Cobh

Cobh previousely know as Queenstown was the last port of call for the ill fated Titanic which sailed from here on 14 April 1912. Come and relive the experience at The Cobh Heritage Centre

Queenstown, as the East Cork Town of Cobh was earlier called, before reverting to its old Irish name in 1922 - the Cobh (cove) of Cork. Is there anywhere in Ireland more full of poignant memories than this embarkation point for America.

From here hundreds of thousands of mostly hungry and penniless Irish men and women left to build a new life, especially in the Famine years of 1844-48. Many thrived and prospered, but many died on the journey in the terrible travelling conditions of the time.

Cobh is a pleasant waterside town, with brightly coloured houses where its streets climb the steep slope of a hill, the top of which is crowned by the imposing Cobh Cathedral St. Coleman's Cathedral with its carillon of 47 bells. East Corks most impressive Cathedral. Cobh is situated on Great Island, one of the three large islands in Cork harbour which are all now joined by roads and bridges - Little Island and Fota are the other islands.

The harbour in Cobh, is one of the largest and safest anywhere, being capable of taking the largest vessels afloat. The great Transatlantic liners used to come in to Cobh, up to the 1950s. Today Cobh offers a dedicated area for Cruise Liners in Cobh and can have up to 50 Liners call to Cobh annually during the Summer.

In Cobh town centre there is a memorial to the victims of the Lusitania, many of whom are buried in Cobh's Old Church Cemetery. The ship was sunk off Kinsale in 1915 by a German submarine, an action which was responsible for bringing the United States of America into the Great War, the survivors were brought back here. Another unhappy association is with the Titanic, 'the safest liner in the world'. Queenstown was her last port of call on her fateful maiden voyage.

A statue to Annie Moore can be seen on the quayside a tribute to those who had to leave Cobh and all over Ireland during the Famine years. Annie Moore became the first ever emigrant to be processed in Ellis Island.

The Queenstown Story is based in the disused portions of the old Victorian railway station at a Cobh Heritage Centre This highly imaginative visitor attraction tells the story of emigration from Cobh in the period of the famine in 1845 up to the era of the great Liners in the 1950s. The historical role which Cobh harbour has played as a port is also illustrated. At Cobh, one looks over Haulbowline and Spike Islands, formerly the base of the Irish Naval Service. To the east, Cork Harbour leads to East Ferry. Roches Point can be seen to the south. To the south west is the yachting centre of Crosshaven.

Cobh, in the Summer months, has a number of Festivals to be enjoyed, such as the Festival on the Hill in July, Cobh People's Regatta in August and Cobh International Deep Sea Angling Festival in September. You could also be lucky enough to hear some great music coming from the the lovely Victorian bandstand (The Prom) in Cobh's Kennedy Park on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Cobh Cathedral also hosts Carillon Concerts at St. Colmans Cathedral in Cobh.

With Cobh's water side location, there is easy access to some great Sailing in Cobh, Boat Trips from Cobh including a Tour of Spike Island and around Cork Harbour and lots of water sports so you will not be bored on your visit to Cobh. At Cobh, one looks over Haulbowline and Spike Islands, formerly the base of the Irish Naval Service

Call in to see the many exhibitions or music events which are hosted at Sirius Arts Centre in Cobh.

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Cruise ships calling to Cobh this Summer. - details supplied by the Port of Cork.

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