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Cobh is the way to go…

Cobh is the way to go…

Five-Foot-Way at Cobh in Cork is an excellent all-year-round motorhome Aire facility provided by the local authority and welcomed by the local community. Other Councils around the country could take a leaf out of their book regarding its success and popularity.

It’s simple, straightforward, superb location, well signed… that’s the motorhome Aire style park-up at Cobh.

Convenient too, and not just for a leisurely stroll into the picturesque harbour front town, but within walking/cycling distance of numerous other attractions and less than a half an hour train ride into Cork city itself. Cobh rail station is right opposite the parking area.

No surprise then that there was a full house at the Five-Foot-Way facility when we rocked up on Friday morning, and very fortunate to secure one of the 30 berths along the waterfront, as one vehicle was just pulling out.

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Like other French style aire there is an understandable prohibition on ‘camping’ activities as the parking is intended to be a temporary base with a maximum stay of 48 hours, which is generally respected. The metred charge is €10 for 24 hours.

The facilities are fine – well marked out, lovely located designated motorhome parking berths, grey water drive-over disposal point and black waste cassette disposal. There is a water point, but it’s directly above and very close to the cassette disposal point and it’s not drinking water. There are plenty of litter bins, which are well maintained. However, like the situation in Lahinch, these bins are being abused by non-campers who arrive up in their cars early morning to dispose of their domestic refuse.

The parking zone is immediately adjacent to a well maintained and popular playground and outdoor gym.

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While these services are solid, for a little effort they could be improved by the opening of the modern toilet block, which has yet to be commissioned and the provision of a safe freshwater point. This is not intended as a criticism but a suggestion to the Cork local authority who have clearly shown that Cobh is the way to go when it comes to providing mutually beneficial motorhome facilities.

Apart from Irish reg vehicles there were a good mix of UK, German, French, Slovenian and Swiss vehicles. Five-Foot-Way is good for visitors and the local economy and instead of obsessing about height restriction headroom barriers, other Councils across the country could do well to take a leaf out of Cobh’s book. Build it they will come, and it will clearly benefit the local amenities and attractions, taverns, markets, and cafés.

On that subject, Cobh has a good selection of hostelries and hotels that offer good food and refreshments, among them The Mauretania Pub and The Arch Café and Wine Bar, both in Casement Square.

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The charming Cobh has other delights too along it’s colourful hilly streetscapes, not least its storied St Coleman’s Cathedral, town park and market and bandstand and of course its significant historic connection with the ill-fated Titanic which set out from Cobh on its tragic fatal voyage in 1912. Today that haunting association is marked in multiple monuments, museums, town tours and landmarks which hark back to that era, such as the ticketing offices of the White Star Line.

Echoes of that era when latter day cruise ships come to dock at Cobh, the days excursion part of the itinerary for the two thousand or so passengers who spill onto the shoreline here from ships like the MV Arcadia. With childlike curiosity we gawked in awe as the giant vessel berthed, timed to dock at 8am as part of its voyage from Southampton to the Shetland Islands.

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Other attractions in the general locality include the former prison, Spike Island, Fota Wildlife Park and Midleton Distillery.

Following our restful overnight at Five-Foot-Way and our day trip in Cobh we headed for West Cork but will definitely be back as it’s a great base. Fair play to Cork County Council, the Cobh community and Cobh Tidy Towns for their foresight and efforts as they have clearly shown that Cobh is the way to go when it comes to the symbiotic benefits of motorhome facilities.

Five-Foot-Way Aire is open all year round. The metred charge is €10 for 24 hours. Max stay 48 hours.

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About The Author

John Whelan

John Whelan is a vastly experienced midlands based journalist and editor who has contributed extensively to the country's leading national and regional titles, as well as broadcast outlets. He runs the media services company, Communicate Ireland www.communicateireland.ie. John is a keen camping and campervan enthusiast with an interest in music, culture, heritage and outdoor pursuits. He has written for the Sunday Times, Sunday Independent and the Woman's Way on these topics. He is also an author, and his latest book, The Last Beekeeper, reflects his love of nature, the landscape and our shared responsibility to protect the environment. The Last Beekeeper is available to preview and purchase at www.thelastbeekeeper.ie. Safe travels...

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