COBH, IRELAND - On Your Own

A stroll around the village of Cobh has a lot to offer for the visitor, especially for the historian or those of us with Irish Roots!

1. Railway Station - The train station at Cobh is right at the Cruise Terminal; 1 minute walk.

2. The Heritage Centre - Located in part of the old train station The Heritage Centre is well designed with a welcoming cafe, souvenir shop and the ticket booth for the Queenstown story.

The Queenstown Story is an historic exhibition that will take you back in time when good men, women and children suffered great hardships. It relates to a very sad portion of Irish history but it is told sensitively. The Queenstown Story tells in graphic detail the nautical history of Cork Harbour from where thousands of emigrants set sail for the new world. The exhibition explores the conditions aboard the coffin ships, details of Cobh's connections with the ill-fated Titanic and relives the horror of the sinking Lusitania. Visitors can experience an intriguing exhibition arranged into different eras. There are displays on the Titanic, the Lusitania, the potato famine, Irish immigration, the cruise ships, the coffin ships, and the convict ships .
Cost is €7.10 for an adult €4 for a child up to 18 years, and €6 for students and seniors. Children under 8 are free. Website: HERE

Outside the railway station you will see a small statue dedicated to Anni Moore and her two brothers. She was the first immigrant ever to be processed on Ellis Island and her statue must be without a doubt the single most photographed item in town. In 1892, on January 1, she was processed through the brand new facility on Ellis Island, New York. Thus, a second statue of Annie was constructed on Ellis Island.

3. Fota Wildlife Park and Fota House - Located about 3 miles from Cobh.

FOTA House & Arboretum. This fine Regency-style building in a pleasant landscape setting on Fota Island, is complemented by the internationally renowned gardens and arboretum. The gardens are magnificent and filled with color and a pleasure to stroll. The House is a celebration of fine craftsmanship and has a particularly well appointed kitchen. It reflects well the life-style of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Today visitors are welcome to see the House itself and to enjoy the fare provided in the tea-room.
FOTA Wildlife Park is not like an ordinary zoo. Many of the animals thrive in a free-range environment, which allows them to roam free, while mixed with other species and human visitors! Open: Monday to Saturday 10am to 4:30 p. m.; Sunday 11a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visits to the park can last up to 3 hours. Entry to Fota Gardens is free, the charges mentioned below are for the wildlife park only. Children will really enjoy this excursion. A visit to FOTA would take up an enjoyable full day.
Entry: €11.50 Adult, €7 Student (Group and family discounts)

FOTA E-mail: HERE FOTA Website: HERE

St. Coleman's Cathedral - well worth the 20 minute walk to the top of the hill for the harbour views alone. From almost anywhere in Cobh you can see St. Colman's Cathedral, just built last century. It has beautiful Gothic details and a carillon, like a piano but with bell tones. A couple of notes are played every hour. The floor is very striking, with intricately mosaic green and white Celtic emblems on a deep red background. Huge marble pillars, stained glass windows, carved oak and mosaic tiles all lend a solemn air to this building. The Cathedral does not have guided tours and entry is free.

Views of St. Colman's Gothic Cathedral seen from the town . Zigzag up the hilly streets to see this beautiful Gothic Church and its gorgeous views of the city and harbor.

The Titanic Trail Guided Walking Tour
For a more thorough experience you can walk through the streets and environs of Cobh with a guide who reveals locations and incidents directly connected to the Titanic along with many other aspects of Cork harbour history and Irish heritage.
Cost: €9.50 per person. Children under 12 half price. Arranged afternoon tours €12.50 Duration: Approximately 45-60 minutes