Cobh, Ireland

[cruisesusie]

Hi,

 

I'm looking for info on Cobh. Is it easy to do on your own or would a private guide be better. What are the "must see things" - we love to walk and spend time outdoors - also anything historical would be of interest. Thanks for any information.

 

Susan

[phabric]

We have booked with http://www.ecoach.ie for our August 11, 2012 port of call, after many have recommended this coach tour company.

[KirkNC]

We have booked with www.ecoach.ie for our August 11, 2012 port of call, after many have recommended this coach tour company.

 

We are doing the exact same thing, it gets good recommendations and you can't beat the price.

 

Kirk

[cruisesusie]

Thanks for the recommendation - I'll check them out.

 

Susan

[helpthejuggler]

You can certainly see Cobh on your own as you dock right in the town. There are a few steep hills but the Cathedral is worth the effort. The local bars (for a swift Murphy's) are also good fun. Some bars have music and are lively. It was very wet on our visit which limited our time to walk around.

 

Ships dock right alongside the railway station where you can get the train into Cork (around 7 Euro return - approx 30 minutes each way). From Cork station it is 10-15 minute walk to the city. On your return there is a heritage centre at the railway station which is worth a look if you have time.

 

In Cork I'd recommend the English Market and just strolling around town.

 

I heard good things about Kinsale which we did not visit.

 

Have fun

[hubofhockey]

We are doing the exact same thing, it gets good recommendations and you can't beat the price.

 

Kirk

 

We're doing the same thing too for our cruise. I'm not sure how much time there will be left at the end for Cobh. But I like the itinerary and many on our roll call are doing it. Should be fun and looking forward to Kinsale and Cork City as well.

[Post Captain]

Hi,

 

I'm looking for info on Cobh. Is it easy to do on your own or would a private guide be better. What are the "must see things" - we love to walk and spend time outdoors - also anything historical would be of interest. Thanks for any information.

 

Susan

Susan ~

 

Cobh itself, seen from the ship, is one of the most attractive port towns I know. Be sure to be up on deck (early in the morning) when you sail into Cobh, and again when you sail away.

 

http://www.cork-guide.ie/cobh.htm

 

http://www.cork-guide.ie/cobh/photo_gallery.html

 

The town is eminently walkable, albeit hilly. The St. Coleman's Cathedral is well worth the uphill stroll.

 

Also, if you're at all interested in the history of Irish immigration to the New World, check out The Queenstown Story exhibit, inside the train station, right at the quayside:

 

http://www.cobhheritage.com/index2.html

 

If you want to forgo an excursion to Cork in favor of something more low-key and scenic, I highly recommend visiting Fota House, a 10- 15-minute train ride from Cobh. A lovely house, with even lovelier gardens:

 

http://www.fotahouse.com/

 

Cheers,

 

Post Captain,

hoping you did not need the use of a dingy or jolly boat in Wayne during the recent flooding

[cruisesusie]

Thanks Post Captain for all the information. I'll check out all the links. Fortunately we stayed dry with the recent floods, but many were not as lucky in our area.

 

Susan

[gosport11]

I will 2nd a vist to Fota house, its well worth it :)

[Missus Makkem]

best Sailaway ever is out of Cobh harbour, the locals come out of their houses and wave whatever they can be it hankies/teatowels or baners wonderful.

left once at twilight and people turned on their car headlights as we drifted away, great memories of a lovely place.

[Princess Patches]

I loved Cobh. It was delightful. If you have Irish ancestry be sure to take a look at the statue of Annie Moore and her brothers on the waterfront and the Heritage Center.

[Chester & Brewster]

It depends if you want to just stay in Cobh or venture further afield to Cork, Blarney or Kinsale.

Cork is easy on the train as previously mentioned, and you can get the bus to Blarney from Cork (No. 224, check http://www.buseireann.ie)

Kinsale is more difficult on your own, as you cannot get public transport from Cobh to Kinsale direct.

Fota house is another option although I have no first hand experience as I've ...gasp...never been!! :D