Cobh

The village on Great Island was known as "Ballyvoloon", a transliteration of the Irish Baile Ui-Mhaoileoin (English: "O'Malone's town"),{{Cite book |last=Joyce |first=P. W. (Patrick Weston) |url=http://archive.org/details/originhistoryof03joyc |title=The origin and history of Irish names of places |date=1898 |publisher=London, New York, Longmans, Green and co.; [etc., etc.] |others=PIMS - University of Toronto |pages=122}} while the Royal Navy port, established in the 1750s, became known as "The Cove of Cork" or "Cove". The combined conurbation was renamed to "Queenstown", in 1849, during a visit by Queen Victoria. The name was changed to Cobh, during the Irish War of Independence, following the passing of a motion by the local administrative council on 2 July 1920.{{Cite news | last = Murphy | first = Elaine | title = 100 years ago Queenstown was renamed to Cobh (Town was the last port of call of the Titanic) | url = https://www.thecork.ie/2020/06/25/100-years-ago-queenstown-was-renamed-to-cobh-town-was-the-last-port-of-call-of-the-titanic/ | newspaper = TheCork.ie | date = 25 June 2020 | access-date = 8 July 2020 | archive-date = 10 July 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200710153038/https://www.thecork.ie/2020/06/25/100-years-ago-queenstown-was-renamed-to-cobh-town-was-the-last-port-of-call-of-the-titanic/ | url-status = live }}{{cite news | url = https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/views/analysis/sean-oriordan-name-reversal-helped-to-put-cobh-on-the-map-1008208.html | newspaper = Irish Examiner | title = Sean O'Riordan: Name reversal helped to put Cobh on the map | date = 29 June 2020 | access-date = 8 July 2020 | archive-date = 2 July 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200702184658/https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/views/analysis/sean-oriordan-name-reversal-helped-to-put-cobh-on-the-map-1008208.html | url-status = live }} Cobh is a Gaelicisation of the English name Cove, and it shares the same pronunciation.{{cite web|url = https://www.cobhmuseum.com/cobhtown.html | publisher = Cobh Museum | website = cobhmuseum.com | title = Cobh Town | accessdate = 1 December 2021 }} It has no meaning in the Irish language.{{cite web|url = https://www.militaryarchives.ie/collections/online-collections/bureau-of-military-history-1913-1921/reels/bmh/BMH.WS1737.pdf | publisher = Bureau of Military History | website = militaryarchives.ie | title = Collections - Reels - BMH.WS1737 | date = April 1921 | quote = [Before being renamed] Queenstown in 1847, the town had been simply known as "The Cove of Cork". It could not be given this name now and "Cobh" really had no meaning }}

In ancient times the area was known as Cuan an Neimheadh (the Harbour of Neimheidh), a figure in medieval Irish legend. Great Island was called Oileán Ard Neimheidh (the high or important island of Neimheidh).{{cite book | url = https://www.libraryireland.com/topog/G/Great-Island-Barrymore-Cork.php | publisher = Lewis | author = Samuel Lewis | title = Lewis: A Topographical Dictionary of Ireland – Volume 1 | place = London | date = 1837 | via = Libraryireland.com | access-date = 4 January 2019 | archive-date = 28 July 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200728210519/https://www.libraryireland.com/topog/G/Great-Island-Barrymore-Cork.php | url-status = live }}

File:Annie Moore Statue by by Jeanne Rynhart, Cobh.jpg and her brothers. Annie Moore was the first person to be admitted to the United States of America through the new immigration centre at Ellis Island, New York on 1 January 1892.]]

According to legend, one of the first colonists of Ireland was Neimheidh, who landed in Cork Harbour over 1,000 years BC.{{cite book|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=lA5dDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT17 |title=The Little Book of Cork Harbour|first= Kieran|last= McCarthy|year=2019|publisher=The History Press|isbn=978-0750989602}} He and his followers were said to have been wiped out in a plague, but the Great Island was known in Irish as Oilean Ard Neimheadh because of its association with him. Later it became known as Crich Liathain because of the powerful Uí Liatháin kingdom, who ruled in the area from Late Antiquity into the early 13th century. The island subsequently became known as Oilean Mor An Barra (the Great Island of Barry & Barrymore), after the Barry family who inherited it.

File:St Colman's Cathedral, Cobh.jpg

The village on the island was known in English as Ballyvoloon, overlooking "The Cove". In 1743, the Dublin Castle administration built a fort, later to become known as Cove Fort, to the east of the village.{{cite web |url= http://www.buildingsofireland.ie/niah/search.jsp?type=record&county=CO®no=20827375 |title= Buildings of Ireland - Cove Fort |access-date= 9 May 2015 |publisher= National Inventory of Architectural Heritage |archive-date= 24 May 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150524062032/http://www.buildingsofireland.ie/niah/search.jsp?type=record&county=CO®no=20827375 |url-status= live }} The settlement was first referred to as Cove village in 1750 by Smith the historian who said: "it was inhabited by seamen and revenue officials". The Cork directory of 1787 shows about thirty businesses in the town, including one butcher and one draper.

The Water Club established at Haulbowline in 1720 was the progenitor of the present Royal Cork Yacht Club (RCYC, now based in Crosshaven) and is the oldest yacht club in the world. The RCYC was based for many years in Cobh and the present Sirius Arts Centre used to be a clubhouse of the RCYC organisation. In 1966, the RCYC merged with the Royal Munster Yacht Club, retaining the name of the RCYC but moving its headquarters to those of the RMYC at Crosshaven at the other side of the harbour.

File:Cobh-Steep-Cathedral-Access-2012.JPG from the streets below]]

International upheaval led to Cobh undergoing rapid development in the early 19th century. Due to the natural protection of its harbour setting, the town became important as a tactical centre for naval military base purposes, never more so than at the time of the Napoleonic Wars. Today, the Irish Naval Service headquarters is on Haulbowline Island facing Cobh.

The wars against the French led to the town, then usually known as Ballyvoloon or The Cove of Cork, being developed as a British naval port assigned an admiral. Many of the present-day buildings date from this time of build-up. George Brodrick, 5th Viscount Midleton engaged the English architect Decimus Burton to improve the streetscape and buildings during the 1840s.Midleton Papers, Guildford Muniments Room, ref. 1248. Cork Examiner, 26 Mar 1845. B 3, 12 Apr 1845, 170.{{cite web|publisher= Dictionary of Irish Architects|url= https://www.dia.ie/architects/view/783/BURTON%2C+DECIMUS+%23|title= Decimus, Burton|access-date= 5 December 2018|archive-date= 12 August 2019|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190812135457/https://www.dia.ie/architects/view/783/BURTON,%2BDECIMUS%2B%2523|url-status= live}} The eventual cessation of hostilities dented Cobh's prosperity for a while, but it soon became known as a health resort; many patients stayed here for their health because of the temperate climate. Amongst their number was Charles Wolfe, who wrote "The Burial of Sir John Moore After Corunna". Wolfe's body is buried in the Old Church Cemetery outside the town.

File:Titanic Memorial Cobh Ireland.jpg

One of the major transatlantic Irish ports, the town was the departure point for 2.5 million of the 6 million Irish people who emigrated to North America between 1848 and 1950. On 11 April 1912, as Queenstown, it was the final port of call for the Titanic before she set out across the Atlantic on the last leg of her maiden voyage. She was assisted by the P.S. America and the P.S. Ireland, two ageing White Star Line tenders, along with several other smaller boats delivering first-class passengers' luggage. Some sources and local lore suggest that a Titanic crew member, John Coffey, a native of Cobh, left the ship at this time, thereby saving his life.{{cite web |url= http://www.encyclopedia-titanica.org/titanic-biography/john-coffey.html |title= John Coffey : Titanic Crew |publisher= Encyclopedia-titanica.org |access-date= 31 March 2016 |archive-date= 27 March 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160327165734/http://www.encyclopedia-titanica.org/titanic-biography/john-coffey.html |url-status= live }} 123 passengers boarded at Cobh, with only 44 surviving the sinking.

Cobh was earlier a major embarkation port for men, women and children who were deported to penal colonies such as Australia. The Scots Church has since 1973 housed the Cobh Museum which holds records of such deportations in ships' log books. The Scots Church (a Presbyterian church until its 1969 closure) overlooks the harbour from where so many departed.

A significant shipbuilding industry was developed in the town. The remnants of the Verolme Shipyard today maintain many of the original cranes and hoists now forming part of industrial and maritime heritage.

File:Cobhpier 0360.JPG

The age of steam brought Cobh association with several milestones, including the first steam ship to sail from Ireland to England (1821) and the first steamship to cross the Atlantic (Sirius 1838), which sailed from Passage West.

Another ship to be associated with the town, the Cunard passenger liner {{RMS|Lusitania}}, was sunk by a German U-boat off the Old Head of Kinsale while en route from the US to Liverpool on 7 May 1915. 1,198 passengers died, while 700 were rescued. The survivors and the dead alike were brought to Queenstown, and the bodies of over 100 who perished in the disaster lie buried in the Old Church Cemetery just north of the town.{{Cite web |last=Buckley |first=Dan |date=2015-04-27 |title=Lusitania survivors gave Cobh an eerie unreality |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-20327139.html |access-date=2024-04-11 |website=Irish Examiner |language=en}} The Lusitania Peace Memorial is located in Casement Square, in front of the Arch Building housing the Cobh Library and Tourist Information Centre.{{cite web|url=https://www.corkcoco.ie/en/directory/amenities/libraries/cobh-library|title=Cobh Library|publisher=Cork County Council|access-date=15 November 2023}}

File:Queenstown aka Cobh (8141082551).jpg

File:Cobh - Town Hall - 20210726143159.jpg (background) and the Lusitania Memorial (foreground)]]

During the First World War, Queenstown was a naval base for British and American destroyers operating against the U-boats that preyed upon Allied merchant shipping. Q-ships (heavily armed merchant ships with concealed weaponry, designed to lure submarines into making surface attacks) were called Q-ships precisely because many were, in fact, fitted out in Queenstown.Beyer, Kenneth M.: Q-Ships versus U-Boats. America's Secret Project. Naval Institute Press. Annapolis, Maryland, USA. 1999. {{ISBN|1-55750-044-4}} The first division of American destroyers arrived in May 1917, and the sailors who served on those vessels were the first American servicemen to see combat duty in the war. When that first convoy arrived in port after enduring a rough passage in what were little more than open boats, its members were met by a crowd of sailors and townspeople, thankful for their anticipated help towards stopping the U-boats that were blockading western Europe. Admiral Sir Lewis Bayly, commander of the Coast of Ireland station, met the senior American officer, Commander Joseph Taussig, at the dock and inquired as to how soon the weatherbeaten American ships could be put to use. "We're ready now, sir!" was the widely quoted answer from the American.

The United States Navy established U.S. Naval Air Station Queenstown in February 1918. It operated flying boats during the last months of WW1, and closed in April 1919.{{Cite web|url=https://bluejacket.com/usn-usmc_avi_ww1_air_fields.html|title=World War 1 Era Naval Air Stations|website=Bluejacket.com|access-date=22 April 2018|archive-date=17 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417105255/https://bluejacket.com/usn-usmc_avi_ww1_air_fields.html|url-status=live}}

Due to its tactical military importance, under the terms of the 1921 Anglo-Irish Treaty, the port remained a UK sovereign base within the Irish Free State after 1922. Along with the other Treaty Ports, it was handed over to the government of the Irish Free State in 1938.

File:Cobh-Queenstown-Old-Postcard.JPG

Tourism is a large employer in Cobh. Large cruise liners visit Cobh each year, mainly during the summer months, although many of the tourists are transported out of Cobh by bus to other tourist destinations. In all, almost 100,000 cruise liner passengers and crew arrive in the town each year when their ships berth right in the centre of the town at the Republic of Ireland's only dedicated cruise terminal.{{cite web|url = https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/cork-set-for-15-million-tourism-boost-this-summer-as-cruise-liner-grows-1.3439435 | publisher = Irish Times | website = irishtimes.com | date = 24 March 2018 | access-date = 2 August 2018 | title= Cork set for €15 million tourism boost this summer as cruise liner grows }}{{cite web|url = https://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/future-of-this-town-has-to-be-in-tourism-176374.html | publisher = Irish Examiner | title = Future of this town has to be in tourism | website = irishexaminer.com | date = 7 December 2011 | access-date = 2 August 2018}}{{cite web|url = https://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/port-of-cork-cruising-towards-15m-terminal-455762.html | publisher = Irish Examiner | website = irishexaminer.com | title = Port of Cork cruising towards €15m terminal | date = 27 July 2017 | access-date = 4 August 2018 | quote = The Port of Cork currently boasts the only dedicated cruise ship berth in Ireland — in Cobh }} Tourist attractions are focused on the maritime and emigration legacy of the town and include the Queenstown Story at the Cobh Heritage Centre, Titanic Experience, Titanic Trail walking tour, Cobh Museum, Cobh Road Train, Spike Island tours and St Colman's Cathedral. The town has remained largely unchanged since RMS Titanic departed from Cork Harbour in 1912, with the streetscape and piers still much the same. Facing the town are Spike Island and Haulbowline Island. The latter is the headquarters of the Irish Naval Service, formerly a British naval base.

Cobh was home to Ireland's only steelworks, the former state-owned Irish Steel works which was closed by its buyer, Ispat International (later Mittal Steel Company), in 2001. There is a controversy over the slag heap on the steelworks, where there are concerns that it may be leaching into the harbour.{{cite web |url=http://www.eurofound.europa.eu/eiro/2001/07/inbrief/ie0107241n.html |title=Steel plant to close despite cost reduction deal |publisher=Eurofound.europa.eu |date=2001-07-28 |access-date=2013-03-26 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120729140948/http://www.eurofound.europa.eu/eiro/2001/07/inbrief/ie0107241n.html |archive-date=2012-07-29 }} Another important employer in Cobh was the Dutch-owned Verolme Cork Dockyard, in Rushbrooke. It opened in 1960 but ceased operations in the mid-1980s. In 1981 the MV Leinster was built at Verolme for service on the Dublin – Holyhead route.{{cite web|url = http://www.irish-ferries-enthusiasts.com/ifpast.htm |website = irish-ferries-enthusiasts.com | title = Irish Ferries - Past Vessels | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070827181858/http://www.irish-ferries-enthusiasts.com/ifpast.htm |archive-date=27 August 2007 }} The last ship built at Verolme was the Irish Naval Service's LÉ Eithne (P31).{{cite web |url=http://www.iol.ie/~forsacosanta/eithne_p31.htm |title=Eithne P31 |publisher=Iol.ie |access-date=2013-03-26 |archive-date=5 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121005150550/http://www.iol.ie/~forsacosanta/eithne_p31.htm |url-status=live }} Ship repair work is still carried at Rushbrooke using the drydock and slip way carriages.{{cite web|url=https://www.doyleshipping.ie/ports/dry-docking-ship-repair|title=Dry Docking & Ship Repair|publisher=DSG|access-date=14 November 2023}}

In the 21st century, a number of new developments were completed, such as a new retail park at Ticknock in 2008, and a leisure centre (with 25m swimming pool) in August 2007. In 2010, tours of Spike Island commenced, with tours leaving from Kennedy Pier, near the town centre.

Outside of the Dublin metropolitan area, Cobh is one of the few towns in Ireland served by a commuter train service. The town is one of two termini for Cork Commuter Services. The other is Midleton. Regular commuter services run between Cork city and Cobh, calling at, among others, Fota railway station, Carrigaloe railway station, and Rushbrooke railway station, along the way. Trains run every day and the journey time to Cork is under 25 minutes.

Cobh railway station opened, as Queenstown station, on 10 March 1862 and was renamed {{circa|1925}}.{{cite book| first=R.V.J.| last=Butt| title=The Directory of Railway Stations| publisher=Patrick Stephens Ltd| year=1995| isbn=1-85260-508-1|pages =64,193}}

The nearest airport is Cork Airport, which can be reached in 20–30 minutes from Cobh via the R624 road and the N25 road.

The Port Operations Centre for Cork Harbour is located in the town. The port's harbour pilot launches are based at the Camber - a pier and dock area at the eastern end of the town.

Currently there is only a single road (the R624) and road bridge that leads onto Great Island. This road bridge, Belvelly Bridge, was built at Belvelly in 1803 at one of the narrowest points in the channels around Great Island.{{cite web | url = http://www.buildingsofireland.ie/niah/search.jsp?type=record&county=CO®no=20907578 | publisher = National Inventory of Architectural Heritage | access-date = 2 August 2018 | title = Belvelly Bridge, County Cork | website = buildingsofireland.ie | archive-date = 2 August 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180802223541/http://www.buildingsofireland.ie/niah/search.jsp?type=record&county=CO®no=20907578 | url-status = live }}{{cite web | url = https://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/calls-for-island-designation-campaign-for-cobh-after-ophelia-461083.html | publisher = Irish Examiner | website = irishexaminer.com | title = Calls for 'island designation' campaign for Cobh after Ophelia | date = 18 October 2017 | access-date = 2 August 2018 | quote = the only bridge leading into Great Island, at Belvelly [Bridge], is 200 years old | archive-date = 2 August 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180802193249/https://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/calls-for-island-designation-campaign-for-cobh-after-ophelia-461083.html | url-status = live }}

In 1993 a Cross River Ferry was established which allowed cars and passengers to travel from Glenbrook near Monkstown to Carrigaloe on the Great Island. The crossing from Glenbrook to Carrigaloe takes four minutes and runs daily. Reservations are not required.{{cite web|title=Passage West and Monkstown Cross River Ferry |url=http://www.passagewestmonkstown.ie/cross-river-ferry.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328203817/http://www.passagewestmonkstown.ie/cross-river-ferry.asp |archive-date=2014-03-28 }}

In 1862, Queenstown Town Commissioners were established by a local act.{{cite web |title=Queenstown Improvement Act 1862 (c. xx) |url=https://vlex.co.uk/vid/queenstown-improvement-act-1862-808369673 |website=vlex Justis |access-date=3 April 2023 |date=3 June 1862}} In 1899, under the Local Government (Ireland) Act 1898, this body became an urban district council.{{cite book |last=Clancy |first=John Joseph|author-link=J. J. Clancy (North Dublin MP)|title=A handbook of local government in Ireland: containing an explanatory introduction to the Local Government (Ireland) Act, 1898: together with the text of the act, the orders in Council, and the rules made thereunder relating to county council, rural district council, and guardian's elections: with an index|url=https://archive.org/details/handbookoflocalg00clan/page/434/mode/2up |page=435 |year=1899|publisher=Sealy, Bryers and Walker|location=Dublin }} It was renamed Cobh Urban District in 1920. In 2002, under the Local Government Act 2001, it became Cobh Town Council.{{cite ISB|title=Local Government Act 2001|year=2001|number=37|schedno=6|stitle=Local Government Areas (Towns)|date=21 July 2001}}

In 2014, this local government body was abolished.{{cite web |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/2012/1016/341810-phil-hogan-local-government-cabinet-politics/ |title=Hogan says local government reform will save €420m |website=RTÉ News |date=16 October 2012 |publisher=RTÉ |access-date=2013-11-07 |archive-date=19 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019225417/http://www.rte.ie/news/2012/1016/341810-phil-hogan-local-government-cabinet-politics/ |url-status=live }}{{cite ISB|name=Local Government Reform Act 2014|year=2014|section=24|stitle=Dissolution of town councils and transfer date|number=1|date=27 January 2014|access-date=21 May 2022}} Since then, the town has fallen within the responsibility of Cork County Council.{{cite web|url=https://www.corkcoco.ie/en/your-county-council/how-your-council-works|title=How your Council Works|publisher=Cork County Council|access-date=19 December 2019|archive-date=19 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219181952/https://www.corkcoco.ie/en/your-county-council/how-your-council-works|url-status=live}} Cobh Municipal District, one of eight municipal districts in the county, is represented by six elected councillors.{{cite ISB|year=2019|type=si|num =28|title=County Of Cork Local Electoral Areas And Municipal Districts Order 2019|date=31 January 2018|access-date=18 March 2019|archive-date=8 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191208044651/http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2019/si/28/made/en/print}} As of the 2019 local election, these include 1 Labour Party, 2 Fine Gael, 1 Fianna Fáil, 1 Green Party and 1 independent councillor.{{cite news|url=https://www.corkcoco.ie/en/your-county-council/electedmembers?field_municipal_district_target_id=215|title=Elected Members|publisher=Cork County Council|access-date=19 December 2019|archive-date=28 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728201918/https://www.corkcoco.ie/en/your-county-council/electedmembers?field_municipal_district_target_id=215|url-status=live}}

The town is part of the Dáil constituency of Cork East.

File:The Navigator.jpg

The Sirius Arts Centre is a hub for the arts in Cobh and is located on the waterfront. It hosts cultural events and music concerts both in-house and around Cobh.{{cite web |url=http://www.siriusartscentre.ie/ |title=Sirius Art Centre |publisher=Siriusartscentre.ie |access-date=7 November 2013 |archive-date=5 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105100630/http://www.siriusartscentre.ie/ |url-status=live }}

The Cobh Peoples Regatta is held every year around August,{{cite web| url=http://www.cobhpeoplesregatta.com/|title=Cobh People's Regatta |website=cobhpeoplesregatta.com | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180324001255/http://www.cobhpeoplesregatta.com/ | archive-date = 24 March 2018 }} and includes onstage performances from local musicians and performers as well as a pageant to decide the 'Regatta Queen'. The festival typically ends with a fireworks display over the harbour.{{cite web | url = http://www.visitcobh.com/index.php/2018/08/01/cobh-peoples-regatta-2018/ | publisher = Cobh Tourism | website = visitcobh.com | title = Cobh People's Regatta 2018 | date = 1 August 2018 | access-date = 4 January 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190105145404/http://www.visitcobh.com/index.php/2018/08/01/cobh-peoples-regatta-2018/ | archive-date = 5 January 2019 | url-status = dead }}

Cobh was the setting for the 2009 Connor McPherson film The Eclipse,{{cite web | url = http://cobhedition.com/?p=20617 | publisher = Cobh Edition | website = cobhedition.com | title = Cannes Is No Longer The Only Premier Film Festival By The Sea | date = 5 October 2012 | access-date = 4 January 2019 | archive-date = 5 January 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190105043123/http://cobhedition.com/?p=20617 | url-status = live }} and also used as a filming location for the 1999 movie Angela's Ashes.{{cite web | url = https://www.independent.ie/woman/celeb-news/reconstructing-the-pain-of-the-past-to-film-a-literary-legend-26252866.html | publisher = Independent News & Media | website = independent.ie | title = Reconstructing the pain of the past to film a literary legend | date = 9 January 2000 | access-date = 4 January 2019 | archive-date = 5 January 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190105043545/https://www.independent.ie/woman/celeb-news/reconstructing-the-pain-of-the-past-to-film-a-literary-legend-26252866.html | url-status = live }}

Cobh has several primary and secondary schools, including Colaiste Muire secondary school and Carrignafoy Community College. Scoil Iosaef Naofa is a boys' primary school in the town, and has reached the Sciath na Scoil finals (in hurling and gaelic football) on several occasions.{{cite web | url = http://cobhedition.com/?p=12636 | publisher = Cobh Edition | website = cobhedition.com | title = Scoil Iosaef Naofa – Sciath na Scol Finalists | date = 20 May 2011 | access-date = 4 January 2019 | archive-date = 5 January 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190105043120/http://cobhedition.com/?p=12636 | url-status = live }}

Cobh GAA is the local GAA club, and has a centre for gaelic games at Carrignafoy.{{cite web | url = http://www.cobhgaa.com/contentPage/303089/c_o_n_t_a_c_t | publisher = Cobh GAA | website = cobhgaa.com | title = Cobh GAA - Contacts | access-date = 4 January 2019 | archive-date = 5 January 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190105043501/http://www.cobhgaa.com/contentPage/303089/c_o_n_t_a_c_t | url-status = live }}

Cobh Pirates RFC are the town's rugby union club, and compete at underage and other levels.{{cite web | url = https://munsterrugby.ie/domestic_news/club-focus-cobh-pirates/ | publisher = Munster Rugby | website = munsterrugby.ie | title = Club Focus: Cobh Pirates | date = 7 February 2014 | access-date = 4 January 2019 | archive-date = 5 January 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190105094138/https://munsterrugby.ie/domestic_news/club-focus-cobh-pirates/ | url-status = live }} The club celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2015.{{cite web | url = https://cobhedition.com/?p=28053 | publisher = Cobh Edition | website = cobhedition.com | title = Cobh Pirates RFC celebrates 125 years in 2015 | date = 10 March 2015 | access-date = 9 November 2019 | archive-date = 25 December 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151225175148/http://www.cobhedition.com/?p=28053 | url-status = live }} They play their home games at 'The Paddocks' in Newtown, where facilities include a gym, two playing pitches, a training pitch and a rubber training surface. The Cobh Pirates Ladies team was formed circa 2010.

The most noted football team in the area is Cobh Ramblers, where Roy Keane started-out before transferring to English side Nottingham Forest, and Stephen Ireland started his career with the club's underage, Springfield Ramblers. Cobh Ramblers play in the League of Ireland First Division,{{cite web | url = https://www.extratime.ie/articles/23315/stephen-christopher-departs-cobh-ramblers-ahead-of-first-division-run-in/ | website = extratime.ie | title = Stephen Christopher departs Cobh Ramblers ahead of First Division run-in | date = 25 July 2019 | access-date = 7 December 2019 | archive-date = 7 December 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191207201500/https://www.extratime.ie/articles/23315/stephen-christopher-departs-cobh-ramblers-ahead-of-first-division-run-in/ | url-status = live }} with home games at St Colman's Park.{{cite web | url = https://www.echolive.ie/corksport/Cobh-Ramblers-land-massive-Dundalk-home-tie-in-cup-semi-final-fa04eeab-7867-41e8-b460-f76e03f9ed7e-ds | publisher = The Echo | website = echolive.ie | title = Cobh Ramblers land massive Dundalk home tie in cup semi-final | date = 14 May 2018 | access-date = 7 December 2019 | quote = "We have a 4,000 capacity in St Colman’s Park — hopefully we could fill the place up" | archive-date = 7 December 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191207155308/https://www.echolive.ie/corksport/Cobh-Ramblers-land-massive-Dundalk-home-tie-in-cup-semi-final-fa04eeab-7867-41e8-b460-f76e03f9ed7e-ds | url-status = live }}

Cobh Golf Club has an 18-hole championship course at Marino on the main R624 road into the town. Cobh is also home to one of the oldest existing tennis clubs in Ireland, Rushbrooke Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club, founded in 1870.{{cite web | url = http://www.croquetireland.com/node/162 | publisher = Croquet Association of Ireland | website = croquetireland.com | title = Exhibition match at Rushbrooke | date = 23 October 2011 | access-date = 4 January 2019 | archive-date = 5 January 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190105094238/http://www.croquetireland.com/node/162 | url-status = live }}

There are two coastal rowing clubs in the area, Cobh Fishermen and Rushbrooke Rowing Club, with the latter established in 1989.{{cite web|title=Rushbrooke Rowing Club History|url=http://www.rushbrookerc.com/index.php?p=custom&page_id=1 | website = rushbrookerc.com | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151018193439/http://www.rushbrookerc.com/index.php?p=custom&page_id=1 | archive-date = 18 October 2015 }} Other events on the water include the "Escape from Spike Island" triathlon, which was first held in 2012 and organised by Cobh Triathlon Club. It takes place annually in late summer.

There are two Scouting Ireland groups in Cobh, one of which is a Sea Scout group.{{fact|date=December 2024}}

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{{See also|Category:People from Cobh}}

• Anne Elizabeth Ball (1808–1872) and Mary Ball (1812–1898), sisters and scientists in the history of phycology{{cite web | url = https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/outdoors/gardening/a-look-back-on-cobhs-horticultural-heroine-anne-elizabeth-ball-384404.html | publisher = Irish Examiner | website = irishexaminer.com | title = A look back on Cobh's horticultural heroine, Anne Elizabeth Ball | date = 27 February 2016 | access-date = 4 January 2019 | archive-date = 4 January 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190104231156/https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/outdoors/gardening/a-look-back-on-cobhs-horticultural-heroine-anne-elizabeth-ball-384404.html | url-status = live }}
• Robert Ball (1802–1857) brother of Anne and Mary Ball, zoologist{{cite web |url=http://www.nahste.ac.uk/isaar/GB_0237_NAHSTE_P0336.html |title=Ball | Robert | 1802-1857 | naturalist, president of the Geological Society of Ireland |publisher=Nahste.ac.uk |access-date=2013-03-26 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120714210042/http://www.nahste.ac.uk/isaar/GB_0237_NAHSTE_P0336.html |archive-date=2012-07-14 }}
• Decimus Burton (1800–1881), English architect and designer of much of Cobh's streetscape{{cite web | url = https://www.dia.ie/architects/view/783/BURTON%2C+DECIMUS+%23 | publisher = Irish Architectural Archive | work = Dictionary of Irish Architects | title = Burton, Decimus - Biography | access-date = 4 January 2019 | archive-date = 12 August 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190812135457/https://www.dia.ie/architects/view/783/BURTON,%2BDECIMUS%2B%2523 | url-status = live }}
• Nellie Cashman (1845–1925), gold prospector and philanthropist who was born near Cobh or at Midleton{{cite web | url = https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/a-miner-with-a-heart-of-gold-an-irishman-s-diary-about-the-extraordinary-nellie-cashman-1.3063916 | publisher = Irish Times | website = irishtimes.com | title = A miner with a heart of gold – the extraordinary Nellie Cashman | date = 28 April 2017 | access-date = 4 January 2019 | archive-date = 30 January 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180130021943/https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/a-miner-with-a-heart-of-gold-an-irishman-s-diary-about-the-extraordinary-nellie-cashman-1.3063916 | url-status = live }}
• Patsy Donovan (1865–1953), major league baseball player in the US{{cite web | url = http://www.visitcobh.com/index.php/famous-people-of-cobh/ | publisher = Cobh Tourism | website = visitcobh.com | title = Famous People of Cobh | access-date = 4 January 2019 | archive-date = 4 January 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190104231016/http://www.visitcobh.com/index.php/famous-people-of-cobh/ | url-status = live }}
• Charles Guilfoyle Doran (1835–1909), Fenian and clerk of works for the building of Cobh Cathedral, lived in the town most of his life{{citation needed|date=August 2019}}
• Jack Doyle (1913–1978), boxer, actor and singer
• Frederick Edwards (1894–1964), recipient of the Victoria Cross{{cite web | url = https://collection.nam.ac.uk/detail.php?acc=2008-01-3-2 | publisher = National Army Museum | website = nam.ac.uk | title = Collection - Corporal Frederick Jeremiah Edwards VC | access-date = 4 January 2019 | archive-date = 5 January 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190105043323/https://collection.nam.ac.uk/detail.php?acc=2008-01-3-2 | url-status = live }}
• Joe English, round-the-world sailor and international yachtsman{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/other-sports/sailor-joe-english-58-passes-away-1.1987847|title=Sailor Joe English (58) passes away|newspaper=The Irish Times|first=David|last=Branigan|date=4 November 2014|url-access=subscription|access-date=24 February 2020|archive-date=5 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205091123/https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/other-sports/sailor-joe-english-58-passes-away-1.1987847|url-status=live}}
• Robert Forde (1875–1959), Antarctic explorer
• Maeve Higgins, comedian
• Stephen Ireland, former Manchester City and Republic of Ireland international footballer
• Roy Keane, former Manchester United footballer, started his professional career with Cobh Ramblers{{cite web | url = https://www.sportsjoe.ie/football/roy-keane-is-returning-to-football-with-cobh-ramblers-but-its-only-for-one-night-13219 | publisher = Sports Joe | website = sportsjoe.ie | title = Roy Keane is returning to Cobh Ramblers (for one night only though) | date = 12 February 2015 | access-date = 4 January 2019 | archive-date = 5 January 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190105043325/https://www.sportsjoe.ie/football/roy-keane-is-returning-to-football-with-cobh-ramblers-but-its-only-for-one-night-13219 | url-status = live }}
• Ann Lovett (1968-1984), Irish schoolgirl who was born in Cobh. She later moved to County Cavan and subsequently to County Longford, where she died in January 1984 aged 15. The circumstances of her death caused a national scandal.{{cite web| work = Dictionary of Irish Biography | title = Lovett, Ann | url = https://www.dib.ie/biography/lovett-ann-a10324 | date = September 2023 | first = Liz | last = Evers }}
• Sean McLoughlin, Hull City footballer{{cite web|url = https://cobhedition.com/?p=32201 | publisher = Cobh Edition | website = cobhedition.com | title = Cobh's Sean McLoughlin in Irish U21 side to face Israel & Germany | date = 5 October 2018 | access-date = 6 September 2019 }}
• Elizabeth Louisa Moresby (1862–1931), fantasy writer{{cite web | url = https://digital.lib.sfu.ca/ceww-657/beck-elizabeth-louisa-moresby | publisher = Simon Fraser University | work = SFU Digitized Collections | title = Beck, Elizabeth Louisa Moresby | access-date = 6 September 2019 | archive-date = 6 September 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190906102503/https://digital.lib.sfu.ca/ceww-657/beck-elizabeth-louisa-moresby | url-status = live }}
• John O'Flynn, footballer{{cite web | url = http://www.extratime.ie/player/258/john_oflynn/ | publisher = Extratime | website = extratime.ie | title = Player Profile - John O'Flynn | access-date = 4 January 2019 | archive-date = 5 January 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190105042957/http://www.extratime.ie/player/258/john_oflynn/ | url-status = live }}
• Fergus O'Rourke (1923–2010), zoologist resident in Cobh while Professor at University College Cork
• Thomas H. O'Shea (1898–1962), Irish Volunteer and labour leader{{cite web | url = https://www.irishexaminer.com/viewpoints/analysis/mike-quill-the-irishman-martin-luther-king-described-as-a-man-the-ages-will-remember-378101.html | publisher = Irish Examiner | website = irishexaminer.com | title = Mike Quill: The Irishman Martin Luther King described as 'a man the ages will remember' | date = 26 January 2016 | access-date = 4 January 2019 | quote = Quill and Thomas H O’Shea, a native of Queenstown (now Cobh), were the two main founders of the Transport Workers Union (TWU) | archive-date = 5 January 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190105053444/https://www.irishexaminer.com/viewpoints/analysis/mike-quill-the-irishman-martin-luther-king-described-as-a-man-the-ages-will-remember-378101.html | url-status = live }}
• Sonia O'Sullivan, silver medalist in the 5000 m race at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games
• Fiona Shaw, actress, born here in 1958{{cite web | url = https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/books/the-life-of-fiona-shaw-30259524.html | publisher = Independent News & Media | website = independent.ie | title = The life of Fiona Shaw | date = 11 May 2014 | access-date = 4 January 2019 | archive-date = 4 January 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190104231124/https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/books/the-life-of-fiona-shaw-30259524.html | url-status = live }}
• Sinéad Sheppard, local councillor and former member of pop band Six{{cite web | url = https://www.finegael.ie/our-people/councillors/cork/cork-county/cobh/sinead-sheppard/ | publisher = Fine Gael | website = finegael.ie | title = Our People - Cllr Sinead Sheppard Cork County Council | access-date = 4 January 2019 | archive-date = 24 May 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190524173606/https://www.finegael.ie/our-people/councillors/cork/cork-county/cobh/sinead-sheppard/ | url-status = live }}
• James Roche Verling (1787–1858), personal physician to Napoleon Bonaparte during his exile in St. Helena{{cite journal|url = https://www.dib.ie/biography/verling-james-roche-a8806 | publisher = Royal Irish Academy | journal = Dictionary of Irish Biography | title = Verling, James Roche | first = C. J. | last = Woods | doi = 10.3318/dib.008806.v1 | date = 2009 | accessdate = 12 May 2024 }}
• Patrick Walsh (1931–2023), emeritus bishop of Down and Connor, originally from Cobh{{cite web| url = https://www.catholicbishops.ie/2023/12/29/statement-by-bishop-donal-mckeown-on-the-death-of-bishop-patrick-walsh-rip-bishop-emeritus-of-down-and-connor/ | website = catholicbishops.ie| title = Statement by Bishop Donal McKeown on the death of Bishop Patrick Walsh RIP, Bishop Emeritus of Down and Connor | date = 29 December 2023 | accessdate = 12 May 2024 }}
• Joseph Wheeler, 19th century founder of the Rushbrooke ship yard{{cite book | title =

Cork Harbour Through | first1 = Kieran |last1 = McCarthy | first2 = Daniel |last2 = Breen |date = 2014 | quote = The [Cobh/Verolme] site's earlier shipbuilding heritage dates back to Joseph Wheeler in 1854 | publisher = Amberley Publishing | isbn = 9781445634265 }}

• Kolbuszowa, Poland{{cite web | url = http://www.kolbuszowa.pl/24-gmina/151-miasta-partnerskie/165-cobh-irlandia.html | publisher = UM Kolbuszowa | website = kolbuszowa.pl | title = Gmina - Miasta partnerskie - Cobh (Irlandia) | language = pl | access-date = 4 January 2019 | archive-date = 5 January 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190105200949/http://www.kolbuszowa.pl/24-gmina/151-miasta-partnerskie/165-cobh-irlandia.html | url-status = live }}
• Ploërmel, France
• Lake Charles, Louisiana, US{{Citation |title=Lake Charles pairs up with Cobh, Ireland|date=13 October 2011|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8Wvy4Vr8y0|access-date=31 January 2018|archive-date=13 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191113003015/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8Wvy4Vr8y0&gl=US&hl=en|url-status=live}}
• Pontarddulais, Wales{{cite web|url=http://www.pontarddulaistowncouncil.gov.uk/Core/Pontarddulais-Tc/Pages/Twinning_1.aspx |title=Cobh, County Cork, Republic of Ireland |publisher=Pontarddulais Town Council |date=13 October 2010 |access-date=2013-03-26 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121219084021/http://www.pontarddulaistowncouncil.gov.uk/Core/Pontarddulais-Tc/Pages/Twinning_1.aspx |archive-date=19 December 2012 }}

{{Portal|Ireland}}

• List of towns and villages in Ireland
• Metropolitan Cork

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

{{wikisource|A Run Ashore at Queenstown}}

• {{wikivoyage inline|Cobh}}
• [http://www.visitcobh.com/ Cobh Tourism]
• [http://www.cobhheritage.com/ Cobh Heritage Centre]
• {{cite web | publisher=GG Archives |url=https://www.ggarchives.com/OceanTravel/Passengers/Ports/Cobh-Queenstown-PassengerLists.html | title=Cobh (Queenstown) Passenger Lists – 1895-1953 }} – Passenger Lists are Organized by Date, Steamship Line, Steamship Class of Passengers and the route of the voyage.

{{County Cork}}

{{Cork Harbour |state=collapsed}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Towns and villages in County Cork

Category:Port cities and towns in the Republic of Ireland

Category:Former urban districts in the Republic of Ireland