Cobh...., Cork

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Cobh remembers not only the mass exodus of Irish emigrants but also some maritime disasters. Queenstown, as it was then called, was the last port of call of the ill-fated Titanic on her maiden voyage in 1912.
Three years later the war took its tragic toll: the Cunard liner Lusitania with 1959 people on board was struck by a torpedo from a German submarine just 16 miles off the Old Head of Kinsale. 1198 people lost their lives and the survivors were brought to Queenstown. 150 bodies were buried in mass graves in the Old Cemetery there. A monument to the victims of the Lusitania and the local fishermen who tirelessly fought for the survivors' lives can be found on the quayside.
The past is hard to forget here but Cobh is also a lively touristy town and port where luxury liners and smaller ships call in and fishing boats go about their business. Take a walk on the quayside and explore the winding narrow streets leading up to the cathedral at the top of the hill. And listen to the sound of the cathedral bells announcing new better times for this old Irish seaport.

Kids will love this place.

It is a weird and wonderful mix of animals from around the world, most of which are free to roam around or have large enclosures. It's not so much a zoo as few animals are confined or behind wire. Some of the tamer animals are even allowed to go where they like including little monkeys that jump around in the trees at one end of the park. The arrangement of animals can be a little peculiar but it's extremely well worth a visit, especially on a good day.

Next to the park is a wonderful arboretum and stately home.

You can visit Fota Island wildlife park in Cobh.
I dont remember much of it, it must be like over 10 years when I was last there. But I do recall Cobh town being rather hilly and the church had a huuuuuge spire.

A day trip to Cobh from Cork is also recommended.
Cobh was the last port of call of ships taking emigrants to the United States. It was the last port of call for the Titanic. At Cobh there is a most interesting museum dedicated to Irish Emigrants at the time Irish people were forced to emigrate because of the so called 'potato famine'. A very interesting and well presented section is dedicated to theTitanic.

when I say off the beaten track ,its not really that but the costal town of cobh is well worth a visit famous as being the last place the titanic docked at before it when on to be made made into a over rated film lol.
Cobh.
we got ther by train and the trip its self takes in some amazing views of the west coast of ireland.
the trip it self is roughly about 35 mins from cork city........................
this is a post card pic of the town