Irish Heritage & Emigration Tour at The Queenstown Story
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
No special fitness required, just a curiosity for history
Overview
Discover Ireland’s emigration history at The Queenstown Story in Cork, a captivating site full of stories of resilience and hope. Dive into histories of Titanic messages and convict voyages, all within a scenic south coast setting.
The Queenstown Story - Self Guided Tour
For all ages • 1 Hour • Self Guided Tour • Audio Guide in 7 Languages
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About This Adventure
Discover Ireland's maritime heritage at the Cobh Heritage Centre, where a self-guided tour immerses you in the poignant stories of emigrants. With interactive exhibits and personal artifacts, follow the journey of real passengers, including tales of the Titanic and Lusitania. A captivating experience for history enthusiasts and families alike!
A journey through three hundred years of Irish Emigration, social, naval and maritime history.
Duration
1 Hour
About
The Queenstown Story will give visitors a glimpse into our past and the hardships that those early emigrants endured. In the exhibition there are individual stories to be found such as that of Jeremiah Burke and the message in the bottle from Titanic, Margaret Drury and her voyage on a convict ship to Australia and of course Fr. Frank Browne and the photos he took while on board Titanic as it journeyed from Southampton to Cobh – before being ordered by his Bishop to disembark at Cobh.
There are many interesting stories throughout the exhibition of Irish emigrants who left Cove/Queenstown/Cobh to far flung destinations across the globe such as Brazil, Argentina, The West Indies as well as North America and Australia. In 2018 we added many new stories- The Heffernan Family – and their eventual settlement in Canada; Martin Mannion and his story of survival on the Lusitania, Robert Davies a convicted smuggler from Cove who ended up in the Caribbean, and the story of the The “Harp ” Donnelly’s from South Kerry to Newport Rhode Island, to name but just a few!
Take a walk in the footsteps of our ancestors and be rewarded with stories that will fire your imagination. No trip to Cork would be complete without a trip to the Cobh Heritage Centre, Co. Cork, a highlight of Ireland’s Ancient East.
More info
- This is a self-guided tour but we have audio units available in French, German, Dutch, Italian, Spanish, Polish and Hebrew to help those whose English is not great.
- 1 Hour is our recommended duration, but if you wish to stay longer, that is ok.
Entry times
- We're open daily from 9:30am. You may arrive at any time from then.
- Mid October to Mid April - Last entry at 4pm
- Mid April to Mid October - Last entry at 5pm
Adventure Tips
Arrive early to avoid crowds
Visit in the morning to enjoy a quieter experience and more time to absorb the exhibits.
Wear comfortable shoes
The museum involves walking through multiple exhibits, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
Bring a notebook or recorder
Capture personal reflections or important details during your visit.
Check for special exhibitions
Look out for temporary displays that may offer additional insights or features.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Seagulls
- Dolphins in the nearby waters
History
Cobh was a major port for Irish emigration, notably during the Great Famine and subsequent waves of migration.
Conservation
Efforts are in place to preserve the historic buildings and exhibit collections, ensuring this cultural heritage remains accessible for future generations.
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Adventure Hotspots in Cork
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Necessary for extended walking through the exhibits.
Notebook or recording device
Capture insights and personal reflections during your visit.
Light backpack
Carry essentials like water, notebook, or camera comfortably.
Camera or smartphone with good battery life
Photograph key exhibits or your favorite moments.