Cobh Heritage Centre (The Queenstown Story) Tours

The port town of Cobh, formerly known as Queenstown, was the departure point for millions of Irish emigrants who left the country between 1848 and 1960. Housed in the town’s Victorian train station, the Cobh Heritage Centre chronicles the often-heartbreaking journeys of Irish emigrants during the Great Famine and beyond.
The Basics
The Cobh Heritage Centre houses the Queenstown Story, an exhibition covering the maritime and naval history of the area. The exhibition also tells the story of the many millions of emigrants who left Ireland, some in search of new lives in America, and others—typically convicts—banished to far-away British colonies, such as Australia. Visitors in Cobh can prepurchase skip-the-line tickets and explore the exhibition with the aid of an audio guide.
The Cobh Heritage Centre is often visited as part of organized day trips from Dublin, during which participants travel by train and explore both Cork and Cobh. Some shore excursions from Cobh include a visit to the Cobh Heritage Centre too.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Cobh Heritage Centre is a must for history buffs and anyone with an interest in Irish emigration.
- The center houses a café that sells hot and cold drinks, hot meals, sandwiches, and more.
- Free Wi-Fi is available at the center.
- The center is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Cobh Heritage Centre is situated adjacent to Cobh railway station in Cobh, County Cork. Visitors coming from Cork City can ride the train from Kent Station to Cobh. Most large cruise ships dock at the port in Cobh. Cruise passengers disembark directly onto the wharf, which is just a few steps from the center.
When to Get There
Cobh Heritage Centre sees its highest number of visitors in the summer season. The center is particularly busy when cruise ships are in port, the majority of which arrive between April and October. To save yourself waiting around, prebook a skip-the-line ticket.
Cobh’s Titanic and Lusitania Connections
Cobh is also known for its connections to two ill-fated ocean liners: the RMS Titanic and the RMS Lusitania. Cobh was the final port of call for the Titanic before it set sail across the Atlantic. The town was also involved in rescue efforts relating to the Lusitania, a British cruise liner that sank off the southern coast of Ireland in 1915 after being torpedoed by a German submarine. Both of these events are explored at the Cobh Heritage Centre.
Address: Cobh Heritage Centre, Cobh, Co. Cork, Ireland, Ireland
Admission: Varies
3 Tours and Activities to Experience Cobh Heritage Centre (The Queenstown Story)
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The Queenstown Story @ Cobh Heritage Centre , Great Stories of Emigration.
Enjoy swift access to one of County Cork’s top attractions with this skip-the-line Queenstown Story tour at the Cobh Heritage Centre. With your ticket in hand, beat the queues and head straight inside Cobh Heritage Centre to begin exploring. From the multimedia and audiovisual displays in place, learn of Cobh’s place in Ireland’s rich history. Gain insight into key events including the Great Famine, the transportation of convicts to Australia, cruise disasters like RMS Titanic and RMS Lusitania, and Ireland’s military and maritime history from the 17th century onward.
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From
$13.30
From
$13.30
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

Photography Experience Cobh
I've been living in this colourful town my whole life & have been a professional photographer for almost 3 years now.
This experience will offer you an insight through the lens to our little town, from the most 'Instagramable' spots, to some 'hidden gems'.
It is worth noting that Cobh is not known for it's flat terrain! There are many hills here, & unfortunately I don't offer a piggy back service just yet. But I can assure you that we will keep it at an easy pace.
:)
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From
$30.73
From
$30.73

Cobh (Cork) To Jameson Distillery - Half Day Shore Excursion
Every drop of Jameson is made here in Midleton so join us on this fascinating guided tour from your ship to Jamesons Distillery Experience. Bus Tour starts/finishes at your ship in Cobh/Cork
Our Tour Includes:
- Admission To The Jameson Distillery Experience
- Free Glass of Whiskey
- Expert Guides Throughout The Visit
- Shopping For Unique Gifts
- Free Time To Dine at The Distillery Restaurant
Our bus tour departs right from your ship in Cobh and returns back here again at the end of the tour.
We are based in Cobh right by the port and have over 50 years experience.
Our driver/guides are all locals and have lots of interesting facts, fascinating history, fun stories, songs and jokes.
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From
$50.43
From
$50.43
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