Cobh

Cobh (pronounced “cove”) was renamed Queenstown to mark the visit of Queen Victoria in 1849 and reverted back to Cobh in 1922. There’s a long tradition of naval operations here, as its large harbor is a safe anchorage.The Cobh Experience, an audio-visual display housed in the restored Victorian railway station, tells the story of this port. Cobh was the point of departure for many emigrants off to seek a better life in America and Australia. For many it was the last piece of Irish soil they stood on before taking a boat to a new life. The ill-fated Lusitania was torpedoed not far from Cobh and survivors were brought here. It was also the last port of call of the Titanic. There’s an excellent shop and café—an enjoyable place to spend a couple of hours on a rainy day. (Open May–Sep.)