Ireland – It’s Intrigue is Irresistibly Interesting: Cobh

Goodness! My incredible experience in Ireland barely scratched the surface of its intrigue. But if you’ve found it interesting, you’re really going to enjoy Cobh!

After our Fota Wildlife Park adventure on Thursday morning, my colleagues and I met back at the hotel for our final meetings. We said our goodbyes that evening and everyone went their separate ways. My husband and I had one more full day in Ireland on Friday, and we planned to visit Cobh.

A Mission in Cobh

Back in my hotel room, as I started to put things away and plan how to pack for the trip home, I made a distressing discovery. My suitcase was broken! I had received grief about my bag from an airport agent on the way to Ireland, so the last thing I wanted to do was draw more attention to it on the way home.

My husband and I talked about it and decided to buy a new suitcase. It would be fun to have the souvenir to remember our time in Ireland every time we packed to go anywhere! And we thought Cobh would be a likely place for the mission because it is where cruise ships dock when they come to Ireland. Surely, I’m not the only tourist to break my luggage!

History in Cobh

On Friday morning, we took a taxi down to Cobh, a seaside town in the south of County Cork. Our driver told us Cork Harbour, of which Cobh is a part, is one of the largest natural harbors in the world! And he made sure we knew that Cobh is pronounced “Cove”.

It was a short taxi ride from Fota Island to Cobh, in Cork Harbour.

“With a population of around 13,000 inhabitants, Cobh is on the south side of Great Island in Cork Harbour and home to Ireland’s only dedicated cruise terminal.”

Wikipedia

Something incredibly interesting about Cobh is that it was the Titanic’s last port of call before she sank. You can read about that here. There are nods to the Titanic all over town, proving the residents have no intention of forgetting those who were on board.

We found this plaque on a wall in Cobh.

The anchorage to which the plaque points attention.

The plaque draws attention to the last anchorage of the Titanic, visible in the second photo. Click to enlarge.

There are many things around Cobh which pay homage to the Titanic.

This is the row of houses labeled “Pack of Cards”, as referred to in the above plaque.

Architecture in Cobh

One of the most spectacular things I saw in Ireland was Coleman’s Cathedral in Cobh. It was breathtaking! The architecture was truly amazing. I’d try to describe it, but I’d rather just show you!

Approaching St. Coleman’s Cathedral

St. Coleman’s Cathedral

The ornate entry to St, Coleman’s Cathedral

The side of St. Coleman’s cathedral, from the street below, was simply awe-inspiring!

The detail in the stone work was truly amazing!

My husband and I walked all around Cobh, admiring the architecture and looking for a shop which sold luggage. When we didn’t find one, we stopped at the visitor center to inquire. The lady who worked inside was lovely, and very helpful.

The Train in Cobh

Do you remember when we left Cork City on the way to Fota Island? I told you what I didn’t know then, that I’d be back at the end of the week. Well, that was because the dear lady in the Cobh visitor center told us the only real luggage shop was in Cork City Center. I’d read about the one she was suggesting and knew exactly where it was.

I expressed concern about the distance because of the taxi fare. She told us we should take the train. We didn’t even know there was a train! She gave us directions. We thanked her and we thanked God for her.

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

Philippians 4:19, 20

We found the Cobh train station and purchased our tickets. They cost a fraction of what we’d paid for the taxi to bring us half the distance. We wished we’d known about the rail route earlier! But hey, now we know. And now YOU know!

The train took us from Cobh to Cork City for a fraction of the price of a taxi!

The train ride was scenic, as it took us along the water, across Fota Island, by the Wildlife Park and into Cork City. We disembarked and walked several blocks to the City Center. We had a few hours before the luggage shop closed, so we made the most of our unexpected visit to this city which had captured our hearts.

From Cobh to Cork

Cork City Centre. Love the streetlights!

My thoughts in lights!

Interesting – we have a TJ Maxx in the US

Such a clever name for a Japanese Sushi Bar!

Our last day in Ireland had been irresistibly interesting. We explored the intriguing town of Cobh, experienced the scenic train, and unexpectedly visited Cork City Centre. Our hearts were full as we purchased our new suitcase and made our way back to Fota Island Resort.

We didn’t sleep well. We were processing all we’d seen, the things we’d learned, and the people we’d encountered. And we were anxious about the trip home.

Had we known what we’d endure on our upcoming journey, we’d have been even more reluctant to leave the intrigue of Cobh and whole irresistible island of Ireland. Our flight home was eventful, to say the least. That will be the story for next time. I hope you’ll join me!

Curious how this Ireland trip came about?
Click here for the introduction post.