Cobh Rebel Walking Tours
Walk the Paths
They Tried to Erase
Relive Cobh's rebel past through sixteen authenticated historical sites with writer and historian Kieran McCarthy.
Beyond the Titanic
There Is More to Cobh Than Shipping Tragedies
While the world knows Cobh for the Titanic and Lusitania, beneath its colourful terraces lies a story of defiance, courage, and the fight for Irish freedom. The Cobh Company of Volunteers were formed before even the Cork City Volunteers, in November 1913.
Join historian Kieran McCarthy on a leisurely 2-hour walk through sixteen carefully researched historical sites near the town centre — from the guesthouse where Padraig Pearse stayed, to the 1916 Garden of Remembrance at Westview.
The Route
16 Sites. One Unforgettable Story.
Pearse's Guesthouse
See where Padraig Pearse regularly stayed while visiting his stone mason father, who worked on the construction of St Colman's Cathedral.
The French Ambush Site
View the proposed ambush site where local republican volunteers lay in wait in May 1920 to assassinate Sir John French, Commander in Chief of British military forces.
The Old GPO Building
Where P.S. O'Hegarty, the Town Postmaster and IRB leader, received the first exclusion order in Ireland in 1914 under the Defence of the Realm Act.
The Aud Anchor
View the anchor from the German arms ship scuttled 8 miles outside Cork Harbour on Good Friday 1916, destroying all hope of a successful Rising.
Connolly's Rally Square
Visit the Square where James Connolly was attacked while speaking at a public meeting in March 1911.
1916 Garden of Remembrance
The site of the old RIC Barracks at Westview — once the nerve centre of British Rule, now a place of remembrance.
A Picture of Cobh
Scenes from the Tour
A selection of photographs taken during the walking tour — every corner of Cobh holds a story.
"We all know about the Titanic and the Lusitania but this man has an in-depth knowledge of not only Cobh itself, but also the hidden political history of his native town."
Pat & Ann Marie Power
Ballintemple, Cork
"My wife and daughter and I recently took a 12 day cruise around the UK. We had no plans for the port of Cobh so we took the tour when Kieran offered it to us on the dock. WHAT a surprise — so informative and pleasant, for us it was the highlight of Ireland, can't praise it enough — more than excellent! And the pint of Guinness after wasn't bad either!"
Brad & Sherrie Torres
Southern California, U.S.A.
"Kieran brings his knowledge and passion for Cobh's history to life. Initially meeting Kieran in his volunteer uniform you immediately know that it's going to be professionally delivered. The walk is a must for anyone seeking an in-depth local insight into such an important time in Ireland's history."
Paul Fitzpatrick
Ireland
"Kieran tells the stories in a way that makes you realise how it must have been in earlier times. When you come with a cruise ship this is a good alternative to an expensive excursion of the shipping company."
Nelly van Harten Rosbag
Netherlands
"Kieran was very informative and balanced in his approach to Cobh's history and covered a huge amount (16 sites!) over the tour. There was a gem hidden around every corner."
TripAdvisor Reviewer
Tripadvisor
"Kieran was an outstanding tour guide! He has deep knowledge of the area and its history and we thoroughly enjoyed our time walking with him — even in the rain!"
Yelp Reviewer
Yelp
"A great walking history tour. Kieran clearly knows his town and his history. He tells a great story and keeps you moving at a good pace. The tour was the most informative we've been on in Ireland."
Facebook Reviewer
"Kieran is a fountain of knowledge. Brings the Rebel History of Cobh alive in a way no guidebook ever could."
TripAdvisor Reviewer
Tripadvisor
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Ready to Walk in the Footsteps of History?
Book your place on the tour and discover the Cobh they don't tell you about. Group tours also available.
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