Situated on the shores of the second largest natural harbour in the world, Cobh is only 30 minutes by car or train from Cork City. The town is steeped in history and culture where every person, every pier and even the stunning architecture has a story to tell.
The Titanic’s last port of call before embarking on her fatal maiden voyage, Cobh is situated in the lush coastal playground that is Cork Harbour and, backed by rolling hills, it is a destination of choice for anyone who just loves to be by the sea. An abundance of tourist attractions and activities make Cobh the ideal spot for your next getaway; be it a day trip, overnight, weekend or longer break. There is plenty to see and do whatever your interests.
As well as having some great on land attractions such as Cobh Heritage Centre, Titanic Experience Cobh, Cobh Road Train and Escapade Cobh, getting on the water provides a great experience too. Self-Drive boat tours with Cork Harbour Boat Hire, sea angling and sailing tuition and a visit to Ireland’s Alcatraz, Spike Island, are fantastic experiences. A myriad of festivals and events complement the views, scenery, attractions and activities that Cobh has to offer.
April sees the first of over sixty Cruise Liners visit Cobh, with these magnificent ships tying up right in the centre of town. The Titanic Memorial ceremony takes place on 9 April then its action all the way throughout the summer with a succession of events.
In May, Cobh’s Readers and Writers Festival returns for the second year renamed CAFÉ Cobh Arts Festival (1 – 7 May) and the Ukulele Festival also returns for the second year (26 – 28 May). The Cork Harbour Festival from (3 – 11 June) incorporates the Ocean to City rowing race from the mouth of Cork Harbour to Cork City on 3 June. There will be free events on Sunday 4 June, including crab fishing from the Promenade in Cobh, while Cobh’s natural amphitheatre will also play host to the South of Ireland Pipe Band Championships.
Summer Swing sessions and live music on the Victorian bandstand in the Promenade on the waterfront will also be a feature of every Sunday afternoon from May until September. At the end of June 2017, Cobh’s maritime connections are strongly embraced when the annual Trad Sail Festival Regatta takes place from 30 June to 2 July.
Australia Day in Cobh is celebrated on 7 July 2017. To mark the arrival of a ship full of Australians to Cobh as part of their around the world 104 night cruise, the town will roll out the red carpet for the seventh time and celebrate “down under – right here” while giving the Australians a taste of Cobh hospitality, free open air entertainment and craic.
One of the highlights of the summer each year in Cobh is the annual regatta which takes place every August. This three-day festival is a land lubber’s feast of entertainment.
Cobh people are justifiably proud of world class athlete Sonia O’Sullivan whose statue now stands in her hometown, with St. Colman’s Cathedral as a backdrop. The statue is a magnificent work of art that needs to be seen to be appreciated.
It is no surprise then that Cobh hosts many high profile sporting events each year. The Jailbreak Triathlon sees participants swim from Spike Island and then go on to complete both the running and cycling section of the triathlon, finishing in the town centre.
The Great Island 10 mile Road Race which takes place in April has been voted the best 10 mile Road Race for three years in a row. This year, Sonia O’Sullivan’s home club, Ballymore Cobh Athletic Club, will host a half marathon event in August and the annual Cork to Cobh Road Race takes place in October.
Also in September, Cobh Blues Festival celebrates over a decade in existence. This three-day festival is full of free live music in several venues around the town and attracts musicians and tourists from all around the world each year.
Cobh will once again be alive with events and activities this year to compliment the wide range of tourist attractions making it the perfect spot for your next getaway.
Comments are closed.