Cork Shore Excursion by Coach: Visit Blarney Castle, Kinsale & Cork City

This full-day shore excursion from Cobh Cruise Terminal offers cruise passengers the perfect introduction to the highlights of southern Ireland. Designed specifically around cruise schedules, the tour ensures a relaxed experience with a guaranteed return to your ship.

Your day begins with pickup directly from the port before travelling inland through the scenic countryside of County Cork. The first destination is the world-famous Blarney Castle, one of Ireland’s most visited historic landmarks. Here you can explore the castle grounds, wander through beautiful gardens, and climb to the top to kiss the legendary Blarney Stone, said to grant the “gift of the gab.” Admission is included, allowing you to skip ticket lines and enjoy more time exploring.

After leaving Blarney, the tour continues with a panoramic drive through Cork, Ireland’s second-largest city and cultural capital of the south. Along the way, your guide will highlight important landmarks including St Fin Barre's Cathedral, the English Market, and the historic waterways of the River Lee.

The journey continues along scenic coastal routes toward the charming harbour town of Kinsale. Famous for its colourful buildings, maritime history and reputation as Ireland’s gourmet capital, Kinsale is a wonderful place to stroll the winding streets, take photographs of the harbour and enjoy lunch in one of the town’s welcoming cafés or pubs.

After exploring Kinsale, relax on the return journey to the port. Your guide will ensure you arrive back well before your cruise ship departs, making this excursion a stress-free way to experience some of Ireland’s most famous sights in a single day.

Pickup Points

We collect passengers from the cruise ship at 07:30 for departure at 08:00. Where your ship docks later than 07:30 the tour will begin 30 minutes after disembarkation commences. - Cobh (Cork) Cruise Ship Terminal

We collect passengers from the cruise ship at 07:30 for departure at 08:00. Where your ship docks later than 07:30 the tour will begin 30 minutes after disembarkation commences. - Ringaskiddy Cruise Ship Terminal

Additional Information

This tour is designed specifically for cruise ship passengers visiting Cork.

The tour duration is approximately 8 hours, depending on ship docking times.

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for visiting Blarney Castle

Itinerary

Cruise Port Pickup
Meet your driver-guide directly outside the cruise terminal at Cobh Cruise Terminal or Ringaskiddy Cruise Terminal.

Blarney Castle & Gardens
Travel to Blarney Castle, where you’ll have time to explore the historic fortress, climb the battlements and kiss the famous Blarney Stone.

Panoramic Tour of Cork City
Enjoy a guided drive through Cork, passing major landmarks such as St Fin Barre's Cathedral, the English Market, and the River Lee.

Scenic Drive through the Cork Countryside
Relax as you travel through rolling landscapes and coastal scenery in County Cork.

Explore Kinsale
Spend time discovering the picturesque harbour town of Kinsale, famous for its maritime heritage, colourful streets and excellent restaurants.

Return to Cruise Ship
Return to Cobh Cruise Terminal or Ringaskiddy Cruise Terminal with plenty of time before departure.

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour departure.

Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are non-refundable.