Tours & tickets

Blarney Castle

Take an air-conditioned bus ride and observe the transformation of Dublin's metropolitan environment into the verdant hills of the Irish countryside. Travel through a number of interesting locations, such as the Irish National Stud's home, the Curragh in County Kildare, and the Galtee Mountains. Discover the fabled Rock of Cashel, a recognisable representation of Ireland's historical significance, as you delve into its past. A remarkable collection of mediaeval structures can be seen at this location, such as a high cross, round tower, abbey, Romanesque chapel, Gothic cathedral, and 15th-century tower house. Reach Blarney Castle, which is well-known around the world for the Blarney Stone. Put your lips on the stone to obtain the "gift of gab." Discover enchanted gardens with mystical waterfalls and ancient ferns. This location, rich in mystery and history, promises an amazing experience. Climb the Wishing Steps to see the charming Rock Close. In Blarney Castle, there is a range of restaurants to pick from. Discover the magnificent Cahir Castle, one of Ireland's largest and best-preserved, as your day's last destination. It is perched atop a rocky island in the River Suir. Constructed by the Butler family in the thirteenth century, this storied castle has seen many fabled sieges and conflicts. Its impressively maintained defensive architecture provides an intriguing look at the inventiveness of the Middle Ages. Experience its fascinating past with a guided tour and audiovisual presentations. After that, go back to Dublin's city centre to round out your tour. *Please arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time*

Discover the highlights of Co. Cork and explore the ancient battlements of Blarney Castle & Gardens. Take a journey through history and kiss the legendary Blarney Stone for the gift of the gab. Stroll through the beautiful gardens and shop tax-free at the adjacent woolen mills.  Visit Charles Fort and descend into the picturesque resort town of Kinsale. Soak up the atmosphere of this charming town and explore the winding, centuries-old streets with its colorfully painted shops, pubs, cafes, and houses. Stop for a pint of Murphy's Stout and a plate of trawler fresh seafood.  Nest, visit the historic port town of Cobh, the last port of call for the Titanic. Stop by the Titanic Museum (optional) or explore the oceanfront to check out the colorful local architecture, St Colman's Roman Catholic cathedral, or spot some of the world's largest cruise ships. 

Visit Ireland’s most famous castle on a full-day tour from Dublin. Enjoy free time to explore the city of Cork and visit Blarney Castle. Stroll in the footsteps of St Patrick at the Celtic Crosses and Round Tower. Meet your guide at Paddy's Palace in Dublin and hop aboard a comfortable and climate-controlled van for a scenic drive through green fields and dairy farms of the Golden Vale of County Cork. Enjoy panoramic views of the Galtee Mountains and County Tipperary. Stop in Cork on banks of the River Lee and spend an hour of free time exploring the city at your own pace. Have the option to visit the historic English Market, or marvel at the architecture of St. Finbarre’s Cathedral. Drive on to Blarney Castle, home of the legendary Blarney Stone. It’s said that if you kiss the stone you will receive the “gift of the gab” for 7 years. Pucker up and kiss the stone or snap a picture.  Explore the castle grounds and gardens to discover the Witch's Cave. Take advantage of the tax free shopping at the Blarney Woollen Mills and craft shop. Step back in time at the evocative Celtic Crosses and Round Tower. Depart for Dublin on a path through the Golden Vale of County Tipperary and arrive back in the city at night. 

The tour begins with a pick up from the cruise liner terminal in Cobh, Cork Harbour. (Note: if for operational reasons your ship is diverted to the other Cork terminal in Ringaskiddy we will of course meet you there instead) The tour begins with a drive to Blarney Castle. We include your admission to the Blarney Castle and Gardens so that you are on a voucher system priority passengers and skip all the lines before your fellow shipmates (SAVE 15 EURO)! We take a panoramic drive through Cork City. Your guide will point out the highlights of the southern capital such as St Finbarre's Cathedral, Shandon Bells, English Historic Market and the beautiful River Lee. In the afternoon we will enjoy a scenic drive to Kinsale. This charming town is famed as Ireland's gourmet capital with enchanting streets, fine restaurants, great pubs, all situated in this beautiful harbor town. We get some spectacular photos and plenty of time to enjoy the ambiance. On our return to the ship we get a quick overview of Cobh, the last departure point of Titanic and we have time to visit St. Coleman's Cathedral - the finest worshiping point of many Irish immigrants.

Embark on a shore tour from Cobh and visit Blarney Castle, Kinsale, and Cobh. Kiss the legendary Blarney Stone, explore the magnificent gardens, and shop at the Blarney Woollen Mills. Enjoy a panoramic driving tour through Cork city and explore the charming village of Kinsale. Depart from your ship at the port of Cobh and head for Blarney Castle. Kiss the legendary Blarney Stone, explore the amazing gardens, and take in some shopping at the famous Blarney Woollen Mills. Indulge in the atmosphere in the village of Blarney, enjoying some local homemade scones with coffee. After your visit to Blarney, enjoy a panoramic driving tour through Cork city center. Take in famous landmarks such as The Shandon Bells and The English Market and learn all about the fearsome Vikings and Anglo Normans in Cork. Next, travel through picturesque rolling Irish countryside to the charming village of Kinsale, dubbed "Ireland's Gourmet Capital". There are lots of pubs, restaurants, and craft/gift shops dotted around the winding streets of Kinsale, where you will have up to 2 hours free time to explore and enjoy lunch/drinks at one of the many fine local establishments. Enjoy the scenic route back to your ship and take in some touring around the magnificent Island of Cobh. Immerse yourself in the rich maritime history of Cobh, taking in some stunning harbor scenery while discovering why Cobh is forever linked to the ill-fated Titanic. Learn of the fascinating history of The Lusitania mass graves, The Potato Famine, and Ireland's port of mass emigration. Finally, enjoy a visit to the spectacular neo-gothic Cobh Cathedral before heading back to your ship in plenty of time for your sailing. 'If your ship is not Porting for the full duration of the tour to be operate, we ensure your return to the ship on time, normally 1 hour prior to your sailing. In this event, time spent at each location will be reduced slightly'. +++++Please note Entrance to Blarney Castle and Gardens is Included within our shore excursion price!+++++

Escape the hustle and bustle of Dublin on a full-day tour south to the vibrant city of Cork. Kills the Blarney stone at Blarney Castle, admire Georgian buildings in the city center, and visit Cork Harbor to see a Victorian era train station and transatlantic terminal.   Depart by train from Heuston Station in the early morning for the InterCity service to Cork City. Upon arrival, head to Blarney Castle, where you can kiss the famous Blarney Stone and acquire the gift of eternal eloquence. Relax with some free time to shop and enjoy lunch in Blarney village. Head to Cork for a short city tour of Ireland’s southern capital, famous for its arts, music and literature scenes.  Built on the site of a 6th-century monastic settlement, the city center is full of Georgian buildings, 17th-century alleys, and dynamic new architecture. Continue your journey along Cork Harbour to Cobh, location of the Queenstown Story Heritage Center.  Set in a beautifully-restored railway station of the Victorian age, it was also the transatlantic terminal that served as the point of departure to the New World for generations of Irish emigrants, from the time of famine up to recent years. Transfer back to Cork City center to catch your return InterCity train back to Dublin, with a scheduled arrival at Heuston Station at in the evening. 

This wonderful tour also includes an enchanting walk discovering the picturesque village of Blarney as well as time to shop at one of Ireland’s oldest and most authentic Irish Woollen Mills. - Beat the Ticket Line crowds – with our easy access tickets to Blarney Castle & Gardens - Visit the 15th-century Blarney Castle home of the Blarney Stone - Kiss the Blarney Stone and receive the “Gift of Eloquence” or named locally as the “Gift of the Gab” - Enjoy a guided walking tour of the very picturesque Blarney Village - Visit Ireland’s oldest and largest Irish craft goods shop - Experience a fully guided tour led by an expert local English-speaking professional guide. - Enjoy the best stories and highlights of Blarney Castle & Gardens and Blarney Village

Set off on a delightful half-day journey from Cork to two of Ireland's most celebrated spots: Blarney Castle and the picturesque town of Kinsale. This thoughtfully designed tour combines history, culture, and natural beauty, all within a few hours. Start your adventure at the iconic Blarney Castle, where you'll have the chance to kiss the famous Blarney Stone and receive its legendary gift of eloquence. Afterward, take a scenic drive through the Irish countryside to Kinsale, a charming coastal town known for its vibrant streets, historic harbor, and welcoming atmosphere. With plenty of time to explore both locations, this tour is perfect for those who want to experience key highlights of the Cork region while returning to the city by lunchtime. Whether you're drawn to Ireland’s rich history, coastal charm, or simply seeking a memorable experience, this half-day excursion offers an ideal way to immerse yourself in the best of what Cork has to offer.

The tour begins at the Cobh Cruise Terminal at 8 AM or Ringaskiddy Cruise Terminal, from where you'll be picked up. First stop of the day is Blarney. Skip the line and visit the most famous castle in all of Ireland. Lie back and kiss the magical Blarney Stone and get the gift of the gab! You will also have time to visit the world-famous Blarney Woolen Mills, famed as the largest Irish Store in the world. Next take a panoramic drive through Cork, viewing the highlights of the city such as the River Lee, St Finbarre's Cathedral, Shandon Bells, English Market, and Grand Parade, before heading 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 two forts. The historical town of Kinsale is today Ireland's gourmet capital with winding streets, great pubs, and fine restaurants.  Before boarding your ship, stop in Cobh, famed as the final departure point for the Titanic. Time permitting, we visit the St Coleman's Cathedral, one of the most magnificent cathedrals in the country, and the Titanic Experience, 100m from where the ships dock.

Experience the dramatic landscapes of the southwest of Ireland on a 2-day budget tour to the Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle, and more. Kiss the famous Blarney Stone, enjoy panoramic views across the Atlantic Ocean, and stay in the historic city of Cork to enjoy the local life up-close. Day 1: Dublin - Rock of Cashel - Blarney - Cork Depart Dublin at 08:00 for a relaxing drive through scenic County Cork. The first stop will be the world famous Rock of Cashel. One of Ireland's most evocative sites, you can stroll in the footsteps of St. Patrick flanked by ruins, Celtic crosses and round towers and feel the soul of Ireland. The Rock of Cashel was the traditional seat of the Kings of Munster until they donated the complex to the Catholic Church almost 1,000 years ago for use as a cathedral. The site is one of the best examples of medieval architecture in Europe. The next stop is Ireland's second city, Cork. Here there is time to visit the English Markets recently visited by Queen Elizabeth II, that offer a wide range of local produce from artisan meats and cheeses and all that is good about Irish fine fare. This is an ideal place to enjoy lunch. In the afternoon you will go to the quaint town of Blarney to kiss the legendary Blarney Stone (optional) at the medieval stronghold of Blarney Castle. Learn the story behind the tradition as you explore the castle’s dungeons, caves and hidden bedrooms. Return to Cork, where you will spend the night. Day 2: Cork - Burren - Cliffs of Moher - Dublin Start the day with a drive through the beautiful Golden Vale, home to some of the best farm land in Ireland. Stop in Limerick to see the River Shannon and get some fine photos of King John's Castle. Continue west to County Clare, enjoying views of the wild Atlantic Ocean as you drive along the West Coast. Marvel at beautiful beaches of golden sand, looking out for dolphins and whales. Admire the lunar landscape of The Burren, where Alpine, Arctic and Mediterranean flowers grow side-by-side. Hear inspiring tales of how the Irish overcame the horrors of the Great Potato Famine of 1845-49, when over 1 million Irish fled to all 4 corners of the earth to escape. Upon arrival at the Cliffs of Moher, gaze in awe at the sheer majesty of the cliffs and crashing waves. See why world surf champ, Kelly Slater, came here for the award-winning surf movie “Wave Riders.” En route back to Dublin, enjoy a short photo stop at the 15th-century tower house of Bunratty Castle.