Rick Steves Recommends This Uncrowded Island Town In Ireland With Colorful Seaside Charm

There are many coastal destinations you shouldn't skip on a trip to Ireland, and Rick Steves says to add Cobh (pronounced "Cove") to this list. This island town in County Cork may not be on many travelers' radars, but according to Steves, that's part of the charm. "Cobh sits on a large island in Cork Harbor, connected to the mainland via a short bridge and a drive-on ferry," Steves writes in his guide to the best places to visit in south Ireland. "If your ancestry is Irish, there's a good chance that this was the last Irish soil your ancestors had under their feet."

Cobh, often nicknamed Queenstown, was the main departure point for Irish emigrants during the 19th century. That legacy is woven into the streets, the waterfront, and two fascinating museums that explore the town's complex backstory of migration and tragedy. Not only was it the last port to see the Titanic sail away before it famously sank in 1912, but the town played a huge role in rescuing passengers from the Lusitania ocean liner, which sank in 1915 after being struck by a German sub torpedo.

Perfect for history buffs, Cobh is chock full of colorful buildings and charming locals. "The town's inviting waterfront is colorful yet salty, with a playful promenade," Steves writes. "The butcher's advertisement reads, 'Always pleased to meet you and always with meat to please you.'" Steves suggests starting with a walk along the harbor and soaking in the views before heading to the town's two biggest attractions — the Titanic Experience museum and the Queenstown Story museum.

Though modern-day Cobh has airy, lighthearted Irish vibes, it carries a heavy historical past. As Rick Steves puts it, "It's stirring to think that this modest little port town was the Titanic's final anchorage — and the last chance to get off." The town's Titanic Experience museum, located in the former White Star Line ticket office, lets you walk in the footsteps of the ship's final 123 passengers who boarded in Cobh in 1912. Through personal stories and period recreations, it offers a moving look at what these passengers experienced on board the Titanic, and what happened in the aftermath of the ship's tragic end. The museum has cool artifacts and audio-visual demonstrations to bring the story to life. Visitors should expect the tour to last about an hour, reserving a little extra time for exploring the exhibition area and gift shop. Tickets cost around $15 for an adult, with several discounts for students, seniors, families, but it's easy to book your slot online ahead of time.

Another highlight in Cobh is the Queenstown Story, located in a restored Victorian train station. As Steves notes, "The topics — the famine, Irish emigration, Australia-bound prison ships, the sinking of the Lusitania, and the ill-fated voyage of the Titanic — are interesting enough to make it a worthwhile stop." Prices also vary here, but a typical adult ticket costs about $17. This self-guided tour also lasts about an hour, but there's lots more for history buffs to check out in the Cobh Heritage Center afterward, from learning more about Cobh's local history to digging into your Irish genealogy.

Beyond the museums and maritime history, Cobh's beauty lies in its small-town charm — from harbor strolls to grabbing a pint in a traditional Irish pub, you can easily make a laid-back day or two here. For travelers checking out incredible European scenery on a Wild Atlantic Way road trip, Cobh is a good start or ending point, depending on which way you're headed. It's also only about 45 minutes from Cork Airport — although we strongly recommend driving around Ireland if you can. The promenade is perfect for people-watching, and the colorful houses that climb the hill behind the harbor make for an iconic photo backdrop, especially with St. Colman's Cathedral — Ireland's tallest — towering above the town.

If you're a fan of seafood, Cobh is a great place to enjoy the freshest catches of Cork. Local pubs and cafes serve up heaping plates of fish and chips and seafood chowder. And whatever you do, don't miss Frank Hederman's famous smoked salmon at Belvelly Smoke House. Foodies after a more upscale experience should also consider a stop in nearby Kinsale, another one of Rick Steves' must-visit Ireland destinations. Often called Ireland's culinary capital, Kinsale is a charming riverside town only about 45 minutes away. You can even base yourself in Cork and visit both towns as day trips.

For travelers trying to avoid crowds while immersing themselves in local life, Cobh checks all the boxes — it's rich in history, easy to walk around and explore, and full of colorful Irish personality. And if you're a sucker for stories of seafaring, famous ocean liners, and pirate tales, this quiet town might just leave the biggest impression on your Irish itinerary.