BE CHARMED BY COBH

The charming port town of Cobh in East Cork is best known as the single most important port of emigration in the country and for its connection with the ill-fated Titanic and Lusitania.

The waterside town is steeped in history, awash with culture, and has lots of attractions and exhibitions within a short distance of each other and really has the full tourism package perfected. It is the sort of place where one saunters along, spending quality time and making lasting memories - quite simply put the town has charm!

Here’s a list of unmissable Cobh attractions courtesy of VisitCobh. com … a fantastic resource for anyone thinking of making a day trip or overnight stay in the area.

Who do you think you are? Trace your ancestors at Cobh Heritage Centre:

For international visitors and locals alike, learning more about our ancestors holds a universal fascination. Immerse yourself in the past at the wonderful Cobh Heritage Centre, located in Cobh’s beautifully restored Victorian railway station. The Heritage Centre tells the extraordinary story of the scattering of the Irish throughout the globe. The exhibition explores famine, war, emigration, coffin ships, the Titanic, the sinking of the Lusitania and the story of Annie Moore, the first emigrant ever to be processed at Ellis Island. Cobh Heritage Centre also offers a Genealogy Record Finder Service so you can trace your ancestors, and audio guides in different languages. www.cobhheritage. com

Spike your interest! Take the ferry to ‘Ireland’s Alcatraz’, Spike Island:

Take the ferry from Cobh and explore the extensive star shaped Fort, which was previously off limits to civilians for some 200 years. The island has a fascinating history, from Monastic settlement to Military Fortress, a convict depot, prison and Army and Naval facilities. See the jail cells, walk the ramparts, marvel at the 360 degree views of Cork Harbour and see the huge gun that protected the harbour from attack. www.spikeislandcork.ie

Get your adrenaline going at Spike Island Adventure:

While you’re on Spike, make sure you visit Spike Island Adventure where you can learn all sorts of useful skills, and they also offer family kayaking tours around the island. www. spikeislandcork.ie

Use your wits to make a Prison Break at Escapade Cobh:

Panic room games are growing in popularity across the globe and what better than an activity that challenges your wits, problem solving and teamwork? Escapade Cobh is for you. This amazing adventure attraction challenges small groups to pit their wits against a series of challenges to escape from a virtual Spike Island prison, rob a bank or assist Sherlock Holmes in solving a dastardly crime. See www.escapadecobh. com for more information

East Cork