Hafen
Cobh

Enjoy a short stroll from the Port where you arrive at the beautiful 'Lynnwood'. The property is a fine example of Victorian architecture which is so typical to Cobh.

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the owners of this wonderful home, Finn and Peter O’Hanlon. Finn and Peter are seasoned food and hospitality enthusiasts having spent much of their working lives creating memorable moments for visitors to their food and beverage businesses over the years. Finn, a trained chef started her career in the bustling Milk Market in Limerick where she had a stall feeding market goers and stall holders alike with her homemade breads, stews, soups and cakes. This first business ignited her lifelong passion with Irish food, inspiring her to open restaurants and pubs serving some of those original recipes to this day. Peter, a foodie himself was instantly hooked on the buzz of the hospitality world, subsequently joined Finn to open two of their pubs. Upon arrival they will invite you to enjoy a welcome beverage with a choice from one of the local breweries or distilleries; Irish cider, Jameson whiskey or homemade lemonade to name a few. Finn will then welcome you into her kitchen where she will share a brief history of the house and the settlements of Cobh.

Take a seat around the beautiful kitchen island which will be your workstation. All the necessary utensils and ingredients to cook a gorgeous traditional Irish three course lunch will be in your sights, with Finn on hand to demonstrate step by step the making of a wonderful traditional Irish lunch.

During the course of the demonstration Finn will delve into the making of each part of the meal, demonstrating how to make traditional Irish soda bread, which will be served with smoked salmon from a local smokery. It won’t be too filling to allow room for the next course; a traditional Irish stew served with colcannon (a traditional Irish dish made with lamb and served with buttery creamy mash potatoes and cabbage) followed by delicious moist Guinness cake for desert.

After the lunch preparation is complete, you will move into the dining room or outside if weather permits, to enjoy the delectable meal that has been prepared. Finn and Peter will join you for lunch where you will hear what family life is like in Cobh and the island of Ireland.

Begin your tour with a drive around Cork, Ireland's second largest city, affectionately known as the 'City of Steeples and Bridges. The main streets are flanked with spacious sidewalks and illuminated by unique lighting that evokes Cork's former glory as one of Europe's main sea-ports.

Blarney Castle

After this charming drive through the lush countryside, depart city and continue to the Blarney Castle. This massive, 15th-century castle is famous for its legendary Blarney Stone, embedded in the castle wall. The stone's power is said to bestow the gift of eloquence on anyone who kisses it. To do so, you must climb the 109 steps to the battlements, lie on your back, with someone holding you, and bend down to kiss the overhanging stone. The less agile may simply enjoy the magnificent views from the castle grounds. These were laid out in the 18th-century and contain a grove of trees and pretty dells with a circle of large stones known as Rock Close.

Blarney Woollen Mills

After enjoying the stunning view and the rich history of this castle, partake in some Irish coffee and some shopping time in the Blarney Woollen Mills, offering a large selection of Irish goods.

This tour takes you through the lush countryside for a panoramic tour of Cork City, affectionately known as the City of Bridges and Steeples. Visit the Old Midleton Distillery, the home of distilling to-date in Ireland

Cork's Steeples and Bridges

Board the coach for a drive through Cork. The main streets are flanked with spacious sidewalks and illuminated by unique lighting that evokes Cork's former glory as one of Europe's main sea-ports. Pass the French Gothic styled St. Fin Barre's Cathedral whose imposing steeple is a landmark in the city. From Cork take a short 30 minute drive to the Old Midleton Distillery.

Old Midleton Distillery

Enjoy a guided tour of this unique industrial complex. The sense of heritage is everywhere at the Jameson Experience. Some of the original buildings date back to 1795, built as a mill before being converted for use as a distillery. The water wheel, which once operated all the machinery at the distillery, still turns and operates the cogs and wheels in the Mill Building, where visitors can also admire one of the original steam engines installed in the latter half of the 19th century. The Still House is always a tour highlight, the three original pot stills still gleaming like burnished gold. One of these pot stills, installed in 1949, can hold 31,000 gallons (141,000 litres), making it the largest pot still in the world. Sample a glass of whisky before enjoying some free time to walk around and take photos of the distillery's exterior.

Afterwards re-board your coach and depart for Cobh and your ship.

Experience the thrill of an exhilarating boat-ride and a delicious Irish Coffee during this memorable, half-day excursion via land and sea.

Cobh, Coastal Cruise and Historic Landmarks

Depart the pier for the short walk to the jetty. Upon arrival, receive your safety instructions and life vest, then embark the vessel and begin your scenic and exciting sea safari Learn about the harbour's history, and enjoy spectacular panoramic vistas of the coast and wildlife. View the Royal Cork Yacht Club, the world's oldest yacht club, as well as the Camden Fort, Carlisle Fort and Roches Point Lighthouse, all of which date from the 1800s. If lucky we may even spot some of our local marine & birdlife as we visit scenic coastal areas, typical of our wild Atlantic coastline.

Irish Coffee Tasting

Next, it is time for a well-earned local treat as you stop at a harbour watering hole for an Irish Coffee. Irish coffee is a cocktail of sweetened coffee & Jameson whiskey which is distilled in Cork and topped with fresh whipped cream. It is not only acceptable but expected as a morning treat. Of course you will have your own to enjoy.

Following your "coffee break" you will return to the boat once more for some photo stops and the return journey to Cobh and your ship.

Discover the beautiful Cork countryside and historic harbour town of Kinsale during this relaxing, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Ringaskiddy, Charles Fort, Kinsale and Kinsale Harbour

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 75-minute drive to Kinsale. En route, a brief photo stop is made at the Charles Fort for splendid panoramic views over Kinsale Harbour. Nestled snugly between the local hills and valleys and sheltered by the rounded contours of a lovely harbour, the beautiful, 12th-century town of Kinsale has earned the European prize for 'Tourism and the Environment', and 'Entente Floreale', 'National Tidy Town' and 'Gourmet Capital' awards.

Kinsale Village, Refreshments and Free Time

Upon arrival in Kinsale Village, a stop is made at a local restaurant for tea or coffee with scones. Afterward, some free time is made available to shop, browse or just enjoy strolling through Kinsale's many little alleyways and streets. A former garrison town and port of consequence for over 300 years, Kinsale boasts magnificent Georgian homes and splendid Dutch architecture.

Dunderrow, Innishannon and Bandon River

Following your visit to Kinsale Village, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 75-minute drive back to the pier. En route, drive to Innishannon via Dunderrow for a photo stop overlooking the Bandon River.

Experience a memorable tour and tasting at the historic Old Midleton Distillery. The sense of heritage is everywhere at the Jameson Experience. Some of the original buildings date back to 1795, built as a mill before being converted for use as a distillery. The water wheel, which once operated all the machinery at the distillery, still turns and operates the cogs and wheels in the Mill Building, where you can also admire one of the original steam engines installed in the latter half of the 19th century. The Still House is always a highlight, the three original pot stills still gleaming like burnished gold.  

Afterwards, enjoy a panoramic drive around Cork, Ireland's second largest city, affectionately known as the 'City of Steeples and Bridges.

Explore Cork at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Driver is a licensed guide. Participation is limited to 2 guests per car. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this programme. Please see the Shore Concierge desk on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore Cork at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your Driver and English speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Cork at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your  Driver and English speaking Guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Cork at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your Driver and English speaking Guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Participation is limited to 4 guests per car. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this programme. Please see the Shore Concierge desk on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore the unique legacy and sights of Spike Island during this memorable, half-day sightseeing excursion via boat.

Cobh Town and Boat-Ride to Spike Island

Depart the pier on-foot for the short, guided walk to your awaiting boat, and a short ride to Spike Island. Spanning approximately 104 acres (about 42 hectares), Spike Island commands a strategic position within the sheltered mouth of the lower-reaches of Cork Harbour, one of the largest natural harbours in the world. For centuries, the island has been used for a variety of reasons, including monasteries, a military base with artillery fortifications, a prison and now, a museum. Today, Spike Island plays host to stories and memories that have forged its interesting legacy through the centuries.

Spike Island Walking Tour, Free Time and Boat-Ride to Cobh

Upon arrival at historic Spike Island, disembark your boat and take a guided walking tour. Along the way, discover the key features of the island, including the remains of its artillery fortifications and other artefacts dating from the 17th century and 18th century. Afterward, some free time is made available for independent exploration, and/or a visit to the café and gift shop. At the conclusion of your visit, embark your boat and commence the short ride back to Cobh. Upon arrival, you may walk directly back to the ship, or remain in Cobh Town for additional shopping or exploration before returning to the ship on your own.