking Cobh Road Train.

Admission Fee

 Adult – €8.00 Child – €5.00 Family – €20.00 (2+2)

Larger family, Special Group Rates and Private Tour Bookings can be arranged on request.

Contact Information

Address: Westbourne Place, Cobh, Co. Cork, Ireland

Phone: +353 (0)85 – 1363 393

10. Relax in the Promenade in Cobh

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The promenade in Cobh is where many locals and visitors come to take it easy and to do a bit of people watching.

Great views out over the harbor, regularly visited by huge cruise ships, and back into the town itself where St Coleman’s Cathedral dominates.

You can also listen to band performances in the promenade

11. Call into the Sirius Arts Centre

Sirius Arts Centre is a multi-disciplinary arts organization and a fantastic arts center with a great program of events in the middle of Cobh.

The center holds regular art exhibitions offering the visitor an eclectic range of contemporary art from global artists. The center also offers artists in residency positions annually.

Opening Hours

Wed – Fri  10.30-17:00

Sat-Sun  13:00-17:00

Mon – Tues Closed

Contact Information

Address: The Old Yacht Club Cobh Co. Cork

Phone: 021 4813790

Email: info@siriusartscentre.ie

12. Learn history in Haulbowline

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Haulbowline is an island in Co. Cork Harbour off the coast of Ireland and only 10 minutes by ferry from the center of Cobh.

Fortifications were built here in the early 1600′ along with the world’s first yacht club. The island was also an important base for the British army.

Planning to visit Cobh and don’t know where to stay yet? Here’s our list of best hotels in Cobh that you can choose from. 

13. Climb up the Deck of Cards

Can you reach the top? The Deck of Cards forms a vertiginous hill built with candy-colored homes that defy gravity.

The amazing terraced buildings, which are overshadowed by St. Colman’s Cathedral and give some of the most breathtaking vistas Ireland has to offer, are perhaps the most photographed scene in Cobh.

Please keep in mind that these are people’s homes, so don’t go shooting shots from too close range, or banging on their doors, or anything like that.

With the emergence of online communities, the Deck of Cards residences have grown in popularity and are now Cobh symbols.

Based on my experience, the best side of the Deck of Cards is from the lower level of the little West View Park. You should visit there!

14. Experience a lively night scene at Kelly’s Bar

Ideally situated in the heart of Cobh’s bustling old town, Kelly’s is a famous bar with a laid-back vibe and a warm welcome for both residents and visitors.

Tom Kelly and his team of pleasant and experienced personnel manage the pub, which caters to all tastes, from a morning coffee with a freshly cooked scone to a bustling party environment on weekends.

Live music is performed regularly throughout the year and every night throughout the summer months. A range of local singers and bands perform anything from traditional Irish music to modern music, with the occasional impromptu sing song thrown in for good measure.

I recommend this Bar because it offers free WiFi and, in addition to an enormous assortment of beers, wines, as well as spirits, it also provides an assortment of specialty coffees.

15. Delight your Taste Buds at The Boatyard Container Food Market

There are five food trucks at the Boatyard, serving a variety of cuisines. Hansum, a favorite of mine that also runs in the Marina Market, has joined the fray with its delectable rotisserie chicken options.

This is an absolute must-try! Hook’D Fish and Chips is new and I’m guessing they’ll serve traditional Cork fish and chips. Bunz Gourmet Burgers serves the greatest gourmet burgers. Mama Bear’s is a delicious alternative in the Boatyard, serving the tastiest ice cream and more.

16. Visit Kieron O’Connor Photography

Kieron O’Connor Photography, situated near Cobh Harbour, features a colorful gallery and shop filled with images from all across County Cork and Ireland. You’ll find ready-to-hang mounted prints and framed pictures.

Kieron’s photography book ‘Lockdown Ireland 2020’ is additionally accessible; this book is full of amazing images of Cobh and Cork Harbour captured during this period.

17. Join a Guided Historic Walking Tour

We visited Sixteen historical places throughout our excursion, including ambush sites, safe shelters, training halls, as well as barracks. We also tour jail facilities for Cobh republican volunteers and learn about their influence on Irish history.

The tour guide brings the town to life by telling us about the people, locations, and tales of Ireland. We learn stories on anything from the crop famine to the Irish struggle for independence as well as everything in between.

Our guide is a kind and intelligent host who keeps our attention throughout the tour, and his anecdotes are priceless.

Where to Stay in Cobh

WatersEdge Hotel

Location: Lower Rd, Cobh, Ireland

The WatersEdge Hotel is located in Cobh, 210 meters from Cobh Train Station. It has large rooms, free parking, as well as a bistro-style dining with views of Cork Harbour.

The WatersEdge’s accommodations have cable TV, big bathrooms, and Wi-Fi. There is a hotel service menu available, and some rooms feature water views.

The Jacob’s Ladder restaurant delivers contemporary cuisine made with fresh local ingredients. Jacob’s Bar offers a wide selection of beverages, a bar menu, and a terrace with views of the bay.

Price per Night:

• $103 – $163

Amenities:

• Restaurant
• Facilities for disabled guests
• Room service
• Free Parking
• Bar
• Fabulous breakfast

Single Room For 1 (1 night): $103 Price (Includes taxes and fees)

Notable Inclusions:

• 1 double bed or 1 single bed
• Ensuite bathroom
• Flat-screen TV
• Free WiFi

The Meadow Holiday Home Cobh

Location: 3 The Meadows, Cobh, IrelandLower Rd, Cobh, Ireland

The Meadow Holiday Home Cobh is located in Cobh and is approximately 2.9 kilometers from the Cathedral of St. Colman. It offers lake views, free internet access, and complimentary private parking.

The 3-bedroom vacation house has a flat-screen TV in the living room, a fully supplied kitchen including a dishwasher, and two bathrooms with hair dryers. The holiday house includes towels and bed linen. A sitting space and a fireplace are also available.

Price per Night:

• $324 – $375

Amenities:

• Entire home
• 90 m² size
• Lake view
• Garden
• BBQ facilities
• Bath

Three-Bedroom House For 3 (1 night): $375 Price (Includes taxes and fees)

Notable Inclusions:

• Entire holiday home
• Private bathroom
• Lake view
• Garden view
• Landmark view
• River view

Cobh Travel Tips

Visit Cobh During the Summer

Summer is the finest season to visit Cobh. The weather is beautiful in Ireland, the port town is alive and well during this time.

Spring and fall are also fantastic times to visit Cobh, although the atmosphere is more casual. I traveled to Cobh in May, and the weather was pretty uncertain that day.

Consider to Rent a Car in Cobh

Despite its location on an island, Cobh is very accessible. I had planned a road trip for my holiday, so I chose to rent a car in Cobh.

Choosing this option provided me with the freedom and flexibility to design my schedule as I saw fit and make spontaneous decisions along the route.

The biggest benefit of owning a car in this location is that you may visit various destinations in Cork in a single day.

Cobh is a Safe Place!

Cobh is generally regarded as a safe destination to visit in Ireland. Despite the initial negative impression, I felt safe there.

Even while it is not difficult to keep safe in Ireland, you ought to continue to use reasonable caution while adhering to basic safety guidelines.