Cobh Cruises
The charming seaside town of Cobh, situated in Cork harbour, has served as a route in and out of Ireland for centuries. Formerly known as Queenstown before locals reverted back to the old Irish name in 1922, Cobh was the embarkation point for 2.5 million people who emigrated to America from the 'Emerald Isle' between 1848 and 1950, and was famously the Titanic's final port of call on her ill-fated maiden voyage in 1912.
Today, the town sat in world's second largest natural harbour, is known more for its brightly coloured houses and imposing, Gothic revival-style St. Colman's Cathedral, which overlooks the harbour from a dramatically steep hill. At the centre, a number of attractions point to Cobh's fascinating past. The Cobh Heritage Centre examines the gruelling potato famine period, the town’s museum explores Cobh's maritime heritage and the impact of RMS Lusitania's sinking nearby, and the Titanic Experience, where a virtual version of ship's infamous voyage can be experienced.
Top Experiences
St Fin Barre’s Cathedral
Cobh is one of the gateways to the beautiful city of Cork. One of Cork’s most iconic landmarks is St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, whose spires dominate the city skyline. The cathedral is located close to where St Fin Barre, the patron saint of the city, is believed to have founded a monastic school.
Blarney Stone
The world-famous Blarney Stone is a block of stone set in the wall of Blarney Castle. The stone is shrouded in legend – some say it was the rock that Moses struck to produce water for the Israelites, while others claim it was Jacob’s Pillow, brought to Ireland by the prophet Jeremiah. Thousands of people come from all over the world to kiss the stone, as doing so is said to give the gift of eloquence.
Jameson Whiskey
Having outgrown its original Dublin city home, the new Jameson Distillery is located in Midleton, County Cork, and is one of the area’s top attractions. The original buildings here date back to the 1800s, and were used to mature Cork Distillery Whiskey – which is now known as Paddy Whiskey. Visitors to the Jameson Experience can learn more about the whiskey making process, and discover the techniques and machinery involved, before sampling a taste themselves.
Cruises to Cobh
Scenic British Isles • T2217A
- Discover the beauty, history and wildlife of rugged and remote Scottish isles
- Look out for native seabirds in Shetland, Orkney and on the Isle of Skye, and marine life with ORCA
- Experience memorable scenic cruising, and visit Belfast, Cobh and the Isle of Man too
Touring Scenic Ireland in 5 Nights • S2222
- Visit the Giant’s Causeway from Belfast and explore medieval Galway
- Scenic cruise the beautiful Lough Swilly
- ORCA conservationists will help you look for native marine life
UK Scenic Isles & Celtic Cities • L2226A
- Visit remote islands of Scilly, Shetland & Orkney
- Explore beautiful Cornwall from Falmouth
- Look out for native marine life with the help of ORCA
Canada in the Fall • S2226
- Cruise to Canada in the fall
- Experience Canadian beauty at its best during three days in Quebec province
- Revel in Newfoundland’s old world charm
Canada in the Fall • S2226BEL
- Cruise to Canada in the fall
- Experience Canadian beauty at its best during three days in Quebec province
- Revel in Newfoundland’s old world charm
Scenic Islands of the Azores • S2227
- Join ORCA conservationists as they look out for whales
- Visit dramatic volcanic crater lakes in Ponta Delgada
- Explore the pretty town of Cobh
Scenic Isles, Irish Loughs & Cities • M2312
- An immersive delve into the beauty, rich culture and history of the ‘Emerald Isle’
- Experience scenic cruising of glacial waterways, see mighty cliffs and more
- Explore Irish folklore; links to Titanic; visit the home of Guinness; and even kiss the Blarney Stone
Scenic Irish Isles and Cities of Ireland • S2314
- Experience the beauty of rugged islands, islets and waterways in Ireland and Scotland
- Scenic cruise by Tory Island and Arranmore, sail lochs and sounds, see Fingal’s Cave and more
- Visit Cobh, Belfast and Galway, to learn of fascinating history and fairytale stories too