Cobh, pronounced "Cove", was a mere fishing village 250 years ago. It owes its growth to the Napoleonic War and transatlantic shipping. Cork Harbour was strategically very important in naval terms and Cobh, then known as Queenstown, quickly developed to meet the needs of naval personnel. The naval base at Haulbowline is a five minute boat journey and officers quickly began to build homes in the village as the naval base expanded in the 19th century.

Cobh became the main transatlantic port for Ireland and it was the main point of emigration to America for over 100 years. During the famine years of 1844-1848 thousands of hungry and penniless emigrants left Ireland through this port. Their story is told in The Queenstown Story based in the old Railway Station next to the Deep Water Quay, where modern liners still dock. Cobh was so important in the 19th century that when the Railway was built all distances were measured from Cobh, rather than Dublin or Cork.

The Lusitania was enroute to Cobh when she was sunk by a German U-Boat. The survivors were brought to Cobh and the final resting place for those who died is the Old Graveyard. A memorial to the casualties is placed in the centre of Pearse Square. Cobh was the final port of call for the ill fated Titanic.

With the decline of regular departures following the introduction of air travel regular visits by liners ceased. However, in recent years with the popularity of cruising growing, there has been an annual increase, until nowadays there are cruise ships calling on a nearly daily basis during the summer months. Cobh is an ideal place for cruise liners to visit with the Deep Water Quay, by the railway station, less than 5 minutes from the centre of town.