12 Best Things To Do In Cobh, Ireland

I have visited Cobh many times it’s one of my favorite places in Ireland. I particularly love the Titanic Experience, the ‘Deck Of Cards’ houses and Spike Island.

If this is your first time visiting Cobh in Cork Ireland this is the article for you.

So if your first time in this amazing town let me hold your hand and guide you through all there is to see and do. Let me share the best things to do in Cobh so you can start planning.

Cobh (pronounced Cove) is located on the south coast of Ireland in County Cork. It’s a fascinating historical port town, a center of naval headquarters and has played a significant role in Irelands history. 

One the best things about Cobh is all the colorful houses, if you know me you know how much I love colorful houses. Oh and fun fact Cobh was once known as Queenstown.

So grab a drink, get a comfy seat and let me walk you through planning a trip to Cobh.

Wondering when is the best time to visit Ireland? I’ve got you.

12 Best Things To Do In Cobh, Ireland

Visit the Titanic Museum

I’m telling you put a visit to the Titanic Visitor Experience Cobh top of your list. I found this place absolutely fascinating. 

This special museum was once the original White Star Line Ticket Office, the departing point for passengers of the Titanic in April 1912. It was the last port of call before it’s fateful journey.

123 passengers boarded the ship in Cobh, but only 44 survived the sinking of the ship. This museum takes you on a detailed interactive journey of the Titanic and delves into the lives of its passengers. 

It’s a poignant immersive experience from the boarding card you are given to discovering the conditions on board and the events that lead to the disaster. It’s one of the best attractions in Cobh.

For me the most moving part was learning the fate of the passenger whose boarding card I held. I wont give anything away but I did shed a tear. 

If you are wondering what to do in Cobh I can’t recommend this enough. It is also one of the things to do with kids in Cobh.

Take a Photo with the Deck of Cards Houses

23 bright colorful homes stacked together on a steep hill, yes this is the kind of view I love.  

Called the ‘Deck Of Cards’ houses after a local joke saying that if the house at the bottom falls the rest will topple. These 1850’s houses create a stunning panoramic you won’t want to miss. 

To get the iconic view do not follow the GPS location instead follow this location which is simple called ‘Park’. You will then need to climb up a small hill and the view awaits. 

If you want to take a photo with the cathedral in you will need a very wide lens.  This is a must-see in Cobh Cork.

Grab Some Quiet Time At St. Colman’s Cathedral

St. Colman’s Cathedral is a great example of neo-Gothic architecture and has extraordinary features, such as a bell weighing 3.6 tons and an organ with 2,468 pipes.

It is gorgeous inside and I could have stayed there all day. This is an active church so just be respectful of activities that might be going on inside. 

One of the Cobh activities you won’t want to miss.

Learn about Annie Moore

You have probably never heard of Annie Moore but this Cobh native was the first person to pass immigrant inspection at Ellis Island. At 17 in 1892 she arrived in the US to start her new life. 

A statue of Moore is outside the Cobh Heritage Center to mark her significance. She stands with her arms around her siblings, an emblem of the 3.5 million other Irish immigrants who went on a similar journey across the sea.

This is one of the free things to do in Cobh so make sure you take a look.

Visit the Cobh Heritage Center

Since you are now outside the heritage center you might as well go in. Here you can learn more about the Irish emigration and Cobh’s military and naval history.

This museum which is et in a restored Victorian railway station is full of stores of the lives touch by this town.  You will learn about years of Irish history the great famine and much more.

The Cobh Heritage Center even has a genealogist and a record finder so you can trace your own family history (it’s best to book your session in advance). 

If genealogy and real life stories are the way a place comes to life for you then this is the best places to visit in Cobh.

Discover Spike Island

I just had to take a tour around Spike Island if only because it sounds so intriguing. Its a must-see in Cobh Cork.

The earliest record of the island are from the 7th century, where it is believed to have been the site of a monastery. Since then is has been a fortress a defense post and finally a prison. 

The island held convicts, prior to penal transportation. Today it is a tourist destination. 

Tours of the island include the ferry ride to and from Kennedy Pier. On the island you will see various prison cells, the star-shaped Fort Mitchel, coastal defense weapons, and brilliant harbor views. 

I found the trip fascinating and I highly recommend it if you have time. This is one of the best things to do in Cobh.

Go on a Guided Walking Tour of Cobh

I do love a good walking tour with a local guide. I find you get to see so much and some unique elements when you get out on foot. 

There are several walking tour options in Cobh and you can pick the ones you wish to do based on your schedule and level of interest. 

I did the Historic Walking Tour. This 2 hour tour visited 16 areas around Cobh and you learn all about the stories and people around historic events. 

I also think the 3 hour Cultural Tour, sound fascinating. It includes a Titanic Trail guided tour and a visit to the Queenstown Story Heritage Center. When I next go I’ll also do the Titanic Trail.

I find walking tours one of the best activities in Cobh.

Enjoy Sea Views in Kennedy Park

I always love to find some green space wherever I am visiting and Cobh was no exception. Kennedy Park  is of coarse named after U.S. President John F. Kennedy, who visited the area in 1963. 

The park overlooks Cobh harbor and the views are incredible. I went for a  peaceful stroll by the water’s edge and I found it such a welcome break. 

The park also features a kid’s playground, memorials to notable figures such as Robert Ford (Antarctic explorer), and a statue by American artist Mary Gregory called “The Navigator.” Oh and there are also two cannons nearby that date back to the 19th century.

It’s one of the free things to do in Cobh and a great way to relax a while.

Walk Around the Colorful Cobh Downtown

Yes the House of Cards are not the only colorful places in Cohn. Downtown is awash with colorful houses and shops and quaint architecture and scenery. 

I love walking around the downtown areas when I visit a new place. It’s a fun way to meet the local residents and discover what makes this town so special. 

So just put on your comfy shoes and go exploring. 

See the Animals at Fota Wildlife Park

A short drive away for Cohn is a place the children are going to love. This 100-acre wildlife park located on Fota Island, near Carrigtwohill is one of the one of the leading tourism, wildlife and conservation attractions in Ireland. 

Fota has a great variety of animals that you can encounter, such as lions, giraffes, tigers, Macaws, seals, and penguins. They have talks, animal feedings and regular demonstrations that will keep the children occupied all day. 

If you are wondering what to do in Cobh give this place a try. I spent a full day here and still didn’t see everything so I would allocated a whole day here if you can. You can drive there easily or get a train to the park’s own train station. 

This is one of the things to do with kids in Cobh.

Grab a Guinness in a Pub

Every time I go to Ireland I make sure I visit at least one Irish pub. I don’t drink alcohol but I love the atmosphere. 

I’m told there is nothing like drinking one of Ireland’s famous concoctions and while I can’t say if that’s true you can to give it a go, right? 

Guinness was introduced in Dublin, Ireland, in 1759 and has since then become a icon and one of Irelands best brews. This is one of the things to do for adults in Cobh.

I would suggest you stop by a pub in Cobh’s main square and enjoy a Guinness or two.  Some of the best pubs in Cobh are Kelly’s Bar, The Roaring Donkey, and The Rob Roy, all of which have a lively, welcoming atmosphere and will ensure you have a good pint.  

Go On A Titanic Ghost Tour

While in Cobh if spooky things are your bag then a ghost tour is a must. This Titanic Ghost Tour is a unique way to experience this city.

Every local I spoke to when here had a story to tell me about spooky sightings and eerie noises. On this ghost tour you will learn about a ghost of a young Irish emigrant, the haunting of Pillars Bar, and the ghostly cries of a child at a local hotel.

As you wander the dark street of Cobh you wile hear tales of the paranormal and hauntings before stopping for a final cocktail.

I enjoyed this tour and feel like it is one of the best things to do in Cobh.

Getting To And Around Cobh

If you are wondering how to get to Cobh I’ve got you.

Cobh is quite accessible as it’s only 20/30 minutes away from Cork. When in Ireland I always drive but you can get here by train, bus or ferry. Here are some Ireland driving tips.

Cork’s main train station, Kent Station, has a line that runs right in downtown Cobh in 25 minutes. You can find a timetable here. There is a also an hourly train from Dublin that will take about 2.5 hours. 

A bus leaves Cork from Patrick’s Quay and makes a number of stops around Cobh. A bus from Dublin will take about 3.5 hours.  

The Cross River Ferry runs non-stop from 6:30am to 9:30pm and takes about five minutes. 

Once in the town it’s so walkable you really won’t need to worry about transport. 

As you can see visiting Cobh In Cork Ireland is easier than you might think.

How Long To Spend In Cobh

Don’t make the mistake of thinking this place is so small that there isn’t much to do. For a small place it is bursting with things to do.  There are so many Cobh activities to enjoy.

I would recommend staying in Cobh for at least 1-2 nights so you can get a real taste of what this town has to offer.

I have taken a day trip here but I found there simply isn’t enough time to see everything. But if you only have a day, that’s all you have so just plan ahead and organize yourself well beforehand.  

A visit to Cobh is one of the best things to do in Ireland.

Where to stay in Cobh

Cobh has several great choices on where to stay here are a few of my favorites. They all have great locations for exploring Cobh Ireland.

The Commodore Hotel

Right on the seafront, the Commodore Hotel overlooks Kennedy Park and gives you incredible views of the harbor. The Cobh Heritage Center is only 1,000 feet away, and St. Colman’s Cathedral is right around the corner. This location can’t be beaten and you will also love the free WIFI, hotel restaurant, and comfortable décor. 

Knockeven House.

Want to stay in an upscale house for a fraction of the price? Try Knockeven House, with an absolutely gorgeous interior full of classic, vintage furnishings. It’s only a mile from St. Colman’s Cathedral and the Cobh Heritage Center, and three miles to Fota Wildlife Park. Enjoy free WIFI and parking, peaceful scenic views, and a gracious, friendly hostess.

Bella Vista Hotel and Self-Catering Suites.

This charming family-owned hotel overlooks the harbor and gives you a great lookout over the water. Bella Vista Hotel is a five-minute walk into town and is just down the road from the Deck of Cards Houses, St. Colman’s Cathedral, and Cobh Heritage Center, putting you in the best position possible to enjoy all the fun things to do in Cobh. Your stay includes free WIFI, free parking, and a Continental Restaurant known for its delicious buffet breakfast. This hotel is also pet-friendly, a great option if you have an animal traveling companion with you.

Cobh Rooms with a View

Another waters-edge property, this delightful house is just an eight-minute walk to St. Colman’s Cathedral and 600 feet away from the Cobh Heritage Center. Cobh Rooms with a View comes with a full private bathroom, a flat-screen TV, free WIFI, and a stunning view of the sea from your window. Just down the street is where you can wait for your Spike Island Tour or visit the Titanic Museum. 

Cobh really does have something for everyone and I hope this guide has helped you in planning a trip to Cobh . 

I know you will love this place as much as I do. If this is your first time to Cobh in Cork Ireland and you have questions please ask.