As a student in Cork City, you might want to take a day trip to Cobh to have a glance at a typical Irish town and be stunned by the many colourful houses.
The city of Cobh is also very well connected to Cork, it takes just about 25 minutes by train or 30 by bus. But what’s so special about this little town? Let’s discover it.
HISTORY OF COBH
Originally named Queenstown by Queen Victoria, the name was changed to Cobh (pronounced Cove) during the war for Irish independence. During the 19th century, the town became an important naval military base.
During this time the harbour of Cobh became also important for Irish people emigrating to the U.S. hoping to find a better life.
TITANIC
In Cobh, you will see many references to the Titanic as it was the final port of call before the ship set out to the Atlantic for its maiden voyage, of the 123 passengers who boarded at Cobh only 44 survived.
Still to this day, Cobh is an important port for large cruise liners attracting tourists to the town and the city of Cork too.
You can have a fully guided tour through this historical event at the Titanic’s Experience, which is located in the original White Star Line tickets office (the company that owned the Titanic at the time). You could then relax at the Titanic’s memorial gardens and have a look at the town and port of Cobh.
WHAT ELSE TO VISIT
When you’re in Cobh you can’t miss having a walk-through deck of cards houses, a series of colourful houses located on a slanted uphill street next to the St Colman’s Cathedral, one of the most scenic. Cathedrals in the country due to its massive size and neo-gothic style.
Next to the Titanic’s experience, you can have a picnic at the promenade a beautiful park in memory of J.F. Kennedy with a view of the harbour, a playground, and lots of seats surrounded by antique cannons, as well as a spectacular view of the St Colman’s cathedral.
SPIKE ISLAND
This is a little island reachable by ferry from Cobh, famous for its military fortress and prison also because of its strategic location at the entrance of Cork Harbour. The first fortification of the island dates back to 1779. Later in 1847, the island was used as a prison also to deal with the higher number of thefts during the great famine, the prison became known as Ireland’s Alcatraz as It grew in size until the mid-19th century. Since 2015 the island with its fort and prison has become a tourist attraction.
So, when planning a quick trip from the charming city of Cork, be sure to set aside some time to explore this captivating town – you won't be disappointed.
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