J.F. Kennedy Pier, Cobh

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J.F. Kennedy Pier, Cobh

J.F. Kennedy Pier, Cobh

J.F. Kennedy Pier is a historically significant landmark situated along one of the world's largest natural harbors, Cork Harbour. The harbor, second only to Sydney, Australia, boasts a picturesque coastline and a deep connection to maritime history. The town of Cobh has retained much of its original charm, and a walk along the waterfront, including Kennedy Pier, feels like stepping back in time. This pier, initially known as Victoria Pier, was constructed in the 1860s and later renamed Admiralty Pier before being dedicated to John F. Kennedy in the 1960s in memory of the U.S. President.

The pier is best known for its role in one of the 20th century's most tragic maritime disasters—the sinking of the RMS Lusitania in 1915. Survivors from the torpedoed ship were brought ashore here, marking the pier as an important historical site. The structure itself, built in a T-plan design with limestone battered walls, cobbled surfaces, and cast-iron railings, reflects the engineering expertise of the 19th century. Additionally, the pier is closely linked to the legacy of the RMS Titanic, as Cobh was the ship’s final port of call before its ill-fated voyage across the Atlantic.

Today, J.F. Kennedy Pier remains a bustling part of Cobh's maritime life. It serves as an embarkation point for visitors traveling to Spike Island, a historic fortress in Cork Harbour. The pier also accommodates local fishing vessels, where fishermen can often be seen berthing their boats and mending their nets.

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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J.F. Kennedy Pier on Map

Sight Name: J.F. Kennedy Pier
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