Cobh is a beautiful little town situated in Cork city’s harbour and is one of the hardest to pronounce Irish place names. It is well known all over the world for the simple fact that Cobh was the Titanic’s last port of call before heading out into open sea.
Since then it has become a place that tourists from all over the world come to visit. But it’s not just the allure of the Titanic that draws people to this place.
We’ve put together an amazing itinerary outlining how to spend a full day in Cobh.
You’ll experience the best food, things to do and of course learn all about this town’s amazing history…
Morning
Breakfast at Coffee Cove
Opening at nine o’clock bright and early, this café is located just minutes from Lynch’s Quay in Cobh.
The café is beautifully decorated and serves a wide variety of warm beverages; including herbal tea, kid’s hot chocolate, and Americano.
The breakfast menu is served all day long, meaning you can take an early or late breakfast.
Choose from the likes of a jumbo breakfast roll, a tasty omelette or french toast and bacon.
There is a mini breakfast on the menu, suitable for the little ones.
Address: w, 15 West Beach, Cobh, Co. Cork, Ireland
The Queenstown Story Cobh Heritage Centre, Cobh
Just a four-minute walk along the quay will bring you to Cork Heritage Centre.
The centre is open seven days a week all year round! Admission prices are very reasonable and a visit to this location is one of the best things to do in Cobh.
The centre is located within the old Victorian railway station, an important part in the history of emigration in Cobh.
Some of the exhibitions on display are as follows: emigration from Ireland during the time of the Great Famine, life on the coffin ships on which thousands of Irish people would have desperately sought a better life in America.
There is also an exhibition exploring the Lusitania, which was torpedoed off the coast of Kinsale, Co Cork, resulting in the deaths of 1,198 people.
There is also the opportunity to research your personal family history too as there is a genealogist on site able to research your ancestors.
Address: The Queenstown Story @ Cobh Heritage Centre Deepwater Quay Tel 021 4813591 Deepwater Quay, Cobh, Co. Cork, P24 CY67, Ireland
Titanic Experience Cobh
The first stop on the itinerary is the Titanic Experience. Located in the original White Star Line ticker office, the building is still standing since its creation in the early 19th century.
Each visitor is given a boarding card detailing the story of one of the real-life passengers who boarded the ill-fated ship in 1912.
Your tour guide will tell you all about life on board the Titanic, the differences in conditions for first and third-class passengers.
The guided tour itself lasts half an hour, after that you can explore the exhibits at your leisure and discover whether or not the passenger on your boarding card survived!
Address: 20 Casement Square, Kilgarvan, Cobh, Co. Cork, P24 DW63, Ireland
Titanic Bar & Grill
On site of the Titanic Experience is a restaurant that has been highly recommended by visitors to the museum.
There are regular music performers at the venue, a mixture of electronic and acoustic performers to suit all music tastes.
There are menus for adults and children, with a lot seafood on the menu to suit the nautical theme.
Try the Atlantic seafood chowder or the mussels as a starter. Or treat yourself to the fresh catch of the day.
It is the dessert menu however that will tickle your tastebuds. Baked Alaska? A Titanic chocolate brownie?
The allergens in each dish are displayed clearly, so diets of all kinds are catered for.
If you eat your meal outside, you’re treated to a beautiful view of the harbour, what more could you want?
Address: 20 Casement Square, Kilgarvan, Cobh, Co. Cork, Ireland
Afternoon
For the afternoon, there are two fantastic destinations to mention.
However, because Spike Island and Fota Wildlife take a few hours to explore in full, it is best to choose between them and leave the remaining for your next trip to Cobh.
Option A: Spike Island
Just a ferry ride from Kennedy Pier is the ominous Spike Island off the coast of Cobh.
The island was opened as a tourist attraction in 2016. There have been many uses for the island in the last 1,300 years; a monastery built in the 6th century for example.
Today, the Island is home to Fort Mitchel which is 200 years old. The star-shaped fort was used as a prison and held up to 2,300 inmates at full capacity.
You can visit the island during the day, or dare visit it for one of the islands After Dark tours.
Option B: Fota Wildlife Park
The last option in this list is Fota Wildlife Park. Situated just 10 minutes outside Cobh by car, the wildlife is a must-see for both adults and children.
There are many different activities on offer at the park. The warden experience enables visitors to witness firsthand the work that the wardens do; feeding animals such as penguins and watching up close the process of feeding the park’s cheetahs.
Other animals you can see are lions, lemurs, monkeys, flamingos, zebras and so much more. It truly is an unforgettable experience.
Address: Fota, Carrigtohill, Co. Cork, Ireland
Evening
Dinner and drinks at The Quays Bar & Restaurant
Located right next to a view of Spike Island and the harbour, The Quays is a must to have a casual snack before beginning your exploration of Cobh.
The restaurant has its own private marina, meaning you can eat your meal with beautiful scenery all around you.
The menu includes classic favourites such as toasted specials and cajun chicken wrap.
Seafood choices include the salmon and shrimp salad and the seafood tagliatelle.
Not to worry, there are plenty of vegetarian options available on the menu too.
Address: Westbourne Pl, Kilgarvan, Cobh, Co. Cork, Ireland
