There is always plenty to do in Cobh during August and this year is no exception. Coming up shortly is the Cobh People's Regatta and for many people this is the highlight of the summer season. Over thecourse of this weekend there are plenty of yacht races, rowing races, children's activities, live bands, and other entertainment....its positively a fun packed couple of days. Of course the weekend culminates in the much anticipated fireworks display. This year the Regatta is being held from Friday 16th August to Sunday 24th August.
The following weekend sees the start of the Verolme Cork Dockyard Gathering. The Dockyard closed in 1984 and was the only facility of its kind in Ireland outside of Harland & Wolfe in Belfast. Shipbuilding began in the yard in 1853 and continued right upto its closure. At one stage the yard employed over 1,100 workers. Many of the Irish Navy's ships were built at the yard. Over the course of the gathering weekend many of it former workers will get the chance to visit the yard once more. The yard will be open for public tours and there will be specially hosted seminars in the Commodore Hotel. Commemorative ceremonies will also be held on the Sunday. The Irish Naval vessel, LE Aisling will dock at the Deep Water Quay and will be open to the public.
On the last weekend in August the Gorgeous Gael gathering will take place. This will be a celebration of the life and times of boxer, movie start, and singer, Jack Doyle who was born in Cobh on 31st August 1913, 100 years previously. This weekend will feature a boxing tournament, showing of Jack's film, workshops featuring memorabilia of Jack's life, walking tours to Jack's home, commemorative ceremonies and much more....
....of course there is always other things to do and see in Cobh each day. If you are planning a break to Cobh you could always include a visit to Spike Island. Spike, located in the middle of Cork Harbour just one mile directly in front of Cobh, has a fascinating history. Now special guided tours give you a unique insight into this history. Spike, dubbed as Ireland's 'Alcatraz,' has served as a monastery, a fort, a prison, and a penal colony.Boat trips and Island tours depart from Kennedy Pier daily every hour from 11am till 3pm with the latest return at 5:15pm. For the combined tour prices are €14.50 for Adults; €9.50 per Child; and €40 per family. Reduced prices for Boat trips only are also available. For further information check out Spike Island.
....another must is a visit to Fota Wildlife Park, especially if you have some younger folk in tow. This year Fota Wildlife Park is celebrating its 30th anniversary and is hosting many special celebratory Fota Wildlife Park is only 10 minutes from Cobh by rail or by road. However, to add to your adventure the rail journey is highly recommended. The spectacular views of Cork Harbour offered as the train makes its way from Cobh are not accessible by road!events on a daily basis. Fota has been regularly voted as one of Ireland's top attractions and its easy to see why this is the case. Where else can you wander around with spectacular wild animals roaming freely and is such close proximity. Fota is widely known for its successful cheetah breeding programme and the cheetah pen is a special treat.
....and what about Cobh Road Train. A great way to spend a leisurely hour meandering around the Cobh Road Train.
town and hills of Cobh, taking in the spectacular views of Cork Harbour. The train has been very popular with visitors to the town since it began in its service in 2012. The train leaves from the centre of Cobh every hour. More information is available at
Other attractions available in Cobh are the Titanic Experience, the Cobh the Queenstown Story Heritage Centre, Cobh Museum, the Titanic Trail guided walking tour, and Cobh Cathedral.
We've plenty of great accommodation packages available....why not check them out here! A couple of days break in Cobh during August might be just the ticket!
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Have you been to Fota Wildlife Park yet this Summer? Have the kids seen the cheetahs, giraffes, monkeys, and other exotic animals in one of Ireland's best attractions? We are almost next door! Just a 10 minute train journey from the Commodore Hotel will have you in the middle of Fota Wildlife Park! After an energetic day at Fota with the family, relax & spend the night at the Commodore Hotel, we are doing Special Family Deals for the last two weeks of the summer holidays. SO, WHY NOT TREAT THE FAMILY TO A DAY OUT A FOTA AND TOP IT OFF WITH AN OVERNIGHT STAY AT THE COMMODORE HOTEL.
