Cork Port Information
It’s one of the largest natural harbors in the world – and those who live near Cork Harbor insist it’s also one of the most interesting.
It was the last port of call for the most famous ocean liner in history, the Titanic, but it has been transformed into a center for the chemical and pharmaceutical industry.
The port has been an active port and strategic defensive center for centuries, and has been one of Ireland’s main centers of employment since the early 1900s. Traditional heavy industries have declined since the late 20th century, such as the closure of Irish Steel at Haulbowline and shipbuilding at Verolme. It still has major and strategic importance in power generation, transportation and refining.
Giraffes roam its shores, from where tens of thousands of men and women left Ireland, most never to return. The harbor is home to the world’s oldest yacht club and the Irish navy.
This deep waterway has also become a vital cog in the Irish economy.
‘Afloat.ie’s Cork Harbor page’ is not a history page, nor a news focus. It is simply an exploration of this famous waterway, its color and its characters.
Cork Harbor Festival
Ocean to City – An Rás Mór and Cork Harbor Open Day previously existed as two popular one-day events located at different times in Cork’s annual maritime calendar. Both event committees recognized the synergy between the two events and began working together and sharing resources. In 2015 the Cork Harbor Festival was launched. The festival was designed on the principle of an open day, with Ocean to City – An Ras Mór as its flagship event.
Now in its sixth year, the festival has gone from strength to strength. Although the 2020 physical festival has been canceled due to Covid-19, the event normally comprises nine festival days starting the first week of June. It is full of events; all of this is made possible through collaboration with over 50 different event partners in Cork City, as well as 15 towns and villages along Cork Harbour. The program grows every year and highlights Ireland’s rich maritime heritage and culture as well as water and land based activities, with Ocean to City – An Rás Mór at the heart of the festival.
Taking place in the center of Ireland’s maritime paradise and at the gateway to Ireland’s Ancient East and the Wild Atlantic Way, Cork is perfectly positioned to deliver Ireland’s largest and most engaging port festival.
The Cork Harbor Festival Committee includes representatives from Cork City Council, Cork County Council, Port of Cork, UCC MaREI, RCYC, Cobh & Harbor Chamber and Meitheal Mara.
Marinas in Port of Cork
There are six marinas in Cork Harbour. Three in Crosshaven, one in East Ferry, one in Monkstown Bay and a new facility will open in 2020 in Cobh. Details below
Cork Harbor Marina
Location – Cork City
Contact – Harbor Masters Dept., Port of Cork Tel. : +353 (0)21 4273125 or +353 (0)21 4530466 (outside office hours)
Royal Cork Yacht Club Marina
Location: Crosshaven, County Cork
Contact: +353 (0) 21 4831023
Crosshaven Dockyard Marina
Location: Crosshaven, County Cork
Contact: +353 (0)21 4831161
Salve Marina Ltd
Location: Crosshaven, County Cork
Contact: +353 (0) 21 4831145
Cork Harbor Marina
Location: Monkstown, County Cork
Contact: +353 (0)87 3669009
East Ferry Marina
Location: East Ferry, County Cork
Contact: +353 (0)21 4813390
New Cove Sailing Club Marina
(to open in 2020)
Location: Cobh, County Cork
Contact: 087 1178363
Cork Harbor pontoons, slipways and ramps
Cork City Walk Existing pontoon
Port of Liege 100m. pontoon
Cork City – End of Cornmarket St. steps and slides;
Cork City – Proby’s Qy. Existing limited access slip
Quays Bar & RestaurantPrivate pontoon and ramp for customers, suitable for yachts, small craft town and amenities
Cobh Harbor [camber] Slide and steps inside the quay wall pontoon
Fota (zoo, house, gardens) Abandoned pontoon and steps
Haulbowline Naval Basin; restricted space Naval base; Restricted;
Spike Island Pier, not; slide, pontoon and ramp
Monkstown wooden pier and steps;
Crosshaven Town Pier, with pontoon & steps
East Ferry Marlogue MarinaSlip (on the Grande Ile side) visitor seats
East Ferry Existing wharf and wharf; restricted space East Ferry Inn (pub)
(mainland side)
Blackrock Pier and Slides
Ballinacurra Quay Walls (private)
Aghada pier and slidepontoon & steps public transport
white door To glide
West Passage Pontoon
Glenbrook river ferry
Ringaskiddy Parking with landing stage and pontoon Ferry terminal; village at 1 km.
Carrigaloe jetty and slide; restricted space; River ferry;
Fontaineville To glide
White’s Bay Beach
Ringabelle Beach
Glanmire Bridge and tidal restrictions
Old Glanmire – Platform
