Deck Of Card Houses, Cobh

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Deck Of Card Houses, Cobh

Deck Of Card Houses, Cobh

The Deck of Cards Houses is one of the most iconic and photographed streets in the country. This charming row of 23 brightly colored Victorian homes lines the steep incline of West View, resembling a perfectly stacked deck of cards—hence the name. The colorful facades, set against the dramatic backdrop of Saint Colman’s Cathedral, create an almost storybook-like scene, drawing comparisons to the Painted Ladies of San Francisco.

A small park with benches sits across from the houses, providing the perfect spot to take in the view or snap an Instagram-worthy photo. For those who want a deeper experience, some of these historic homes are available for rent through Airbnb, offering visitors a chance to stay in one of Cobh’s most famous locations.

These candy-colored homes are more than just a pretty sight—they have become a symbol of Cobh and a popular attraction for visitors exploring the town. Despite their increasing social media fame, it’s important to remember that these are private residences, so respectful photo-taking from a distance is encouraged. The best viewpoints of the Deck of Cards Houses can be found at West View Park, where the grassy foreground adds a scenic element to the shot. Another popular vantage point is from Cannon O’Leary Place, though some adventurous photographers attempt a higher perspective from Spy Hill. However, the latter requires climbing a stone wall with a steep drop, which has led to some near accidents, making it a risky option for visitors.

Beyond its picturesque appeal, the Deck of Cards embodies the historical charm and architectural beauty of Cobh. The houses appear to defy gravity, stacked neatly on the steep hillside, leading locals to joke that if the bottom house were to fall, the rest would tumble down like a real deck of cards.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Cobh. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Deck Of Card Houses on Map

Sight Name: Deck Of Card Houses
Sight Location: Cobh, Ireland (See walking tours in Cobh)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Cobh, Ireland

Create Your Own Walk in Cobh

Create Your Own Walk in Cobh

Creating your own self-guided walk in Cobh is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Cobh Introduction Walking Tour

Cobh Introduction Walking Tour

With its picture-perfect charm and unexpected global significance, Cobh invites you to explore Ireland’s storied past. This unassuming coastal gem, often ranked among Europe’s most picturesque towns, has been the setting for some of history’s most unforgettable voyages.

Once known as Queenstown, the city’s name (pronounced “cove”) means a “small harbor” or “place to moor...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles