Previously known as Queenstown, Cobh is located south in County Cork. It is a seaport town through and through, with the only dedicated cruise terminal in the Republic of Ireland.
Each year it is visited by many tourists and locals alike, both for the modern attractions it has to offer, as well as the historical significance it carries from its past. Whatever it is you’re looking for, this picturesque island town is sure to have something for you.
Things To Do
Deck of Cards
Every trip to Cobh isn’t complete without the steep walk up the hill for a mesmerising view of the Deck of Cards – a name given to stack of colourfully painted terraced houses. Once up there, navigate to the left, onto a parallel street, and up the fence for a better view.
St. Colman’s Cathedral
Whilst creating a beautiful backdrop to the Deck of Cards, St. Colman’s Cathedral stands proud as the tallest such building we have in the country. Its structure and remarkable interior architecture attract visitors all year round.
Follow the Titanic
As the last port of call for Titanic, Cobh, or Queenstown as it used to be known back then, has a lot of stories to tell. Visit the Titanic Experience Cobh for the immersive adventure of boarding the ship. If you want to dive deeper into the topic, there’s also the Heritage Centre as well as walking tours and memorial garden.
Spike Island
What used to be a monastic settlement, turned to one of the world’s largest prisons. Learn of its dark history on one of many tours to the now deserted prison, starting from Kennedy Pier in Cobh. For those looking for a more daring adventure, check out the After Dark tours for more ‘spooky’ tales.
While taking a stroll through the city and its harbour, make sure to walk down the Promenade!
Also, be on the lookout for any cruise ships docked in the port for the day. They make for quite a view!
Recommendations
Where To Stay
For those of you looking to make a visit to Cobh an overnight one, thought it’s only worthwhile to mention the hotel I keep coming back to every time I visit – and that’s the Commodore Hotel. Located right in the heart of the city – the promenade at its front, the cathedral view at the back – with the most polite service amidst the décor of the past.
I’m also a big fan of their O’Shea’s restaurant available for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serving tasty seafood options as well as the old classics.
Not To Miss On The Way
Located only 10 minutes away from the city is Fota Wildlife Park spanning over 100 acres. Home to a number of mammals and bird species, it is a little bit more than a zoo. Some of the animals roam freely as you walk, giving visitors a better view of them, also allowing them to walk around in the natural habitat. There’s an education centre and plenty of spots around to enjoy a picnic or grab a bite to eat.
The park is an amazing opportunity for a day out, especially for families, so if you’re planning your visit to Cobh, or Cork, make sure to consider adding it to your itinerary!
Another great attraction not to miss out on while in Co. Cork is the Blarney Castle! Check out the post below for more information.
The Roaming Wolf 
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