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Driving to Cobh

Cobh is a scenic 30-minute drive (approx. 22 km/14 miles) from Cork City, following well signposted routes along Cork Harbour. Here’s how to get there:

From Cork City:

  1. Start on the N25 (Cork – Rosslare Road) eastbound toward Ringaskiddy.
  2. Take Exit 3 for Cobh/Carrigtohill (follow signs for R624. Take 4th exit on first roundabout and the 1st exit on second roundabout).
  3. Merge onto the R624, which leads directly into Cobh via the Belvelly Bridge.
  4. Cross Belvelly Bridge into Cobh
    • The R624 becomes a scenic coastal road – follow signs for Cobh Town Centre.
    • Landmark: You’ll pass Fota Island Resort & Wildlife Park (great for a detour).
  5. Follow the waterfront road into town – parking is available at the Five Foot Way Car Park near Cobh Railway Station and the Cobh Heritage Centre.

From Cork Airport:

Distance: approx. 30 km (18.5 miles) | Time: 40–50 minutes

  1. Start at Cork Airport (ORK)
    • Exit the airport onto the N27 (signposted Cork City).
  2. Merge onto the N40 (South Ring Road)
    • Follow signs for Rosslare/Waterford (N25) – stay left to avoid city center.
    • Tip: The N40 is a toll-free motorway.
  3. Take Exit 4 for Cobh/Glanmire
    • After approx. 15 minutes, exit onto the R624 (signposted Cobh/Fota).
    • Follow steps 2 – 5 above to reach Cobh

From Dublin (via M8):

  1. Take the M8 southbound to Cork.
  2. Near Cork City, merge onto the N25 eastbound (signposted Waterford/Rosslare).
  3. Follow steps 2–5 of above to reach Cobh.

Key Tips:

  • Tolls: The Dunkettle Interchange (near Cork) has no tolls, but the M8 from Dublin does (€1.90–€3.10, pay online at eflow.ie).
  • Parking: Cobh has paid street parking and a free car park at the Five Foot Way Car Park near Cobh Railway Station or Cobh Heritage Centre.
  • Scenic Route: For coastal views, detour via Passage West (R610) instead of the R624 (ferry crossing required).
  • Ferry Note: “Cross-river ferries (e.g., Passage West to Glenbrook) can shorten the trip from western Cork.”

Use the map below to customise your route. Safe travels!