Introducing Cobh

If you're looking for a palpable sense of the tragedy that was the Famine, go no further than the port of Cobh (pronounced 'cove'), from where 2.5 million people emigrated in order to escape the ravages of starvation. They left Ireland through the glistening estuary, although these days this handsome hill town, speckled with brightly coloured houses and overlooked by a splendid cathedral, is popular with Corkonians looking for a spot of R&R.

Cobh is on the south side of Great Island, one of three islands that fill Cork Harbour. The other two (visible from the waterfront) are Haulbowline Island (once the base of the Irish Naval Service) and the greener Spike Island (which housed a prison).

The Old Yacht Club is home to the tourist office and an arts centre.