The most colourful Irish seaside town with breathtaking coastline & wildlife park

THIS is the colourful seaside town in Ireland that features breathtaking coastal views – but it has even more to offer.

The picturesque Co Cork town is just a short trip away from Fota Wildlife park and historical site Spike Island.

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Cobh is a town on an island in Cork city’s harbour. Regular bus and trains from the city centre mean Cobh is easily accessible by public transport. And it’s only a 20 minute drive from the town of Midleton.

Despite its small size, there’s plenty to do in Cobh to stay busy and entertained.

The town, once known as Queenstown, is steeped in history. The ship Lusitania left New York on May 1, 1915 on a voyage to Liverpool with a total of 1962 people on board.

After being torpedoed by a German submarine, the Lusitania sank off the coast of Cork and most of the 764 that were saved landed at Cobh together.

Of the 289 bodies recovered, 169 are buried in a Cobh cemetery.

Famous Irish poet Rev. Charles Wolfe is buried in a Cobh church. And the remains of several republican soldiers who died at Clonmult on February 20, 1921 are also buried in the cemetery.

The Titanic Experience Cobh is located in the centre of Cobh, in the original White Star Line ticket office, where hundreds of people bought their tickets for the ship in 1912.

Tickets for the experience start from €12.

Cobh is also near one of the country’s highest rated tourist attractions, Spike Island.

Tours take place on the prison island every day, which includes a 15 minute ferry ride from Cobh, a tour of the creepy location and time to wander the site on your own.

An After Dark Tour is also provided, which offers more details on the harrowing history of the island. This version of the tour is not recommended for children.

Tickets for the daytime tours start from €24 for children – but tour operators warn that the tickets often sell out so booking early is essential.

WILDLIFE ACTIVITY

For something more lighthearted, visitors can enjoy a walk down the promenade and a glance at all the colourful buildings of the town.

Or you can hire a self-driving boat from Cork Harbour Boat Hire to view the sights from the water.

Fota Wildlife Park, located on Fota Island, is a short train or car journey from Cobh – and promises fun for all ages.

Fota sees around 460,000 visitors every year who come to see the animals – including giraffes, lions, tigers and cheetahs. Tickets to the wildlife park start at around €18 for adults.

And many visits to Cobh will be lucky enough to witness wildlife just from the promenade.

Dolphins are often spotted swimming in pods through the harbour.

Accommodation options in Cobh include sea-front hotels and luxury guesthouses, B&Bs and Airbnbs.

A family room in Bella Vista hotel for a weekend in July will cost around €398.

A double room at Robin Hill Guest House for the same time will cost around €340.

A number of other hotels, B&Bs, self-catering accommodation, Air Bnbs and camper van areas are also available.

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