Hafen
Cork

Enjoy a visit to legendary Blarney Castle and an introduction to Cork, Ireland’s second city - or the real capital of Ireland as the locals like to call it! Drive to the little village of Blarney, lying in the shadow of Blarney Castle. It has remained one of the most legendary places in Ireland, nestled in breathtaking scenery and rich in folklore and legend. Enjoy your visit to the castle and if you feel adventurous, during your free time, you may try to kiss the renowned Blarney Stone. Those who do so, are said to be gifted the power of eloquence.

Or instead, you can enjoy a walk through the gardens. Blarney is also home to Blarney Woollen Mills, one of the finest craft and gift centers in Ireland. Enjoy an Irish Coffee here and browse through the wide range of Irish clothing, crystal, linen and handicrafts.

A panoramic tour introduces you to Cork. The River Lee flows through the city, connected by many bridges, that gives the city its distinctively continental air. It’s a University City with a unique character, a city of jazz, film, opera and theatre. However, it manages to retain the charm and friendliness of a country town. See the spires of St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, the Old Courthouse, City Hall and the renowned Bells of Shandon.

Depart from the pier and travel to the city of Cork. Cork is a compact, vibrant Irish city, filled with history, culture and creativity, famous for its people, sports and festivals. Today the Lee flows through the city in two main channels, so that you find yourself constantly crossing bridges. In fact, it is this feature of the city that gives it its distinctively continental air. As well as offering the many amenities of a large city, it still manages to retain the pleasant charm and friendliness of a country town. During your free time you might like to explore The English Market, the Old Courthouse, City Hall and the renowned Bells of Shandon or St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral whose spires dominate the city skyline.

Take some time to enjoy this city independently with the comfort of knowing that there will be a luxury coach awaiting you for your return journey to port.

A walking tour of the lively city of Cork and a stop for a drink at a traditional pub is a perfect way to enjoy the charms of Ireland. Your guided tour enables you to discover the rich historical past of this vibrant city. Historic Cork is a city of steeples and bridges and was truly made for walking. Although its compact size makes it entirely visible from many vantage-points, this charming city offers an abundance of lovely Old-World sites for you to discover.

Drive through the rolling countryside to the city of Cork and begin your walking tour. Follow your guide down the South Mall, one of the most gracious streets in the city, then cross the Parnell Bridge. From this point, you’ll have spectacular views and photo opportunities of City Hall, the bank, College of Commerce and Morrison's Island. As your walk continues along the quays, the slender spire of the Holy Trinity Church can be seen across the river. Stop at the Parliament Bridge to admire its gracious arch and gleaming limestone. As you approach the South Gate Bridge, the three spires of St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral, part of the city's skyline, suddenly come into view, giving you a perfect photo opportunity of this ornate church, which you will visit.

Continue down Sharman-Crawford to Clarke's Bridge, a beautiful stone structure dating back to 1776, and continue on to Cork's bustling main thoroughfare. The classical limestone façade of the Courthouse, located in a street full of red brick buildings, is one of Cork's most enduring sights. Walk down North Main Street and Castle Street into the heart of this cosmopolitan city filled with pedestrian lanes, cafes, bookshops and antique shops. You will also stop at a local pub for a refreshing beer before the return to Cobh.

Irish whiskey is world famous and today, you’ll have the opportunity to visit one of Ireland’s most famous distilleries and enjoy an orientation tour of the city of Cork.

Cork, a city of steeples and bridges, is a compact city in size yet diverse in its range of activities. Its quays that stretch all the way from Cork Harbour into the heart of the city welcome ships from the seven seas. The city center is actually a small island between two channels of the river with streets lined with shops, arcades and boutiques. Your panoramic tour introduces you to Cork. You’ll see the spires of St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, the old Courthouse, City Hall and the renowned Bells of Shandon.

A visit to the Jameson Experience in Midleton, takes you right into the heart of the cherished whiskey-making tradition. You’ll enjoy a guided tour of this beautifully restored 18th-century industrial complex, which includes a fully operational water-wheel and a copper still - the largest in the world. An audio-visual presentation breathes life into the Irish whiskey legend.

You are invited to relax in the atmosphere of a traditional Irish pub and sample a glass of Ireland’s finest whiskey. Afterwards, why not visit the craft shop or the coffee shop at the Jameson Experience where you can lose yourself in the charm of another age.

A relaxed pace of life and beautiful scenery blend together on this tour through the picturesque Irish countryside with a visit to the sailing village of Kinsale. Travel via the Lee tunnel and the Five Mile Bridge to Charles Fort where you’ll stop for a perfect photo opportunity of Kinsale Harbour.

You’ll drive to the nearby village of Kinsale and enjoy tea or coffee with biscuits. Admire magnificent Georgian homes and the Dutch influence of its architecture. With its broad harbor and rich maritime past, Kinsale is the perfect town in which to stroll. There are several small gift and souvenir shops where you can browse for that special memento of Ireland during your free time. The changing scenery unfolds at each bend of the road on your return.

Discover the legend of the Rock of Cashel and Cahir Castle while immersing yourself in the serene beauty of the Irish countryside.

Leave Cork behind and travel north to picturesque Tipperary. It is Ireland’s largest inland county, with breathtaking scenery in its hills and mountains, its plains and river valleys and is renowned for its rich pasturelands which boast the best Irish dairy products. Rich in ancient heritage, Tipperary was once the home to Ireland’s High Kings.

Before you reach the town of Cashel, the rock that bears its name appears on the skyline, rearing up from the landscape in a series of limestone ridges and topped by the serenely beautiful Cathedral of St. Patrick. Visit the Rock of Cashel, an impressive pre-Christian settlement. Enjoy lunch in a restaurant nearby. Travel to Cahir, located on the River Suir to visit Cahir Castle. Rooms in the keep are whitewashed and contain armor displays and period furnishings from the 16th and 17th centuries.

The scenic return route climbs in a zigzag course to the gap, with a series of magnificent views and descends into County Waterford and on to Cobh.

Designed for the first time visitor to Ireland, this tour allows you to experience its beautiful scenery, charming towns, flavors and musical tradition. Start with a scenic drive through the Irish countryside, accompanied by your knowledgeable guide. Soak up the beautiful scenery with its rolling hills, expansive farmland and colorful houses, before arriving at Kinsale. Kinsale is a heritage town of Ireland, rich in history, charming lanes and picturesque waterfronts. Spend time independently exploring the town, browsing the small shops or relaxing at one of the many cafes.

Visit Blarney Castle set up high above the village. Set in a sprawling park, this romantic ruin was once a stronghold of the McCarthy clan and features 18-foot thick stone walls. After visiting the castle ruins, if you're feeling adventurous, you many climb to the top of the castle to enjoy the amazing views, and to kiss the renowned Blarney Stone. Those who do so, are said to be gifted the power of eloquence. If you don't wish to kiss the stone, you can stroll to the nearby Blarney Woollen Mill Shop. Set in a converted mill, it offers high quality traditional Irish goods.

Midday, enjoy a traditional Irish lunch at a local hotel accompanied by a wonderful group of musicians. You’ll find your feet tapping and your hands clapping as the infectious Irish music entertains you.

Join your expert guide on a walking tour through a town rich in seafaring history and traditions. Follow the footsteps of the last people to board the ill-fated Titanic, visit the Cobh Heritage Center and sample an Irish coffee at a typical pub.

You’ll learn of the great ships and majestic liners that sailed from this port, full of emigrants in search of a better life. This was the last port of call of the RMS Titanic. As you walk through town, you’ll stop to admire many historical buildings and monuments, including the Annie Moore sculpture, the Lusitania Peace Memorial and the Titanic Memorial.

You’ll also visit St Colman’s Cathedral and your guide will provide you with insightful information and share some stories of the Titanic and Lusitania with you. Stop at a typical pub and enjoy an Irish coffee. Visit the Queenstown Story in the Cobh Heritage Center and its exhibition tracing the story of emigration and the great liners that graced Cobh’s harbor in the past.

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.

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.

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 Jameson 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.

Jameson Distillery

Next you will visit to the Jameson Heritage Centre in Midleton which will take you right to the heart of the cherished whiskey making tradition. The Jameson Experience Tour is a fully guided tour around the original Midleton Distillery which brings the stories of Jameson's rich heritage to life. You'll learn about the hard working people and field-to-glass processes responsible for the whiskey that bears John Jameson's name.

Whiskey Tasting

On this tour, your Jameson Ambassador will guide you around some of the key on site buildings, including the warehouses and the Micro distillery. The tour finishes with your chance to do a guided comparative tasting of three whiskeys, one being Jameson.

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

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 your 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 car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your 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 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 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 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 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.