Cobh

Tours

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. 

This fascinating guided walking tour explores the town of Cobh in Cork Harbor, which was the last port of call of RMS Titanic. Participants are taken by specially trained guides to re-live a Titanic timeline journey through the historic town of Cobh. The vista of the town remains the same as it was on the day the Titanic's passengers embarked from the Port of Cork. The tour recounts many interesting facts about the Titanic, the Titanic's history, and its association with Cobh from when it departed on its last fateful journey nearly 100 years ago. The Titanic walking tour will bring you through the streets and environs of Cobh, revealing locations and incidents directly connected to the Titanic and many other aspects of Cork Harbor’s history and Irish heritage.

The Cobh Cultural Tour is a combination tour that includes the Titanic Trail Guided Walking Tour of Cobh and a self-guided visit to the Queenstown Story Heritage Center. Combining both of these attractions will provide a unique insight into the broad maritime, social and military heritage of one of the most historical towns in Ireland. The scheduled Titanic Trail Walking Tour will take approximately 1-hour and explores the many buildings and monuments of Cobh reflecting the rich maritime history of the town. Places and stories closely associated with events such as the final departure of Titanic's last passengers, the tide of emigration from Ireland and the sinking of the Lusitania will all be explored and explained from the fascinating doctoral level research of Michael Martin, author and creator of the tour. The Queenstown Story Heritage Center will trace the history of emigration to North America, the military presence in the harbor during the First World War, age of the great transatlantic liners and the dark period of 'convict' transportation to Australia can be visited anytime between 10:00 and 16:00. Repeat visits to the center will be permissible on the day of booking.

Throughout this experience, you will visit 16 historical sites which consist of ambush sites, safe houses, training halls, and barracks. You will also visit places of detention for the Cobh republican volunteers, where you will hear about their impact on Irish History. Your tour guide will help bring the town to life through his accounts of the people, places, and stories of Ireland. You will hear of stories ranging from the potato famine to the Irish war for independence, and everything in between. Your guide is a warm and informative host who will hold your attention the entire time, and his stories are priceless. The tour will proceed at a leisurely pace, stopping at sites and buildings to allow guests engagement through questions/answers and related chat.

Tapping into a rich Irish folklore, hear tales of the paranormal and hauntings as you wander the darkened streets of Cobh on this 1-hour ghost tour of a town that has remained virtually unchanged over 2 centuries. Learn about the spectre of a young Irish emmigrant, the haunting of Pillars Bar, and the ghostly cries of a child at a local hotel. Suitable for all ages, and a great family night out, the ghost walk is also a great precursor to an office party, corporate outing, or hen night. Formerly known as “Queenstown,” Cobh is at the heart of Ireland’s immigration, transportation, and cruise liner history. It’s most famous as the last port of call before the RMS Titanic set sail on her fatal jouney across the Atlantic in 1912. The tour provides an emotional journey back to the days when passengers boarded at Cobh on their hopeful voyages across the ocean.

Day 1 Check in Dublin Heuston (Customer Service Desk) for 07:00 departure of InterCity train (breakfast available) to Cork. Transfer by road to Blarney Castle and kiss the famous stone. After time for lunch and shopping and a flavor of Cork City, visit Cobh Heritage Centre, home of the "Queenstown Story," where the Titanic made its last port of call, and from where 3 million Irish people emigrated. Depart Cobh by train to Killarney, where you will be taken to your bed & breakfast accommodation, with en-suite facilities. There are numerous restaurants in Killarney, as well as traditional pubs-many with live traditional Irish music. Day 2 Embark on the famous Ring of Kerry tour, which is a largely coastal drive around the Iveragh Peninsula, with lots of stunning mountain and coastal scenery, including the famous Lakes of Killarney. After the day's touring, the evening is free in Killarney. Day 3 Leave Killarney for Limerick, to join the Cliffs of Moher tour. Take a short city tour of Limerick, and then visit Bunratty Castle, before lunch at a traditional pub. You will have plenty of time to see the majestic Cliffs of Moher, before taking the coastal route around Galway Bay, with stops for photos. Return to Dublin by InterCity train, arriving at 20:45. * Prices are per person sharing Single Room Supplement applies

Day 1 Check in Dublin Heuston Station (Customer Service Desk) for 7:00 departure of InterCity train to Cork (breakfast available). We visit Blarney Castle, the Queenstown Story at Cobh, then train to Killarney for two nights B & B with en-suite facilities. Day 2 10.00 depart Killarney on Ring of Kerry tour. We have a wonderful day viewing some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery, including Dingle Bay. We also see the Macgillicuddy Reeks, Ireland's highest mountain Carrantuohill, Moll's Gap, Ladies View and the world famous Lakes of Killarney. Overnight in Killarney. Day 3 07.30 transfer from Killarney to Limerick, to join the Cliffs of Moher Tour, visit Bunratty Castle, Cliffs of Moher, Galway Bay, overnight Galway City in 3 star Hotel (2 nights). Day 4 Get the ferry to Inis Mor and explore the largest of the Aran Islands. After lunch in Kilronan, enjoy a tour of the ancient fort Dun Aengus, admiring its sharp cliffs and dramatic seascapes. Day 5 10.00 depart Galway for tour of Connemara, including Kylemore Abbey after which we depart Galway by train, arriving Dublin Heuston 20.45 transfer by tram to three star hotel for two nights (room only). Day 6 Check in Dublin Connolly Station at 07.10 departure for the Giants Causeway tour. At Belfast we join our tour and head to the famous Antrim Coast Road crossing the lovely Glens of Antrim en route to Ballycastle and the Carrick-a-rede* rope bridge (Mid March - October only. Glimpse the Scottish coast on a clear day. We continue to the stunning Giant's Causeway next, seeing Dunluce Castle (photo stop only). We return to Belfast and our train to Dublin arriving at Connolly station at 22:20 for second night in three star hotel. Depart Monday/Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday (March to October only) * Price is per person sharing Single Room Supplement applies

Day 1: Depart Dublin for Cork, driving through the lush farm counties of Kildare, Laois, and Tipperary. Make a short stop in the heritage town of Cahir to see the ruined abbey and impressive castle on an island in the River Suir. Continue to Blarney on the outskirts of Cork. Visit the castle and take one of the woodland walks to the mystical Rock Close. Explore the village of Blarney, stopping for lunch.  There may even be time to kiss the famous Blarney Stone. After this, there is a chance to discover Jameson Whiskey Distillery and taste one of Ireland's favourite exports. In the afternoon, tour the beautiful coastline of West Cork, and see some of the magnificent beaches, tiny inlets and coves. End the day in the fishing village of Kinsale, where you will be based for the night. Kinsale is famous for its food, and the evening is free to wander the narrow streets, popping into traditional pubs and restaurants. Day 2: Explore some of the highlights of southeast Ireland, starting with the historic port of Cobh, the main departure point for Irish emigration in the 19th and 20th centuries. It was also from here that the Titanic ocean liner set forth on her ill-fated maiden voyage. Continue east to Waterford, traveling along the “Copper Coast” (a designated UNESCO geo-park for its spectacular beauty). Stop at the popular surfing beach of Tramore, before heading into Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city. Founded by the Vikings in the 9th century, it’s also famous for the Waterford Crystal Factory, which you are free to visit along with one of the excellent museums. Alternatively, explore the Viking Triangle on foot. In the late afternoon, depart for the busy city of Kilkenny with its fine castle and park, as well as some lovely riverside walks. Go to the National Craft Centre, or hang out in one of the pubs and enjoy a glass of Guinness! Day 3: Enjoy a free morning to explore Kilkenny before driving to the Wicklow Mountains. Marvel at some of Ireland’s highest granite peaks and see impressive valleys carved by glaciers. One of the area’s highlights is Glendalough, known as the “Valley of the Lakes.” Take one of the walking trails, or explore the ruins of the 6th-century monastery to see its round tower. The last section of your tour takes you into the heart of the Wicklow Mountains National Park, before crossing the famous Sally Gap to descend into Dublin for an approximate 18:30 arrival.

Day 1: From Dublin, journey north to Belfast, known for its industrial history and tumultuous past. Explore the city's highlights on a short tour covering its triumphs, tragedies, and essence. Afterwards, enjoy lunch and discover the Titanic Quarter, where the famous ship was constructed in 1911. Explore the Titanic museum, board the HMS Caroline, or take a black cab tour. Leaving Belfast, marvel at the breathtaking scenery of the Antrim Coast and Glens, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Continue along winding roads to reach the awe-inspiring Giant's Causeway, where history and myth collide amidst stunning geological formations. Conclude the day in Portrush, a picturesque fishing village where you'll spend the night. Day 2: Go to the walled city of Derry, designated a UK City of Culture in 2013. Enjoy some free time to explore the old city center, and visit one of the many museums or galleries. Then cross the border to the Republic of Ireland, traveling into one of the most remote and unspoilt areas of the country. Explore County Donegal’s dramatic scenery and Gaelic culture. Pass through Glenveagh National Park and the Errigal Mountains, before following the coast through traditional fishing villages. Stop for nature walks along the way, and soak up the local culture before checking into your overnight accommodation in Donegal. Day 3: In the morning, head south along the coast near Donegal into County Sligo, known for its stunning views of the majestic Benbulben mountain. Just outside Sligo Town lies Carrowmore, home to the largest collection of megalithic tombs in Ireland, some dating back over 6000 years. Continuing westward into County Mayo, a region marked by the Great Potato Famine, you'll navigate winding roads through picturesque farmlands, bogs, and open moors, with glimpses of distant hills and the Atlantic coast. Stop at Achill Island to soak in its rugged sea views and tranquil beauty before a short drive to Westport, your base for the next two nights.. Day 4: Today’s itinerary is weather dependent, and your guide will advise the best things to see. Explore the beautiful house and grounds of Kylemore Abbey, or marvel at the wilderness of Connemara National Park. Go to Clifden to see where the first transatlantic flight landed. Other options include the scenic Sky Road and 12 Bens of Connemara. Return to Westport for an evening at leisure, and the chance to sample some local seafood in one of the many excellent restaurants. Day 5: Enjoy a leisurely start to the day, before leaving Westport and going inland through the heart of Connemara. Visit the village of Cong on the shore of Lough Corrib to see where the classic movie “The Quiet Man” was filmed. Explore Cong Abbey, or the Quiet Man Museum, before driving through the Maam Valley to Galway City. Enjoy free time sampling the town's seafood before heading to Kilbeggan Distillery, Ireland's oldest licensed distillery, for a tasting and museum visit. Return to Dublin.

Take a 1-hour Titanic Centenary Tour and enjoy a guided walk that highlights the relationship between the Titanic and the seaport town of Cobh, County Cork. A tour guide will take you along the streets of Cobh, showing you locations and telling you about incidents directly connected to the Titanic. Hear about other aspects of Cork harbor history and Irish heritage as well. You’ll receive a special pack of Titanic collectables, including a signed copy of the Titanic Booklet, Titanic Trail Cobh (Queenstown) and a unique print from the Father Browne photographic collection of the Titanic's visit to its last port of call. The booklet also includes a certificate of completion, which will be personalized with your name and the date of the tour. Your Father Browne print can be selected from 6 specially chosen prints that trace the Titanic's arrival, anchoring, and departure from Cobh.