Cobh (Cork), Ireland Port Adventures
A Visit to Blarney Castle (CK02)
$119.00* (ages 10 and up), $94.00* (ages 3 to 9), $0.00* (ages 0 to 2)
4 to 4.5 hours
Cobh (Cork), Ireland
Lucky Stone
Kiss the famous Blarney Stone after exploring Blarney Castle in Ireland.
On this adventure you will…
Travel 45 minutes through the gorgeous Irish countryside to Blarney Village.
Arrive at Blarney Castle, a truly romantic ruin, dating back to 1446. Settled in a lush parkland, the castle was once a stronghold of the McCarthy clan. In some places the stone walls are over 18 feet thick, offering an impenetrable defense against invaders.
Climb to the top of the castle to take in the amazing views and learn the whimsical history of the Blarney Stone. There are many versions of how the stone came to be placed in the castle; the most likely is that it is half of the stone of Scone (which currently resides in Westminster Abbey in London, England) and was brought back from the crusades.
Some visitors may wait in line for as long as 2 hours to participate in the tradition of kissing the Blarney Stone. Time permitting, the adventurous among you are encouraged to climb to the top of the castle to kiss the famous stone—those who do are said to be endowed with the gift of eloquence.
Stroll around the pretty village and soak up the ambience of the 18th-century buildings.
Walk to Christy's Bar or the Mills Hotel to enjoy an Irish coffee. Follow your delicious refreshment with a visit to the Blarney Woolen Mill shop, where you can browse for high-quality Irish goods, including Waterford crystal, Irish linen, hand-loomed Donegal tweed, knitwear, bone china and Celtic brooches.
Climb back aboard your motor coach and return to the pier
A Visit to Blarney Castle – Adult Only Departure (CK23)
$119.00* (ages 18 and up)
4 to 4.5 hours
Cobh (Cork), Ireland
Kiss the Blarney Stone
Discover the legendary lore of a historic castle and the powers bestowed to its famous stone brick.
On this adventure you will…
Travel 45 minutes through the gorgeous countryside to Blarney Village, passing colorfully painted houses.
Arrive at Blarney Castle, a true romantic ruin dating back to 1446, set in wonderful parkland where many weddings, picnics and big events are held. The castle was once a stronghold of the McCarthy clan, and in some places the stone walls are over 18-feet thick, offering an impenetrable defense against invaders.
Climb to the top of the castle to enjoy the amazing views.
Learn the whimsical history of the Blarney Stone and the differing versions of how the stone came to be placed in the castle.
Be aware that visitors may wait in line for as many as 2 hours to participate in the tradition of kissing the Blarney Stone. Time permitting, the adventurous among you are encouraged to climb to the top of the castle to kiss the famous stone. Those who do are said to be endowed with the gift of eloquence.
Stroll the pretty village with its 18th-century buildings-don’t forget to stop by Christy’s Bar or the Mills Hotel for an Irish coffee!
After refreshments, head to the Blarney Woolen Mill shop, where you can browse for high-quality Irish goods-including Waterford crystal, Irish linen, hand-loomed Donegal tweed, knitwear, bone china and Celtic brooches.
Reboard your motor coach and drive back to Cork and the pier.
A Walk Through Summercove (CK01)
$169.00* (ages 10 and up), $129.00* (ages 3 to 9), $0.00* (ages 0 to 2)
4.5 to 5 hours
Cobh (Cork), Ireland
Scenic Splendors in Ireland
Travel to the picturesque countryside of Cork as you explore Summercove and Kinsale.
On this adventure you will…
Board your motor coach and travel 60 minutes through the lush green countryside of Cork to Kinsale.
Stop for photos at Charles Fort, dating back to 1677, just 2 miles outside of Kinsale. Admire the 40-foot walls of one of Europe's best-preserved star forts, so called for their star-shaped ground plan.
Walk through the enchanting village of Summercove, with its small, painted houses. Leave the roadway and meander down a leafy path, flanked on one side by the lapping waters of the harbour and the other by a lushly sloping grove. A flotilla of swans may even swim by! Stroll through Scilly, a formerly thriving fishing community.
Enjoy light refreshments in The Spaniard Pub. One glass of beer, wine, or one soft drink per person. Guests must abide by local laws regarding alcohol consumption.
Continue to the historic and picturesque town of Kinsale, known in Gaelic as Cionn Saile. The town literally rises from the sea in organized rows. An ancient seaside town, Kinsale is full of style and character. Kinsale is one of the most picturesque, popular and fashionable resorts on the south-west coast of Ireland. It is famous for its beautiful yachting, angling, Dolphin & Whale Watching Trips, gourmet restaurants and golf. Enjoy 60 minutes of free time in this beautiful harbour town.
Return to your coach and drive pack to the pier.
Ballymaloe - a Culinary Tradition (CK04)
Signature Collection, Culinary Adventures
$299.00* (ages 18 and up)
6 to 6.5 hours
Cobh (Cork), Ireland
Traditional Irish Fare
Experience why Ballymaloe is home to one of Ireland's most esteemed cooking schools and culinary estates.
On this adventure you will…
Board your motor coach and travel 45 minutes east through County Cork's rich farmland and river valleys to Shanagarry and the Ballymaloe Cookery School. Once the estate of a wealthy socialite, Ballymaloe recently celebrated its 30th anniversary with Chef Darina Allen at the helm. A converted apple storehouse on the estate has been transformed into the cooking school and the grounds provide kitchen gardens, herb gardens, free range chickens, greenhouses, a demonstration kitchen and an impressive culinary and wine shop.
Tour the estate's impressive grounds with a walk along a wildflower meadow, past vegetables crops, such as rhubarb and Jerusalem artichokes, and through the one-acre greenhouse that protects the more delicate plants. There are also several gardens filled with herbs, ornamental fruits and species such as brooklime, watercress and wild marjoram that thrive in moist soil.
Travel to Ballymaloe House where a delicious 3-course lunch awaits you. Myrtle and Ivan Allen opened Ballymaloe House, their home, to the public as a restaurant in 1964 and although times have changed, it is still managed by the Allen family and the essential spirit of Ballymaloe House remains rooted in the relationship from the farm to the table, which underlies the elegance of Irish Country House cooking.
Meet a member of the Allen family and be escorted on an informative, historical tour of Ballymaloe House.
Enjoy free time browsing The Ballymaloe Shop, which has a range of Irish designer crafts, wool blankets and scarves, cookbooks, kitchen accessories, bakeware, kitchen and dining textiles, pottery, pots, saucepans, knives, food and lots more.
Return to the pier.
Behind the Scenes of Midleton Distillery (CK05)
Signature Collection
$339.00* (ages 21 and up)
4.5 to 5 hours
Cobh (Cork), Ireland
Midleton's Finest
After a scenic tour of Cork, experience the Jameson Distillery with behind-the-scenes access and premium whiskey tastings.
On this adventure you will…
Board your motor coach for the short drive to Cork, the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland. Founded by St. Finbar in the 7th century, Cork was an important Viking port. The River Lee flows around the heart of the city.
Travel though the city on a 60-minute narrated drive past Merchant's Quay, St. Patrick's Street, Grand Parade, the Mall and City Hall. Your guide will point out the city's elegant Georgian architecture. St Patrick's Street is the city's main boulevard, while South Mall and Grand Parade are home to a few Irish companies and financial institutions.
Travel to Midleton and the Jameson Distillery. Distilling was a centuries-old tradition in Ireland, but in the 17th century the British imposed licensing laws, closing small distillers.
Take a behind-the-scenes tour that covers everything on the regular Distillery Tour; however, you'll also also be brought into lesser seen buildings on the site, such as the Distiller's Cottage, Cooperage and the Micro Distillery.
Taste 3 different premium whiskey samples, which are incorporated into the tour (Redbreast 12, Coopers Croze and Midleton Very Rare), as well as a Jameson Signature drink in the bar afterwards. Guests must abide by local laws regarding alcohol consumption.
Browse the gift shop for Jameson memorabilia before returning to the pier.
Charles Fort Adventure (CK03)
$89.00* (ages 10 and up), $74.00* (ages 3 to 9), $0.00* (ages 0 to 2)
4.5 to 5 hours
Cobh (Cork), Ireland
Famous Fortifications
This half-day tour offers the wonderful opportunity to soak up some of Ireland's beautiful countryside, as well as a visit to a 17th-century fortification.
On this adventure you will…
Board your motor coach and travel 60 minutes south to Summercove and Kinsale, passing glorious views of farmland, rolling countryside, streams and brightly-painted houses.
Arrive at Charles Fort, a classic example of a late 17th-century star fort, located on the water's edge. The fort dates back to 1677 and was built to protect the coastline from invasion from the French and Spanish. As one of the largest military installations in the country, Charles Fort has been associated with some of the most momentous events in Irish history, including the Williamite War 1689-91 and the Civil War 1922-23.
Take a 75-minute guided tour of the fort, incorporating an "Army Jobs Trail" for children. As Guests are escorted through the fort with tales of history and day to day life, the children will explore Charles Fort in order to discover the various aspects of the "Working Life" of those living in the Fort: officers, soldiers, their wives and children. The Trail involves a series of colorful and informative signs, located at various points around the Fort that the children have to locate to complete the task. This is a fun challenge for children of all ages.
Travel to Kinsale, a pretty, 18th-century village which has a long and turbulent history. It was in Kinsale that bodies from the tragic RMS Lusitania were brought to in 1915, when the ship was sunk by a German U-boat off the coast. Many of the original 18th-century buildings remain, including Desmond Castle, which you will get to view during free time in the village.
Return to the pier.
Cork City Drive and Whiskey Centre – Small Group Departure (CK26)
$129.00* (ages 10 and up), $94.00* (ages 3 to 9), $0.00* (ages 0 to 2)
4 to 4.5 hours
Cobh (Cork), Ireland
Drink in the Sights
See Cork's highlights on a panoramic tour which includes St. Patrick’s Street, Grande Parade and the Mall, ending with a tour of the Jameson distillery.
On this adventure you will…
Board your motor coach for the short drive to Cork, the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland. Founded by St. Finbarr in the 7th century, Cork was an important Viking port. The River Lee flows around the heart of the city.
Travel though the city on a 45-minute narrated drive down Merchant's Quay, St. Patrick's Street, Grand Parade, the Mall and City Hall. Your guide will point out the city's elegant Georgian architecture. St Patrick's Street is the city's main boulevard, while South Mall and Grand Parade are home to a number of Irish companies and financial institutions. The current City Hall was paid for by the English crown and replaces the building burned by the British Army during Ireland's War of Independence. Pass St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral, designed by William Burges, considered of one of the greatest Victorian architects. The elaborate Gothic Revival façade features a copper Resurrection Angel atop the sanctuary roof. Local legend claims that if the angel ever topples from its place, the end of the world is not far off.
Travel to Midleton and the Jameson Distillery. Distilling was a centuries-old tradition in Ireland, but in the 17th century the British imposed licensing laws, closing down small distillers. John Jameson, a Scots lawyer who immigrated to Ireland, launched John Jameson Whiskey in Dublin in 1780.
The Jameson Experience begins with an audiovisual presentation that chronicles the history of Irish whiskey-making. Your guided tour explores the distillery's historic buildings, where you will view Old Midleton's restored machinery, displays of period photographs and recreations of the distilling process.
Enjoy a glass of Jameson Whiskey followed by free time to browse the gift shop. Whiskey is, of course, available for purchase. Guests must abide by local laws in regards to alcohol consumption.
Return to the pier.
Cork City Tour & Midleton Distillery Experience (CK08)
$109.00* (ages 18 and up)
4 to 4.5 hours
Cobh (Cork), Ireland
Drink in the Sights
See Cork's highlights on a panoramic tour which includes St. Patrick’s Street, Grande Parade and the Mall, ending with a tour of the Jameson distillery.
On this adventure you will…
Board your motorcoach for the short drive to Cork, the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland. Founded by St. Finbarr in the 7th century, Cork was an important Viking port. The River Lee flows around the heart of the city.
Travel though the city on a 30-minute narrated drive down Merchant's Quay, St. Patrick's Street, Grand Parade, the Mall and City Hall. Your guide will point out the city's elegant Georgian architecture. St Patrick's Street is the city's main boulevard, while South Mall and Grand Parade are home to a number of Irish companies and financial institutions. The current City Hall was paid for by the English crown and replaces the building burned by the British Army during Ireland's War of Independence. Pass St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral, designed by William Burges, considered of one of the greatest Victorian architects. The elaborate Gothic Revival façade features a copper Resurrection Angel atop the sanctuary roof. Local legend claims that if the angel ever topples from its place, the end of the world is not far off.
Travel to Midleton and the Jameson Distillery. Distilling was a centuries-old tradition in Ireland, but in the 17th century the British imposed licensing laws, closing down small distillers. John Jameson, a Scots lawyer who immigrated to Ireland, launched John Jameson Whiskey in Dublin in 1780.
The Jameson Experience begins with an audiovisual presentation that chronicles the history of Irish whiskey-making. Your guided tour explores the distillery's historic buildings, where you will view Old Midleton's restored machinery, displays of period photographs and recreations of the distilling process.
Enjoy a glass of Jameson whiskey, followed by free time to explore the gift shop. Whiskey is, of course, available for purchase. Guests must abide by local laws in regards to alcohol consumption.
Return to the pier.
Cork Harbour Sea Safari (CK09)
Active, Nature
$199.00* (ages 12 and up)
3 to 3.5 hours
Cobh (Cork), Ireland
High Speed Discoveries
Experience a unique sightseeing cruise around Cork Harbour.
On this adventure you will…
Walk to the nearby jetty where you will don a lifejacket and receive a safety briefing before boarding a 12-person Rigid Inflatable Boat.
Explore Cork Harbour, the 2nd largest harbour in the world, at high speed.
Follow in the path of the Titanic on its ill-fated journey while learning about the Irish immigration from the town formerly known as Queenstown. Your guide will incorporate highlights, such as coastal artillery forts, light houses and the Royal Cork Yacht Club, the oldest sailing club in the world. Local marine and birdlife may also be seen as you tour the scenic coastal areas.
Stop at a harbour watering hole for an Irish coffee-making demonstration. Irish coffee is a cocktail of sweetened coffee and Jameson whiskey, which is distilled in Cork, and topped with fresh whipped cream. Guests must be 18 years or older to consume alcohol.
Return to the boat for a few photo stops and the return journey to the pier.
Cycle Through Cork City (CK11)
Active, Nature
$299.00* (ages 13 and up)
4.5 to 5 hours
Cobh (Cork), Ireland
Cycle Through History
Sample the rich history of Cork City by bike, stretching from before the Viking era to its current day bustle.
On this adventure you will…
Board your motor coach for the 45-minute drive to Cork, the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland.
Arrive at Glasheen Co. Cork to receive your bike and a safety briefing. Learn the route in which you will cycle and how to use the gears on your bike. The tour is at a gentle pace through parks and fixed cycle lanes. There is minimal cycling on road ways.
Don your helmet (required) and start your 2.5-hour cycle tour through Cork City, enjoying historical narrative and points of interest along the way. As you cycle through the parks and riverside paths you will see as much nature as an urban area can support. Cork has over 30 bridges and over 20 church spires. See how many you can spot as you travel through this beautiful city by the Lee.
Climb back aboard your motor coach and return to the pier.
Exploring Tipperary (CK12)
$147.00* (ages 10 and up), $109.00* (ages 3 to 9), $0.00* (ages 0 to 2)
8 to 8.5 hours
Cobh (Cork), Ireland
History and Tipperary
Take in the humble splendor of the Rock of Cashel and the Cahir Castle before grabbing a delicious bite to eat.
On this adventure you will…
Board a luxury motor coach and travel to Cashel via The Vee, a gap in the Knockmealdown Mountains. The road climbs in a zig-zag course along The Vee and offers a series of magnificent views of the countryside. The Rock of Cashel rears up from the landscape in a series of limestone ridges topped by the serenely beautiful Cathedral of St. Patrick.
Stop at the Rock of Cashel, an impressive pre-Christian settlement. Cashel has long been a place of great significance and was the royal seat of the kings of Munster in the 4th century AD. St. Patrick arrived in about AD 432 and converted King Aengus, who became Ireland’s first Christian ruler. Explore the settlement for 60 minutes.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch in a restaurant located beside the impressive Rock of Cashel.
Travel to Cahir and Cahir Castle, located on the River Suir. Dating back to the 15th century and once the stronghold of the powerful Butler family, the castle retains its impressive keep, tower and much of its original defensive structure.
Explore the town of Cahir.
Sit back and relax as you drive through the Irish countryside on your return journey to the pier.
Family Fun Discovery at Fota (CK13)
Nature, Signature Collection
$199.00* (ages 10 and up), $134.00* (ages 3 to 9), $0.00* (ages 0 to 2)
4.5 to 5 hours
Cobh (Cork), Ireland
Day of Discovery
Learn about the history of Fota House as you solve a mystery at one of Cork’s most acclaimed attractions.
On this adventure you will…
Board your motor coach and journey north to Fota Island, a sprawling 780-acre isle that sits in Cork Harbor. Fota House, formerly an 18th-century hunting lodge, was enlarged a hundred years later and its stunning façade reflects the Regency architectural style that was popular in Europe at that time.
Uncover the conundrum of Mrs. Kevin’s missing cat. Families will enjoy a children’s tour through the House with a dedicated guide, solving the mystery of where the little kitty has gone! It's a great way for children to enjoy learning about the House and the people who lived here.
Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while the kids enjoy a cookie.
Travel to the Fota Wildlife Park and explore. Fota Wildlife Park is part of the Zoological Society of Ireland, located on 100 acres at Fota Island. The society's goal is to educate, conserve biodiversity, entertain and make people aware of the threats to plant and animal habitats.
Return to the pier.
Killarney and the Kingdom of Kerry (CK15)
Sightseeing
$128.00* (ages 10 and up), $96.00* (ages 3 to 9), $0.00* (ages 0 to 2)
8 to 8.5 hours
Cobh (Cork), Ireland
Breathtaking Sights and Scenery
Soak up stunning scenery and splendid gardens at Muckross House, explore the village of Killarney and dine on traditional Irish fare.
On this adventure you will…
Board your coach and travel 60 minutes to County Kerry. This fabulous journey boasts stunning scenery set against a backdrop of mountain peaks.
Stop along the way for tea, coffee and scones, as well as for photos at Ladies View. Queen Victoria's ladies-in-waiting stopped here during the royal visit in 1861. They were so taken with the view that it was named after them.
Arrive at the glorious Muckross House, a 19th-century manor that boasts a beautiful rhododendron and sunken garden. Explore the grounds and garden for 60 minutes. Originally a private estate, the house was presented to the Irish government in 1932 and is renowned for its gorgeous views of the second largest Muckross Lake. An inside visit of the House is not included; however, should you wish to, and if there is availability, you can independently join a house tour during your free time at the estate.
Drive to Killarney and stop for a delicious lunch in a local restaurant before exploring the town on your own.
Relax and enjoy the scenery on the return drive to the pier.
Kinsale and Cork's Countryside (CK10)
$89.00* (ages 10 and up), $64.00* (ages 3 to 9), $0.00* (ages 0 to 2)
4.5 to 5 hours
Cobh (Cork), Ireland
Beauty of Ireland
Take in abundant views on the drive to Kinsale before walking its quaint streets.
On this adventure you will…
Board your motor coach and travel 75 minutes to Kinsale, past rolling landscapes of fields, flowers and hedgerows, through tunnels, over bridges, along rivers and by small villages. Stop for photos of breathtaking views over the Bandon River.
Arrive in Kinsale and spend 30 minutes exploring the pretty little town believed to have been founded by the Anglo Normans around 1177. Laying snuggly between hills and valley, it has won the European Prize for Tourism and the Environment, the Entente Floreale, the National Tidy Town and the Gourmet Capital awards. Kinsale owes its unique character to the fact that it was an important naval base for over 300 years, which is reflected in the many 18th-century structures that still stand alongside the more recent Georgian homes and Dutch influenced architecture.
Return to Cork, stopping at Charles Fort for photos of views over Kinsale Harbour.
Kinsale and Cork's Countryside – Adult Only Departure (CK24)
$89.00* (ages 18 and up)
4 to 4.5 hours
Cobh (Cork), Ireland
Cork’s Cutest Town
Take in the abundant views on a tranquil drive, walk the quaint streets of Kinsale and stop off at scenic Charles Fort.
On this adventure you will…
Board your motor coach and travel 75 minutes to the charming hamlet of Kinsale.
Sit back and enjoy rolling landscapes of fields, flowers and hedgerows as you travel through tunnels, over bridges, along rivers and past small towns.
Stop briefly for a photo opportunity of the Bandon River on the way to your destination in Kinsale.
Arrive in Kinsale and partake in a refreshment stop before 30 minutes of free time to explore this pretty little town believed to have been founded by the Anglo Normans around 1177.
Enjoy your time in tiny Kinsale, a town that can boast receiving the European Prize for Tourism and the Environment, Entente Floreale, National Tidy Town and Gourmet Capital awards.
Stroll past 18th-century structures, which still stand alongside the more recent Georgian homes and Dutch-influenced architecture. The town’s unique character is due in part to the fact that it was an important naval base for over 300 years.
Meander through picturesque streets and admire the varied architecture or enjoy some shopping.
Return to Cork with a stop on the way at Charles Fort for a photo opportunity over the Kinsale Harbor.
Kinsale and Cork's Countryside – Small Group Departure (CK25)
$109.00* (ages 10 and up), $79.00* (ages 3 to 9), $0.00* (ages 0 to 2)
4 to 4.5 hours
Cobh (Cork), Ireland
Cork’s Cutest Town
Take in the abundant views on a tranquil drive, walk the quaint streets of Kinsale and stop off at scenic Charles Fort.
On this adventure you will…
Board your motor coach and travel 75 minutes to the charming hamlet of Kinsale.
Sit back and enjoy rolling landscapes of fields, flowers and hedgerows as you travel through tunnels, over bridges, along rivers and past small towns.
Stop briefly for a photo opportunity of the Bandon River on the way to your destination in Kinsale.
Arrive in Kinsale and partake in a refreshment stop before 30 minutes of free time to explore this pretty little town believed to have been founded by the Anglo Normans around 1177.
Enjoy your time in tiny Kinsale, a town that can boast receiving the European Prize for Tourism and the Environment, Entente Floreale, National Tidy Town and Gourmet Capital awards.
Stroll past 18th-century structures, which still stand alongside the more recent Georgian homes and Dutch-influenced architecture. The town’s unique character is due in part to the fact that it was an important naval base for over 300 years.
Meander through picturesque streets and admire the varied architecture or enjoy some shopping.
Return to Cork with a stop on the way at Charles Fort for a photo opportunity over the Kinsale Harbor.
Spike Island Discovery (CK18)
Nature
$89.00* (ages 10 and up), $69.00* (ages 3 to 9), $59.00* (ages 0 to 2)
3.5 to 4 hours
Cobh (Cork), Ireland
Pilgrims, Pirates and Prisoners
Learn the sometimes infamous and always fascinating background of Cork Harbour’s Spike Island.
On this adventure you will…
Depart the pier on foot with your guide and board a boat for the ride to Spike Island. Extending 104 acres, 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.
Hear the stories about monasteries as hermitages and places of pilgrimages in early Christian Ireland, as was the case in 7th-century Cork when Saint Mochuda founded a 20-brethren monastic settlement on Spike Island.
Learn how Cork Harbour is vital to the development of overseas trade, including pirate trade, as the rugged shoreline was a hiding place for smugglers in the 18th century. In order to protect the harbour, fortifications were built at strategic locations.
See the low profile star-shaped structures designed to absorb cannon fire, as well as memorabilia from this time on display on the Island.
Imagine the days when Spike Island was a penal colony. In 1847, Spike became home to a convict depot. By 1850, over 2,000 convicts were detained, and yet by 1883, the last of the prisoners were relocated to prisons on the mainland. However, almost a century later, the island became a prison again. Between 1985 and 2004, the fort was used to hold young offenders.
Enjoy the island’s colorful history on a 70-minute guided tour of the island followed by an hour of free time to explore independently.
Return to the boat for your journey back to Cobh where you’re on your own to explore Cobh Town or make your way back to the ship.
Titanic Story Walking Tour (CK20)
$184.00* (ages 10 and up), $144.00* (ages 3 to 9), $0.00* (ages 0 to 2)
3.5 to 4 hours
Cobh (Cork), Ireland
An Interactive Experience
Walk through this port town and explore Cork Harbor, St. Colman’s Cathedral, the Titanic Experience and enjoy an Irish coffee.
On this adventure you will…
Meet your guide and start your 3-hour walking tour of Cork Harbor, one of the most important industrial areas in Ireland. Its history is entwined with the many great ships and majestic liners that have dropped anchor here.
Visit the pier where many passengers boarded the RMS Titanic bound for the New World. Setting sail on April 11th of 1912, the Titanic sailed west towards its tragic fate. Cork lost 123 of its own locals.
Stroll along the old buildings of the port that have been carefully preserved, including the offices of the White Star and Cunard Lines. Then head into the town, listening to anecdotes from your guide.
Continue on to St. Colman's Cathedral, the ornately detailed neo-Gothic building, whose spires can be seen from the bay. Built in 1868, though not completed until 1915, the cathedral is made of granite and limestone, and features elaborate statues, altars and stained-glass window arches. It also boasts 47 bells. Families of departing emigrants would climb the cathedral steps for a last sighting of their departing loved ones before the ships sailed.
Snap a photo before moving on to your next stop, a traditional pub. Here, enjoy a traditional Irish coffee, which is a combination of whiskey, double cream, strong black coffee and sugar. Guests must be 18 years or older to consume alcohol.
Walk back to Cork for an interactive encounter at the Titanic Experience. Through multimedia displays, you’ll step back in time to April 1912.
Check in at the original White Star Line ticket office to join Titanic on her maiden voyage. Share the excitement of boarding the most luxurious liner of her time and glimpse a taste of life on board.
Learn how it all went wrong and the unbelievable and almost impossible sequence of events that occurred to cause Titanic to sink. Feel the horror of the tragedy that immortalized this most famous of cruise liners.
See the final resting place of Titanic as she lies on the ocean bed, some 100 years since. And, discover the fates of Cork’s own 123 passengers.
Following your tour of the Titanic Experience, you’ll have free time to explore Cork and return to the ship on your own.
Waterford, Country and Crystal (CK21)
$140.00* (ages 10 and up), $105.00* (ages 3 to 9), $0.00* (ages 0 to 2)
8 to 8.5 hours
Cobh (Cork), Ireland
A Sparkling Experience
Visit the seaport town of Waterford and the House of Waterford on a full-day tour, including lunch and free time in Lismore.
On this adventure you will…
Board your motor coach for the 120-minute drive from Cork to historic Waterford. Founded in 853 by Vikings, Waterford became Southern Ireland's chief seaport, enhanced in the 18th century by the city's thriving glass works.
Explore Waterford's ancient, fortified walls and Reginald's Tower, originally built by Vikings during the 11th century and rebuilt into an imposing tower by Norman conquerors. Today, the restored tower is home to Waterford's city museum.
Continue to the House of Waterford Crystal. Completed in 2010, the state-of-the-art center is the home of all things Waterford. Your tour begins with an audiovisual presentation that traces the history of Waterford Crystal from its founding in 1783 by brothers George and William Penrose to the present day.
Discover what has made Waterford Crystal a prized possession for more than 2 centuries. See a reconstruction of the manufacturing process and get an idea of how the original factory worked—from the making of wooden molds to the artisanal glass-making process.
Get a look at a limited selection recreated here from viewing platforms. Ask questions and take photos of the craftsmen at work.
Stop at the gallery showroom, where a crystal chandelier lights up a dining table laden with crystals and ceramics. There is plenty of free time to browse among the world's largest display of Waterford crystal, giftware, craft and jewelry collections.
Enjoy lunch at a local hotel and head to the charming heritage town of Lismore. Founded in 636 A.D. and renowned as a seat of learning, discover Lismore’s history on a self-guided tour. • Travel to the outskirts of town to spectacular Lismore Castle. Sitting on 8,000 acres boasting gardens, farmlands and forests, the castle is closed to visitors, but you’ll have photo opportunities of the castle’s exterior.
Relax on the return journey to Cork and the pier.
Whiskey Talk, Tasting and Cork City Tour (CK22)
Signature Collection
$99.00* (ages 21 and up)
4 to 4.5 hours
Cobh (Cork), Ireland
Sip and Sightsee
Follow along with an expert from the Jamison Distillery as you smell and savor a variety of whiskeys followed by a narrated driving tour through Cork.
On this adventure you will…
Board your motorcoach for the 30-minute drive to Cork, the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland.
Arrive at the Bridge Bar for a presentation by an authority on whiskey from Jameson Distillery. The Bridge Bar is said to be a mix of “Classic Cork mixed with Cork’s Victorian Quarter.” It is situated on the north end of Patrick’s Bridge, which dates back to the 17th century.
Sample a variety of whiskeys throughout the talk. Let the aroma fill your senses while you gain firsthand knowledge of the drink from a whiskey expert. Guests must abide by local laws in regards to alcohol consumption.
Take a narrated drive down Merchant's Quay, St. Patrick's Street, Grand Parade, the Mall and City Hall.
Enjoy the ride as your guides point out the city's elegant Georgian architecture. St Patrick's Street is the city's main boulevard, while South Mall and Grand Parade are home to a number of Irish companies and financial institutions.
Learn about the city’s history as you pass by places like City Hall-paid for by the English crown to replace the building burned down by the British Army during Ireland's War of Independence.
Enjoy 45 minutes of free time in the city before returning to Cobh and the pier.