Why go to Cobh (Cork)?
The gateway to County Cork, Cobh is located close to the city of Cork and is a top destination for Titanic buffs
Cobh is a walkable town, but its steep roads could prove challenging for some cruisers
Known for being the Titanic's last port of call, Cobh is a small town that offers some worthwhile historical sites
Cobh (Cork) Cruise Port Facilities?
Other than the Cobh Heritage Center, there is no reason to hang round. If you turn right on leaving your ship, the center of Cobh is within 300 feet of the cruise terminal.
Good to Know?
The Irish Police Force (An Garda Siochana) produces a leaflet with helpful information for tourists visiting the Cobh area. Visitors can pick one up at the tourist information center. Some suggestions they give are: Leave valuables in the safe on your ship; keep a separate note of passport number, credit cards and driving licence; and carry with you a note of emergency contact numbers for each of these services. If you rent a car, park only in secure car parks. To call an ambulance or police, dial 112 or 999.
Getting Around?
On Foot: It's a short distance to walk from the dock to town. However, it's quite steep, so walking to the cathedral and museum might prove difficult for some.
By Rental Car: Car rentals are available from Great Island Car Rental (21 481 1609), and your car can be collected just outside the gate to the quay. There is Avis, too. (Emmet Place, Cork City; 21 428 1111)
By Taxi: There are always plenty parked at the dock, or you can walk up the hill to town and get one from the taxi rank in the town center. Taxi drivers are always friendly and chatty.
By Train: There are trains to Cork every half hour, and the journey takes 25 minutes. The railway station is accessed through a gate on the quayside.
By Coach: Cobh Sightseeing Tours (Westbourne Place, opposite the Tourist Office, 087 347 5050) offer 75-minute tours of the town. No booking is required; just hop on. Tickets cost 30 euros for a family, 12.50 euros per adult or 5 euros per child.
By Cobh Road Train: These fun, touristy trains take you around town, stopping at local viewpoints where passengers can disembark. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes and leaves every hour from the town center across the street from the Lusitania Peace Memorial. Trains run from 11 a.m. Tickets are 20 euros per family, 8 euros per adult and 5 euros per child.
Currency & Best Way to Get Money?
The euro is the official currency, and there are ATMs in town. Banks include the Trustee Savings Bank (29 West Beach; 21 481 10 52; open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). The bank building used to be Cunard's offices; Cunard started its scheduled calls to Cobh in 1859, and survivors from the Lusitania were landed at Cunard Wharf at the rear of the building. Another bank is The Bank of Ireland (18 Westbourne Place; 21 481 1088; open Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m). Both banks are close to the promenade. For current exchange rates, visit www.oanda.com or www.xe.com.
Where You're Docked?
Cruise ships dock at Deep Water Quay, and passengers disembark directly onto the wharf alongside the Cobh Heritage Center. There is no designated terminal building.
Cobh Heritage Center has a cafe, shops and toilets but no public telephones or Wi-Fi. A local tour representative comes onboard ships to provide passengers with maps and information about the town and surrounding area. Otherwise, Cobh Tourism Ambassadors -- they wear green vests so they're instantly recognisable -- are available on the dock to answer any questions you might have. To cover all eventualities, there is also a Tourist Information Center nearby. (Old Yacht Club on the waterfront; 21 481 3301; open 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, and 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekends)
