(Small Group) Shore Tour from Cork: Blarney Castle & Jameson Distillery

Cobh , Ireland

(Small Group) Shore Tour from Cork: Blarney Castle & Jameson Distillery

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

This small-group shore excursion from Cobh Cruise Terminal accommodates no more than 24 passengers on a luxury small van and allows for a particularly intimate day on shore. The tour begins with a pick-up from the cruise liner terminal in Cobh, Cork Harbour, where your driver will be waiting for you to drive you to Blarney Castle and Castles, where the admission is included. Take a panoramic drive through Cork City, where your guide will point out the highlights of the southern capital. In the afternoon visit Jameson @ Midleton and enjoy a tour of this famous whiskey distillery.

GUEST ADVICE:

During peak- season (May 1st - September 30th) multiple cruise ships are expected at the major ports on a daily basis. This small group tour tends to sell- out well ahead of departure for most dates within this period. Accordingly, we recommend advance reservation where possible, to avoid disappointment.

Available options

(Small Group) Shore Tour from Cork: Blarney Castle & Jameson Distillery

What's included

Bottled water

WiFi on board

Air-conditioned vehicle

Port pickup and drop-off

Live commentary on board

Detailed itinerary

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

Stop 2

Our first stop of the day is Blarney. Visit the most famous Castle in all of

Ireland!! Lie back and kiss the magical Blarney Stone and get the gift of the

gab! Your admission is included saving you 12 euro.

WE ARE HAPPY TO INCLUDE ADMISSION TO BLARNEY CASTLE:

others will make you join a queue and pay at the gate!

You will also have time to visit the world famous

Blarney Woolen Mills. Famed as the largest Irish Store in the world, many take advantage of its tax free shopping offers on quality Irish products.

Stop 4

Our next stop is the beautiful town of Midleton, famed as being the home of Jameson distillery since 1825. Today it is home to many Irish whiskeys such as Jameson, Powers, Paddy, Redbreast, Green Spot, previously produced in separate distilleries.

In 1992, the Old Midleton Distillery reopened as a visitor's centre, known as the Jameson Experience.

Stop 5

Our last stop before boarding the ship, Cobh is famed as the final departure

point for the Titanic. Built on a side of the hill, time permitting, we visit the St.

Coleman's Cathedral one of the most magnificent Cathedrals in the country.

Time permitting, those on ships with late departures will have time to visit the

Titanic experience 100m from where the ships dock.

We structure each tour to make sure you are back on board at lease 1 hr before time for departure. The service ends back at the dockside after approximately 8 hours on tour. If the boat is leaving earlier we will amend the itinerary as necessary.

What's not included

Gratuities

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.9

53 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Tripadvisor 3.1

21 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Meeting point

Important notes

IMPORTANT: Please contact us before your tour date to confirm a pick-up time. Failure to do so may result in missing your tour. Contact Number: +353 89 969 5499

If you have not already specified, you MUST advise supplier as soon as possible your Ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and departure time so that appropriate arrangements can be made

This shore excursion is operated by Irish cruise specialist, Elegant Irish Tours. Your van will be a black van with Elegant Irish Tours along the side in grey. The tour representative will also have the lead passenger name(s) supplied above on their clipboard, so keep your eyes and ears out. Dockside can be busy during disembarkation. Thank you for your business. We wish you a great experience on shore

Tour departs within walking distance of the cruise port

Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.

About Cobh

Cobh, a picturesque seaside town in South West Ireland, is known for its vibrant history, colorful architecture, and stunning views of Cork Harbour. This charming town was the final port of call for the ill-fated Titanic and is rich in maritime heritage, offering a unique blend of historical sites, cultural attractions, and scenic beauty.

Top Attractions

Cobh Heritage Centre

This museum provides a comprehensive overview of Cobh's rich history, including its role in the Irish Famine and as the last port of call for the Titanic. The exhibits are well-curated and offer a deep dive into the town's past.

Historical 1.5-2 hours €10-€12

St. Colman's Cathedral

This stunning cathedral is a prominent landmark in Cobh, known for its impressive Gothic Revival architecture and beautiful stained-glass windows. It offers a peaceful retreat and panoramic views of the town and harbor.

Architectural/Religious 30-45 minutes Free (donations welcome)

Cobh Museum

Housed in a former Presbyterian church, this museum focuses on the maritime history of Cobh and its role in emigration. The exhibits include artifacts, photographs, and personal stories that bring the town's history to life.

Historical 1-1.5 hours Free (donations welcome)

Spike Island

Spike Island, located in Cork Harbour, is a fascinating historical site that has served as a monastery, fortress, and prison. A visit to the island offers a unique glimpse into its tumultuous past through guided tours and interactive exhibits.

Historical/Adventure 2-3 hours €16-€18

Cobh Lifeboat Station

This station is home to the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) and offers a glimpse into the brave work of lifeboat crews. Visitors can learn about the history of the station and the lifesaving missions it has undertaken.

Historical/Cultural 30-45 minutes Free (donations welcome)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Seafood Chowder

A creamy, hearty soup made with fresh local seafood, potatoes, and vegetables. It's a must-try for any visitor to Cobh.

Soup Can be made vegetarian or gluten-free upon request

Cobh Crab

Freshly caught crab, often served with a variety of sauces and sides. It's a local delicacy and a highlight of the town's seafood offerings.

Main Course Contains shellfish

Irish Stew

A traditional Irish dish made with lamb, potatoes, carrots, and onions. It's a comforting and hearty meal, perfect for cooler weather.

Main Course Can be made vegetarian or gluten-free upon request

Popular Activities

Boat tours Hiking Cycling Beach walks Picnicking Spas and wellness Museum visits Historical tours

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the warmest and driest period, ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the town's attractions. The weather is generally pleasant, making it the most popular time to visit.

15°C to 20°C 59°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Irish (Gaeilge)
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) in winter, GMT+1 (IST) in summer

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Cobh is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, standard precautions should be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
• Be cautious when using ATMs and avoid sharing PIN numbers

Getting there

By air

Cork Airport • 20 km from Cobh

By train

Cobh Railway Station

By bus

Cobh Bus Stop (Centre Park Road)

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are a convenient and affordable way to get around Cobh and to nearby towns. The service is reliable and frequent.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Free Now, Local taxi services

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Cobh Town Centre Rushbrooke Cush

Day trips

Cork City

20 km • Half day to full day

Cork City is a vibrant and historic city with a rich cultural scene, offering a variety of attractions, shopping, and dining options.

Kinsale

30 km • Full day

Kinsale is a charming coastal town known for its colorful buildings, gourmet dining, and rich maritime history.

Blarney Castle

40 km • Full day

Blarney Castle is a historic castle and gardens, famous for the Blarney Stone, which is said to grant the gift of eloquence to those who kiss it.

Festivals

Cobh International Famine Commemoration • June (specific dates vary) Cobh Maritime Festival • June (specific dates vary)

Pro tips

Visit the Cobh Heritage Centre early in the day to avoid crowds
Climb the tower of St. Colman's Cathedral for the best panoramic views of the town and harbor
Take a boat tour of Cork Harbour for a unique perspective on the region's maritime history
Explore the town's colorful streets and alleys for hidden gems and local shops
Try local seafood dishes, such as Cobh crab and seafood chowder, for an authentic culinary experience