THE QUEENSTOWN STORY

WELCOME TO THE COBH HERITAGE CENTRE

Discover the moving narrative of emigration and maritime history at the Cobh Heritage Centre in Cobh, County Cork. This captivating exhibition vividly portrays the roots, chronicles, and enduring impact of Cobh, while also recounting the tragic stories of the ill-fated Titanic and Lusitania.

The story of Irish Emigration

The “Queenstown Story” is the story of Irish Emigration. The scattering of the Irish is one of the great migration stories, in Cobh , we are uniquely positioned to tell this story from the port where 3 million of our people left from. 

Follow the story from the 1600’s when transportation to the British overseas colonies was commonplace, from Virginia and New England to Barbados, Jamacia and Monserrat. Learn about the transportation of convicts to Australia and the connection between this port town and two of the biggest shipping disasters of the early 20th century, The Titanic  & The Lusitania.

This beautiful, informative and sometimes emotive Exhibition is situated within Cobh’s beautifully restored Victorian railway station, a building with its own historic story.

OUR TOURS

Queenstown Story

The Queenstown Story

Explore three centuries of Irish Emigration, social, naval, and maritime history at The Queenstown Story. Gain insight into our past and the challenges faced by early emigrants.

A woman and two children observe a model ship display of the titanic, set against a backdrop of historical photos, inside a museum exhibit.

Cobh Cultural Tour

A unique experience by combining the captivating Titanic Trail Guided walking tour with a visit to the incredible Queenstown Story. This package provides a cost-effective option.

CURRENT EXHIBITIONS

Titanic

THE TITANIC

On 11 April 1912, the Titanic left Queenstown with 1,308 passengers and 898 crew members as she embarked on her final journey.

Black and white illustration of a large sinking ship with smoke billowing from its funnels, surrounded by multiple small lifeboats filled with people in a rough sea.

LUSITANIA

Learn all about the ocean liner that was sunk by a German torpedo.

COFFIN & CONVICT SHIPS

COFFIN & CONVICT SHIPS

From 1848 to 1950, over six million adults and children emigrated from Ireland.

Interior of a train station with a high arched ceiling. there is an informational display about railway history surrounded by benches and a hanging lamp above. signs direct to shops and exits.

THE ANNIE MOORE STORY

Learn all about Annie Moore, the first emigrant to be processed at Ellis Island on 1 January 1892.

TRACE YOUR IRISH ROOTS

Cobh Heritage Centre offers a Genealogical Family History Research Profile.

This expert system has been designed to allow someone with no knowledge of genealogical records to obtain a detailed custom made analysis of all Irish records relevant to researching a particular ancestor.

There is a charge of  €80.00 for a one hour session with our Genealogist.

(we would advise to book in advance via our website ).

Geneology
A man sitting at a desk with a computer and a sign reading "genealogy by appointment only" at an office, displaying historical posters about spike island in the background.

GROUPS

We provide a variety of tour choices for groups interested in visiting the Cobh Heritage Center, catering to both large groups and school tours.

Two women view a visitor information board displaying a map and brochures about local attractions in cobh, a heritage town.

Group Tours

Cobh Heritage Centre has emerged as a highly sought-after location for Group Tours. Discuss with us your group tour requirements.

A young child in a blue jacket wearing headphones interacts with an exhibit, touching a display while looking attentively at a device enclosed in clear casing at a museum.

School Tours

School tours are always welcomed here, providing students with the chance to discover the history of Irish Emigration from this renowned coastal town.

trip
Wonderful surprise. Learned so much
Wonderful surprise. Learned so much
Cheryl M
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A wonderful way to learn more about Irish emigration (including forced!) and to learn how this little town was once vital to cruise lines and mail delivery. I’ve heard a lot about the Titanic and Luisitania, but I learned new things at this museum.
Great place to visit
Great place to visit
Debbie D
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Fascinating emigration history!!! History of Ireland which taught us so much! Gave us a great overall perspective and staff could not have been nicer!
Wonderful surprise. Learned so much
Wonderful surprise. Learned so much
Cheryl M
Read More
A wonderful way to learn more about Irish emigration (including forced!) and to learn how this little town was once vital to cruise lines and mail delivery. I’ve heard a lot about the Titanic and Luisitania, but I learned new things at this museum.
Beautiful museum
Beautiful museum
Carol S
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I’m glad we stopped in while in port with a cruise. Very nice museum that covers the full history of Irish emigration. It keeps your attention because it’s on a more personal level. You meet real people and hear real stories.
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