Blarney Castle and Kinsale Shore Excursion
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore the historic Blarney Castle
- Kiss the Blarney Stone for eloquence
- Stroll through the charming streets of Kinsale
- Enjoy scenic views of the Irish countryside
- Learn about Ireland's rich history and culture
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Round-trip transportation from Cork Harbour
- Guided tour of Blarney Castle
- Visit to the picturesque town of Kinsale
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
Pass by: We will collect you in style from your Cruise Ship. When you leave the Ship, turn to the right, and your guide will be waiting for you near the pedestrian exit gate. 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. We like to get ahead of the crowd and avoid the queues in Blarney!
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 15 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.
Pass by: We depart Blarney and take a panoramic drive through Cork City. We view the highlights of this fine City such as the River Lee, St Finbarre's Cathedral, Shandon Bells, English Market and Grand Parade. Cork was recently considered by the Lonely Planet one of the 10 must see cities in the world. Some of its famous sons include Henry Ford, Michael Collins and of course world famous footballer Roy Keane.
We drive through the beautiful Cork Countryside to the charming town of Kinsale! Enjoy typical views of the rolling fields of West Cork and also a stop overlooking picturesque Kinsale Harbor and its 2 forts - Charles Fort and James Fort. It was just off the Old Head of Kinsale that in 1915 the Lusitania sank with grave loss of life.
Our next stop is the historical town of Kinsale for, a town famed for the battle of Kinsale in 1601. Today it is Ireland's gourmet capital with winding streets, great pubs and fine restaurants. On our standard 8h tours we stop in Kinsale for lunch, however depending on the departure time of the ship this must be at the drivers discretion (NO EXCEPTION). The town is beautifully situated at the mouth of the harbor and is exceptionally colorful with picture post card buildings and many country Irish folk with strange and distinguished accents
Pass by: If time allows, we can explore Cobh Cathedral.
Pass by: We depart Kinsale and to make sure you are back at least 1 hour before 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.
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- This tour is wheelchair accessible; please inform the operator in advance.
- Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Pets are not allowed on this excursion.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
- Bring a raincoat or umbrella, as Irish weather can be unpredictable.
- Ensure you have a valid passport or ID for the shore excursion.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Infant Seats Available
- Stroller Accessible
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Booster/Baby seats required, and available. Please advise if you require at booking.
- Collapsible scooters and wheelchairs can be stored under coach. Responsibility for the passenger for the day.
Traveler reviews
Blarney stone
Conner was a great guide! He knew facts and was such a delight. Went at a good pace and had time for the Blarney Stone and the Mill. We had a little time left over and he took us to another site for pictures. He was very good and passionate about his job.
Gift of gab…
Better than a ship excursion. Our driver JD managed to coral a busload of people to Blarney castle ahead of all the tour buses but one ahead of us. He purchased the tickets and told of to head straight away to the castle! We climbed the stairs and kissed the stone in about 20 minutes, then explored the beautiful gardens, had a whiskey coffee and visited the gift shop with plenty of time to spare. Jd was entertaining, and he can carry a tune nicely! He was very knowledgeable about the area, we stopped for lunch and was back in plenty of time to enjoy music by the ship. I would be very comfortable booking this tour again and using this company for future tours. Beautiful Ireland we will meet again.
Outstanding bus tour driver & guide
Forgot his name.. I was on princess majestic on may 13. Tour left from cork . he was outstanding. Very informative, humorous and friendly
Guide was Friendly, Emails were unwelcome
Connor our driver/guide was friendly, nice and told us about Irish history; he did a good job driving. We recieved emails prior that said they wouldn't tell the driver to wait while we went through immigration. That they won't wait for government issues. The bus will leave. The seats are first come, first served which is ridiculous if you have a ticket in hand and the excursion was specifically for cruise ship guests. Connor made sure everyone was on the bus before leaving. The emails were stressful and unnecessary.
Ok
Terrible weather left us exposed to the elements ..extreme wind and cold rain. Was sick for the next 2 weeks. The Cork shopping part should have allowed those who wanted to stay on the bus to be out of the elements. Otherwise, the Blarney Castle stop was interesting.