Titanic Experience Cobh

Everyone from Cork knows Cobh (formerly Queenstown) was the last port of call for the Titanic in 1912.

The Titanic Experience Cobh is a part guided, interactive tour that takes visitors back in time to that fateful day in April 1912 when 123 passengers boarded the Titanic from Cobh.

Located in the historical building that is the original White Star Ticket Office, The Titanic Experience Cobh allows visitors to wander a building where thousands of Irish departed from in the early 19^th century.

The Experience starts with ‘passengers’ checking in and receiving their own boarding card outlining a real life passenger that boarded the Titanic from Queenstown, Ireland. A 30 minute guided tour takes you on board the Titanic with replicas of dining areas and cabins for various class members.

A poignant moment for anyone who has had family members emigrate from Ireland is the opportunity to stand outside and look upon ‘Heartbreak Pier.’  The remnants of the original structure where millions of people (including my own great great

Heartbreak, Pier

grandfather Daniel Looney) left Ireland from.  The tour ends with a harrowing film based experience of the sinking as experienced from those on lifeboats.

After the guided tour, hang out and interact with a number of exhibitions going into further detail from the ill-fated ship.  There are multi-media exhibits as well as fun game like activities. As passengers leave they learn of the fate of the passengers they were given as they embarked.

The Titanic Experience with Kids

We’ve visited The Titanic Experience Cobh twice and brought the kids both times.  The whole experience takes about 2 hours.  (although I think we could have spent more time if we didn’t have kids rushing us along)  Both times our guides were friendly and kind to the kids. Both tours were interesting and fact filled for the adults while remaining engaging for the kids. There are kid friendly interactive exhibits.

Although the whole ship sinking scenario can be a bit scary the kids were O. K.

Both visits all the kids we were with lived (women & children first right?) and we glossed over the fact that some of the grow-ups in our party didn’t make it.

Overall it’s an important piece of local history.

The older kids and young teens seemed to learn a lot. I can’t wait to take our kids again as they get older.

ThisIrishFamily Top Tip:

• It gets busy especially during peak season.  Book online to secure your spot on a tour and avoid disappointment.
• Free parking in Cobh up next to the Cathedral.
• Lunch at Titanic Bar is decent and reasonable, sit outside if the weather is fine.