Ringmeen in Cobh in County Cork, Munster, Ireland — Irish South-West ((Éire) North Atlantic Ocean)
The History of the Cobh – Cork Railway Line
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 15, 2026
1. The History of the Cobh – Cork Railway Line Marker
The History of the Cobh – Cork Railway Line
The line between Cobh (formerly Queenstown) and Cork was opened by the Cork & Youghal Railway Company on March 10th, 1862. At that time Cobh was already well established as a prominent deep water port with transatlantic shipping from the late 1850s. The Cork & Youghal Railway, whose first chairman was Isaac Butt of the Irish Party in the British House of Commons, saw a major business opportunity for both mail and passengers by connecting their operation with the Great Southern & Western Railway, whose terminus at Cork was opposite the Cork & Youghal station at Summerhill in the city.
Their optimism was not misplaced; two years into the operation the Cork & Youghal Railway Company were carrying 600,000 passengers per year, but the bankruptcy of a colourful financier, D. Leopold Lewis, brought down the Company and a year later the Great Southern & Western Railway Company took over operations on the Cobh line for a fraction of its construction costs.
(Captions)
Double headed mail train climbing out of Cork in the 1950s.
Cobh, late 19th century.
American Mail Train leaving Queenstown.
Tender alongside Teutonic.
Queenstown Station in the early years of the 20th century.
Deepwater quay at Cobh with Tenders alongside.
Gt Southern & Western of Ireland Rly. Engine.
Erected 2012
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical date for this entry is March 10, 1862.
Location. 51° 50.93′ N, 8° 18.032′ W. Marker is in Cobh, Munster, in County Cork. It is in Ringmeen. It can be reached from the intersection of Lower Road and Westbourne Place, on the left when traveling west. The marker is located inside the entrance of the Cobh rail terminal. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4 Lower Road, Cobh, Munster P24 V577, Ireland. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean, in the North Atlantic Region, on the Atlantic Arc, in Europe, on the Island of Ireland, on the Celtic Fringe, in the European Union, in Atlantic Europe, on one of the British Isles, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: An Cóbh / Cobh (here, next to this marker); 150 Bliain - An Cóbh / Cobh 150 (here, next to this marker); The Cobh Line / Cobh – Cork Railway – A Vital Transport Lifeline (a few steps from this marker);
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 15, 2026
2. The History of the Cobh – Cork Railway Line Marker
The marker is located on the platform of the Cobh railway terminal, towards the station entrance.
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 15, 2026
3. The History of the Cobh – Cork Railway Line Marker
The street entrance to the Cobh rail terminal.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 13, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 13, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 15 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 13, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
