14 Unmissable Things To Do In Cobh, Ireland

If you’re traveling to Cobh, this post will cover all the essential things to do and activities, and explain why it’s definitely worth adding this charming town to your bucket list. It also makes a great day trip from Cork.

From the Gothic St Colman’s Cathedral to the colorful houses that resemble a deck of cards (hence the name), the Titanic Experience, Cobh offers plenty of unique must-see experiences. 

I visited Cobh on my first trip to Ireland while driving from Kilkenny to Cork. It was a great stopover for half a day, but I wished I had more time to experience all the amazing things to do in Cobh.

So, if you’re headed to this little stunning town, below you can find the best things to do for an immersive and unforgettable trip.

The Best Things To Do In Cobh

1. Take some photos with the Deck of Cards

The first thing to do in Cobh is check out the postcard worth it deck of cards. The Deck of Cards is a row of beautiful residential houses with St Coloman’s Cathedral in the background, creating a stunning postcard-like image.

You’ll find this scenery in many postcards across Ireland!

The houses gained their name due to their lining side by side on a hill, looking like a deck of cards stacked up to make the shape of a house. So, the best way to see and capture this scenery is from the top of the hill. 

But there are several viewpoints to see the Deck of Cards. The best views are undoubtedly from Cannon O’Leary Place, the top of the hill, but some prefer to reach Spy Hill to capture a panoramic photo of the houses and the cathedral. 

However, reaching Spy Hill can be quite dangerous since you’ll need to climb a stone wall with a large drop on the other side, so you’ll need to be extra careful.

2. Discover the Spike Island

Spike Island is a must-visit destination in Cobh, as it features a rich and diverse history of more than 1300 years. Reaching within a 15-minute ferry ride from Kennedy Pier in Cobh, the island was used for worship, defense, confinement, and punishment.

Specifically, Spike Island was home to a 6th-century monastery that was later turned into a 24-acre fortress known as Fort Michael. The fortress became the largest prison in the Victorian era, but the conditions were so horrific that Spike Island was also known as Hell on Earth. 

Within these fortress walls, convicts were held prisoners until their penal transportation to Australia or other parts of the world. Furthermore, it featured a punishment block that housed the most dangerous prisoners on the island. 

3. Walk the Titanic Trail

When the Titanic sailed from Liverpool, it then had a port of call in Cobh. So, today, you can experience the path the passengers had towards the cruise ship back in 1912 by following the Titanic Walking Trail along Cobh’s center. 

Along the trail, you can explore the historic town, marvel at the beautiful centuries-old buildings, browse the local arts and crafts stores and boutique shops, and enjoy a delicious savory or sweet dish at one of the town’s restaurants or cafes.

Additionally, this trail features stunning views of one of the world’s largest natural harbors, Spike Island, and an endless panorama of the Celtic Sea.

4. Witness the St. Colman’s Cathedral

St Colman’s Cathedral is one of the most famous neo-gothic cathedrals in Ireland, boasting one of the largest carillons in Europe with 42 bells within its tower.

The cathedral’s construction started in 1868 but was only officially opened in 1911. Its lengthy completion can be seen in the stunning exterior and the intricacies of the interior design, making it the perfect landmark to experience Ireland’s fine Gothic architecture.

If you want to enrich your experience while admiring this marvelous masterpiece, plan your visit during a choir recital and immerse yourself in the cathedral’s devine acoustics.

5. Sightseeing at the Cork Harbour

Cork Harbor is the second largest natural harbor in the world, so get ready for spectacular views along Cobh’s piers and waterfront. 

For lovely views, choose one of the many restaurants by the harbor to indulge in a delicious, hearty meal while enjoying the beautiful sights of the boats and yachts bobbing gently in the water. Visit the sun starts to set for stunning scenery where the golden sky blends with the blue sea.

Another excellent way to witness the beauty of Cork Harbor is by joining a self-guided boat tour alongside a qualified safety boat guide.

Head out into the sea and marvel at Cobh’s and the harbor’s beauty, and watch out for playful dolphins and seals that often peek out from the water below. 

6. Stop by the Cobh Museum

Housed in the 19th-century Scots Presbyterian Church, Cobh Museum tells the story of the town and Ireland through photographs and displays. It reveals Cobh’s, or Queenstown as it was formerly known, social and commercial history due to its maritime strategic role in Cork Harbour.

Within the museum, you’ll find the exhibitions of Capture the Time, displaying photos from local families in the 1950s, The Scuttling of the AUD 1916, displaying memorabilia of the gun-running ship “Aud,” Lusitania – A Day In May, an exhibition in memory to the RMS Lusitania that was struck by a torpedo from a German submarine on 1915 off the Old Head of Kinsale, and Queenstown 1915,  giving a glimpse of the town during this period through photographs and artifacts.

7. Visit the Cobh Heritage Centre

Cobh was a major port town for the Irish wishing to emigrate to other parts of the British colonies since the 1600s. Over 3 million people left Ireland behind in this little town. 

So, in the Cobh Heritage Center, you can experience the “Queenstown Story,” which describes the Irish Emigration.

Through informative and often emotive exhibitions, you can learn about Annie Moore, the first emigrant to be processed at Ellis Island, the connection of Cobh to the  20th century’s two of the biggest shipping disasters, the Titanic and the Lusitania, and the transportation of convicts to Australia.

Additionally, as you might know, the scattering of the Irish is one of the greatest migration stories in the world.

So, many people across the world might have Irish ancestry. If you’re one of them, at the Cobh Heritage Center, you can obtain a detailed analysis of your Irish ancestry.

8. See the Statue of Annie Moore 

As mentioned earlier, Annie Moore was the first Irish to be welcomed at Ellis Island in the USA as an immigrant. Furthermore, the scattering of the Irish is vast.

For instance, in the USA, it is believed that almost 10% of the population has Irish ancestry. 

So, in memory of all the Irish who have left their country behind for a better future, near Cobh Heritage Center, you’ll find the statue of Annie Moore and her two brothers as a symbol of the Irish diaspora and struggle during the Great Famine. 

The statue is by Cork Harbor, featuring stunning sea views, and near Cobh’s pier restaurants, cafes, and parks.

9. Experience the Titanic in Cobh

Many visitors of the Titanic Experience in Cobh expressed that this is one the best museums to experience the real tragedy of the Titanic. 

Cobh, or Queenstown as it was known until 1920, was Titanic’s last port call.

Specifically, on the 11th of April in 1912, 123 passengers boarded the Titanic from Cobh, hoping for a better future in the USA.

However, we all know the tragedy that found more than half of the passengers and the ship on its maiden voyage.

The Titanic Experience takes place at the original White Star Line Ticket Office, which was the departure point for the passengers.

During the tour, you can experience an immersive audio-visual tour retracing the steps of the 123 passengers from Cobh.

Then, visitors can learn how the Titanic found its journey cut short through computer-generated graphics recreating the collision and sinking.

How long is the Titanic experience in Cobh?

The Titanic Experience is open all year round. However, from May to September, it’s open from 9 am to 6 pm, while from October to April, it’s open from 10 am until 5:30 pm.

The guided tour is about 30 minutes, but it’s best to allow for at least another 30 minutes to explore the exhibits showcasing the ship’s tragic sinking, rescues, and discovery of the wreck. So, in total, the tour is about one hour.

10. Have fun at Fota Wildlife Park

Located on Fota Island, the Fota Wildlife Park is about a 10-minute drive from Cobh and an excellent activity for families with kids and animal lovers.

The park is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Ireland, with 30 different mammal species and over 50 bird species, featuring fantastic guided tours for both adults and kids.

The most popular among the youth is the Guided Tour of the zoo, where visitors can learn more about the animals housed in the park and even get close to animals in a safe environment. Highlights of this tour are touring the giraffe house or feeding the penguins.

On the other hand, animal lovers enjoy the unique Behind-the-Scenes experience, where they can gain a greater understanding of the different species, their habitats and environments, and the importance of protecting our planet’s biodiversity.

Lastly, the park offers a VIP Family tour, allowing one family to be guided privately by a warden and experience the park more intimately and educationally. With this tour, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for extraordinary photos and unique experiences like feeding the penguins and the giraffes.

11. Grab local favorites at Cobh Farmer’s Market

Every Friday from 10 am to 2 pm, Cobh’s promenade turns into a market with stalls selling local fresh food, allowing you to taste Cobh and East Cork’s delicious delicacies and fresh produce.

Also, the market has plenty of booths with a variety of international food and quick snacks, serving all taste palates and preferences.

Additionally, at Cobh Farmer’s Market, you can find various handcrafted wares and arts and crafts from local artists and merchants. So, if you fancy unique and beautiful souvenirs for yourself or your loved ones back home, this is your best spot.

12. Enjoy the food and drinks at Titanic Bar and Grill

Located within the historic White Star Line’s ticket office, the Titanic Bar and Grill offers a unique culinary experience. It offers stunning views over  Cork Harbor and Cobh’s beautiful promenade from the deck area.

Also, the restaurant has a retro ambiance and is decorated with memorabilia of the town’s maritime history, as well as the Titanic, creating a nostalgic and intimate atmosphere that perfectly blends with the sea views.

Additionally, the restaurant’s menu is delicious! You can find from traditional fish and chips to juicy burgers and mouthwatering steaks.

13. Visit the Kennedy Park

Kennedy Park is a great little park on the waterfront dedicated to the American President John F. Kennedy. 

The park features beautiful flower beds, unique statues, old canons and gas light standards, and a Victorian bandstand where you can catch artists performing on a sunny day. 

Furthermore, there’s a children’s playground and a coffee kiosk to refresh, relax, and marvel at the gorgeous views of the harbor. 

14. Stroll around Cobh Downtown

Cobh is a stunning little town with beautiful, colorful buildings, charming cobblestone streets, quaint cafes and bakeries, and gorgeous harbor views with cruise ships, yachts, and fishing boats resting in deep blue waters. 

So, one of the best ways to immerse in this little town’s history, culture, and beauty is by simply strolling along its historic streets and discovering its hidden squares, lovely pubs, charming boutiques, and picturesque views from its hills and parks.

How To Get To Cobh?

Getting to Cobh is pretty easy, with several convenient options available. 

If you’re coming from abroad, the closest international airport is Cork Airport, as it’s just 15 kilometers away from Cobh. From Cork Airport, you can take a taxi or hire a car to reach Cobh within 20 minutes. 

Otherwise, if you’re already in Cork, you can catch a train from Kent Railway Station to Cobh and arrive in Cobh in approximately 25 minutes. 

Another option is to take a ferry from Cork city center to Cobh, which is both an efficient and enjoyable way to reach the town. 

If you plan to reach Cobh from Dublin, you can take a train or bus, which take 3 and 4 hours, respectively, with a change in Cork.

Where To Stay in Cobh

🛏 Commodore Hotel

The Commodore Hotel is one of the oldest purpose-built hotels in the country, offering affordable and spacious rooms that overlook Cobh Harbour and provide beautiful sea views. 

The hotel also features an elegant restaurant serving gourmet traditional Irish and Mediterranean cuisine made with local ingredients. 

Additionally, as the hotel is located on the seafront, it is conveniently situated near most of Cobh’s attractions, like the Cobh Heritage Centre and the Lusitania Memorial. 

Lovely old style hotel with lots of history! Situated on the seafront central to everything in the town. Staff are very helpful and friendly.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ian, jan 2o24

➡ CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY FOR commodore hotel

🛏 WatersEdge Hotel

The WatersEdge Hotel is conveniently located near the town’s train station, offering spacious rooms with amenities such as cable TV and Wi-Fi access. 

Additionally, the hotel offers a bistro-style restaurant, which provides picturesque views of Cork Harbour, while the hotel’s bar features a wide selection of drinks and a balcony overlooking the bay. 

The hotel is also near various attractions, including the Cobh Heritage Centre and the Cathedral of St Colman. 

Right on the water & the rooms were spectacular!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ aleana, jan 2024

➡ CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY FOR watersedge hotel

🛏 Bella Vista Hotel

The Bella Vista Hotel is a luxurious Victorian villa offering spacious rooms with modern amenities and beautiful sea views.

The hotel also features a traditional cozy Irish bar, the Full Rustic Bar, offering a great selection of whiskeys and refreshing cold Guinness beer.

Additionally, the Continental Restaurant serves European and Chinese cuisine, while guests can also enjoy a buffet breakfast each morning, with options ranging from homemade bread and muffins to a full Irish breakfast. 

The hotel is conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from Cobh town center and offers fishing opportunities at the nearby harbor. Bella Vista Hotel can cater to fishing groups by arranging boat hire, fishing tackle, and equipment for fishing trips.

The room was spacious and warm and the staff were pleasant and even humorous, I was very happy with the service.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ robin, dec 2023

➡ CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY FOR bella vista hotel

How Long To Stay in Cobh?

As you can see, Cobh has a rich maritime history and numerous attractions, so it’s recommended to spend at least two to three days to fully explore the town and landmarks such as Spike Island and Fota Wildlife Park. 

However, if you’re interested only in a select few of the top things to do and see, you can spend one night in this lovely little town or visit it as a day trip from Cork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts: 14 Best Things To Do in Cobh

Undoubtedly, Cobh is a hidden gem offering a plethora of unique experiences. From fascinating historical tours and outdoor adventures to ghost stories from Spike Island and the scattering of the Irish, Cobh will surely leave you a lasting impression. 

So, if you’re planning a trip to Ireland, make sure to include Cobh in your Ireland itinerary and indulge in the 14 best things this charming town has to offer.