Cork & Cobh, Ireland - Cruise Port
Our first stop in Ireland brought us to the Port of Cork, which offers a wonderful mix of two charming destinations: Cork and Cobh. This port is as easy to navigate as it gets, with the train station conveniently located right across from the dock. Let's dive into our adventure exploring these two delightful towns!
Updates:
Arrival at the Port
The Port of Cork is actually located in the small town of Cobh (pronounced "Cove"), about 11 miles east of Cork City. As soon as we stepped off the ship, a few things stood out:The Port of Cork is actually located in the small town of Cobh (pronounced "Cove"), about 11 miles east of Cork City. As soon as we stepped off the ship, a few things stood out:
The train station is right across the street—how convenient is that?
A large number of tour buses were lined up, ready to whisk passengers away to places like Blarney Castle.
A group of men stood protesting the privatization of the pier, advocating for public access to the east side. If you're curious, consider striking up a conversation to learn about the local perspective.
There’s no formal terminal here, but next to the train station, you'll find a heritage center with tourist leaflets, a small museum on Irish emigration to America, a café, and toilets. In fact, the first Irish immigrants to land at Ellis Island came from right here in Cobh!
Tips
Taxis: Available for hire, but be aware that rideshare services are illegal in Ireland. You can use the Uber app to call a licensed taxi.
Exploring on Your Own: We chose to skip Blarney Castle and explore Cork instead. Round-trip train tickets are about €7, with a scenic 26-minute ride.
Discovering Cork
The City Experience
Cork greeted us with a bustling, down-to-earth charm, full of local shops and the lovely River Lee flowing through the city. Our first stop was Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral, a striking structure built in the late 19th century. While relatively new by European cathedral standards, this site has been a place of worship since the 7th century. The intricate statues, beautiful stained glass, and surrounding graveyard were well worth exploring.
(Fun fact: Our umbrella was stolen here—thankfully, the rain let up afterward!)
The English Market
A quick 10-minute walk brought us to the famous English Market, where Cork’s reputation as the foodie capital of Ireland truly shines. The market is smaller than we expected, but it had a local, non-touristy atmosphere that made strolling through a delight.
For lunch, we stopped at Farmgate Café, overlooking Moynihan’s pottery stalls. Our meal?
Liver paté sandwich (as delicious as it sounds!)
Traditional lamb stew (heaven in a bowl)
A cheese tart, which reminded us of tomato soup in tart form
And of course, Irish butter—rich, creamy, and a must-try!
Back to Cobh: A Colorful, Historic Gem
After lunch, we made the 5-10 minute walk back to the train station and returned to Cobh, where we immediately fell in love with its tidy streets and colorful charm. The town boasts one of the most attractive main streets we’ve seen in a long time, lined with cute multicolored houses, charming storefronts, and cozy cafés.
Cobh: A Hidden Gem
Cobh is often called one of the tidiest towns in Ireland, and it’s easy to see why. With colorful houses and quaint storefronts, it’s a perfect spot to stroll. Cobh also has a significant historical connection to the Titanic, as it was the ship’s last port of call.
For a more immersive experience, consider joining the Titanic Trail, a guided walking tour that highlights significant locations tied to the ship’s history.
Tips:
Don’t miss the Titanic Experience, located at the former ticket office. Guided tours fill up quickly, so it’s best to book in advance. There’s also a Titanic walking tour—the Titanic Trail—where you can explore the town’s connection to the ship.
Scenic Views
For those willing to hike uphill, the stunning Saint Colman's Cathedral awaits. Finished in the early 20th century, it features a breathtaking spire and beautiful Celtic designs. Nearby, the Garden of Reflection serves as a serene space to remember the Covid pandemic.
Final Thoughts
Cork and Cobh left a lasting impression on us. Each town had its own distinct character—Cork, with its lively, no-nonsense energy, and Cobh, with its picturesque charm and deep history.
If we had the chance to do it again, we might even spend our entire visit in Cobh—sipping Irish coffee, wandering its pretty streets, and taking in the seaside views.
Ireland, you’ve won our hearts. We’ll be back. ☘️