What to see and do in Cobh, Ireland

Cobh is a seaport town on the south coast Ireland

Cobh was known as Queenstown from 1849 until 1920.  The town was the departure point for 2.5 million Irish people who emigrated to North America between 1848 and 1950. On the waterfront is a statue of Annie Moore and her brothers. Annie Moore was the first person to be admitted to the United States of America through the new immigration center at Ellis Island, New York on 1 January 1892.

We visited Cobh on 6/16/2022.  While there, we walked through the town and walked up the stairs to St Colman's cathedral. A traveling exhibit of a large globe was being displayed in the cathedral.  We also visited the Cobh Heritage Centre and had a pint of beer in a local pub.

Cobh has a rich history and is known for several important events that took place there. One of the most significant events in the town's history was the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912. Cobh was the final port of call for the Titanic before it set out on its fateful voyage across the Atlantic, and many of the victims of the tragedy were brought back to Cobh. Today, visitors can learn more about the Titanic at the Titanic Experience museum in Cobh.

Another notable event in Cobh's history was the mass emigration of Irish people to North America during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Cobh was a major departure point for many Irish emigrants, and today visitors can learn more about this period in Irish history at the Cobh Heritage Centre.

In addition to its historical significance, Cobh is also known for its colorful buildings, picturesque harbor, and charming streets. The town is a popular tourist destination and is often visited by cruise ships that dock in the harbor. Visitors to Cobh can enjoy a range of activities, including walking tours, boat trips, and visits to local restaurants and pubs.

Overall, Cobh is a fascinating and beautiful town with a rich history that is well worth a visit for anyone traveling to Ireland.

Looking for things to do?  Viator offers numerous tours in the Cobh area. Click here for details.

The Cobh Heritage Centre is a museum is attached to Cobh railway station. It has exhibits on life in Ireland, mass emigration, the Great Famine, the RMS Titanic, and on the sinking of the RMS Lusitania

On 11 April 1912, Cobh was the final port of call for the RMS Titanic before she set out across the Atlantic on the last leg of her maiden voyage.

The Lusitania Peace Memorial honors another ship to be associated with the town. The Cunard passenger liner RMS Lusitania, was sunk by a German U-boat off the Old Head of Kinsale while enroute from the US to Liverpool on 7 May 1915. 1,198 passengers died, while 700 were rescued. The survivors and the dead alike were brought to the town.

On a high point in the town stands St Colman's cathedral. Standing at 300 ft.  It is one of the tallest buildings in Ireland.

Stairs from the town up to the cathedral.

An Irish pub in Cobh.