This historic port town on Ireland's south coast was the Titanic's final stop in 1912. Its colorful houses line steep streets leading to St. Colman's Cathedral.
Cobh rises on the slopes of Great Island in Cork Harbour, where maritime history runs deep through its streets. You can trace the final steps of Titanic passengers at the White Star Line office, listen to the 49 bells of St Colman's Cathedral ring across the water, or explore the cells of a 19th-century prison on Spike Island. Along West View street, the town's painted houses step up the hillside like cards, each one higher than the next.
Exploring the Titanic Story at White Star Line Office
The Titanic Experience, located in the original White Star Line ticket office, tells the stories of 123 passengers who boarded the ship in Cobh on April 11, 1912. Through interactive exhibits and guided tours, you'll learn about the passengers' final hours before boarding and their ultimate fates. The building itself remains unchanged since 1912, allowing you to walk the same halls as those final passengers. The tour includes a virtual reality experience of the Titanic's departure from Cork Harbour.
Climbing to St Colman's Cathedral
St Colman's Cathedral rises 100 meters above Cobh's skyline with its neo-Gothic spire. Built between 1868 and 1919, the cathedral contains one of Europe's largest carillons with 49 bells. You can attend bell recitals during summer months as the sound carries across the harbor. Inside, you'll find stone carvings depicting biblical scenes, 47 stained glass windows, and marble columns supporting the vaulted ceiling.
Visiting Spike Island
A 15-minute ferry takes you to Spike Island, where Ireland's largest prison held inmates in the 1850s. The star-shaped fort has been a monastery, military fortress, and prison during its 1,300-year history. Walk through the cells, exercise yards, and underground tunnels while guides explain the stories of past prisoners. From the fort's walls, you can see across Cork Harbour to Cobh and the surrounding coastline.
Photographing the Deck of Cards Houses
West View street, known locally as the Deck of Cards, climbs steeply with its row of painted Victorian-era homes. Each house sits one step higher than its neighbor, creating a stepped effect along the hill. Visit in early morning when sunlight hits the painted facades, making them stand out against the harbor backdrop. At the top of the street, a viewing area looks out over Cork Harbour.
Getting Around Cobh
Trains run between Cobh and Cork city every 30 minutes, with the journey taking about 25 minutes. The 1862 train station sits next to the harbor. You can walk to most attractions in Cobh, though some streets have steep inclines. During summer, a road train circles through town with stops at main sights. Cork Airport is a 30-minute drive from Cobh.
Experiencing Local Events
The Cobh People's Regatta brings the waterfront to life each August with live music and water sports. Local musicians perform while sailing races take place in the harbor. The evening ends with fireworks over the water. Throughout summer, cruise ships dock in the harbor, bringing additional activity to the waterfront cafes and shops.
