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Cobh Heritage Centre

Between 1848 and 1950 over 6 million people left Ireland for a new life in America, and for almost half of that number Cobh was the point of departure. With its large and deep natural harbour, Cobh was a stopping point for many passenger ships en route to America from Europe and was the last port of call of the Titanic.

Another ship, the Lusitania, sank off the coast in 1915 after being torpedoed by a German submarine.

All of these dramatic and tragic events are commemorated in the Cobh Hertiage Centre, built within the now disused port railway station. A dramatic reconstructions of what life was like for the unfortunate poor escaping starvation aboard ships to the 'new world' bring home the grimness and horror of their situation.

The conditions in which they travelled are in stark contrast to the luxury enjoyed by wealthy passengers on the great ocean going liners that were regular visitors to Cobh in the heyday of transatlantic travel by sea. There is a fascinating display of artifacts and records related to these ships, with special attention paid to the ultimately tragic ships the Titanic and Lusitania.

The statue outside the centre, pictured above, is of Annie Moore who left Ireland from Cobh and was the first person processed through Ellis Island when it officially opened on 1st January 1892.

The Town of Cobh

St Colman's Cathedral, Cobh Cobh is an attractive town, built on a steep hill which rises over the harbour and is dominated by St Colman's Cathedral, a building which is also worth a visit. Luxury liners still call regularly to the harbour, so you may be lucky and see one during a visit.

The Sirius Art Centre in the Old Yacht Club is also worth visiting, with regular exhibitions many by local artists.

An interesting guided walking tour of the town, known as the Titanic Trail, leaves from the Commodore Hotel twice daily in the summer months and fills in a lot of information about the town's history as a point of emigration and a port for large ships. The tour takes about an hour and includes a pint of Guinness in a traditional pub.

How to get to Cobh and the Heritage Centre

From Cork city take the N8 to the Dunkettle interchange. From here take the N25, signposted Rosslare and Waterford.

At Tullagreine Junction, branch left (signposted Cobh). At the next roundabout take 4th exit then at next roundabout take 1st exit, still on the R624. At Fota Wildlife Park, cross the bridge and turn right. About 4 km from here you arrive at Carrigaloe, from where you can take a car ferry accross Cork Harbour to Rushbrooke which is just outside Cobh.

From Waterford take the N25 passing Lemmybrien, Dungarvan, Youghal and Castlemartyr to arrive at Tullagreine Junction, then procede as above.

Location Map for Cobh Heritage Centre

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Posted by: Morgan
10 Mar 2007, 18:17
A sad, sad place to visit, so many broken and desperate people passed through there in times past. My great grandmother was one of them. She seemed very close to me the day I visited.

Posted by: Judi
09 Oct 2007, 15:11
My sister-in-law and I stayed 2 days at a B&B in Cobh. When we first arrived a huge cruise ship was unloading passengers into tour buses going to Blarney Castle. We found out later this is a regular occurrance in Cobh during tourist season. It is a very quiet town. We visited the beautiful Cathedral, definately worth a visit and then walked around the waterfront. The weather had turned cold, windy and rainy, so we sought shelter in a pub just off the main street along the harbor and were immediately befriended by the staff and patrons who made us feel very welcome indeed. Dinner at the Commodore Hotel was suggested to us by a gentleman in the pub and it was delicious, I had the fresh fish of the day and it was done to perfection. The "Queenstown Story" was very informative and enjoyable, but so sad to hear the stories of those immigrating. I would visit again.

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