(Small Group) Shore Tour from Cork

Overview

The price of this tour will increase shortly for peak season 2026. Book any date for 2026 at current pricing now while you can. With a free cancellation option up to 24 hours before departure you can pre- book with confidence.

This small group shore excursion follows a slightly different route from our popular group coach shore excursion from Cork.

Operated by our 5 star sister company Elegant Irish Tours, the small group vans seat no more than 25 passengers and allow for a particularly intimate day on shore.

Your day begins in style as we collect you with a small group tour van 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)

We’ll drive straight to Blarney Castle. Your admission to Blarney Castle and Gardens is included in the price of this tour - no need to worry about purchasing from the box office. En- route, we’ll enjoy 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, historic English Market and beautiful River Lee. In the afternoon enjoy a scenic drive to Jameson Distillery @ Midleton.

On our return to the ship we get a quick overview of Cobh, the last departure point of Titanic on her fateful maiden voyage and have time to visit St. Coleman's Cathedral - the final place of worship for many Irish emigrants.

The list of all ships and dates will be published here once finalised by the Cork / Cobh Port Authority.

Rates will be increased for 2026 shortly. Book now for any date at the current rate and cancel free of charge up to 24 hours prior to departure.

If you do not see a tour scheduled for the ship and date you are traveling upon - please contact us - and we may decide to schedule a tour if there is likely to be enough demand.

Arrivals confirmed by Cork Port Authority so far:

25 Sep 2026 – Viking Saturn

29 Sep 2026 - World Voyager

30 Sep 2026 - Virtuosa

2 Oct 2026 - Majestic Princess

14 Oct 2026 - Ambition

15 Oct 2026 – Norwegian Sun

16 Oct 2026 - Virtuosa

2027 Season - the below dates are provisional and subject to review. If you do not see your confirmed arrival on the list or you have confirmed documentation from your cruise line which differs from the below please contact us and we'll discuss so that you can book with confidence at the early bird rate.

If you do not see a tour scheduled for the ship and date you are traveling upon - please contact us - and we may decide to schedule a tour if there is likely to be enough demand.

02 Apr 2027 – Majestic Princess (07:00 – 18:00)
09 Apr 2027 – Majestic Princess (07:00 – 18:00)
18 Apr 2027 – Ambience (13:00 – 20:00)
21 Apr 2027 – Majestic Princess (07:00 – 18:00)
30 Apr 2027 – Viking Mira (TBD)
02 May 2027 – Borealis (08:00 – 18:00)
03 May 2027 – Majestic Princess (07:00 – 18:00)
07 May 2027 – Ambience (08:00 – 18:00)
08 May 2027 – Celebrity Eclipse (09:00 – 18:00)
10 May 2027 – Amera (12:00 – 18:00)
12 May 2027 – ms Nieuw Statendam (07:00 – 17:00)
18 May 2027 – Spirit of Discovery (09:30 – 19:00)
21 May 2027 – Borealis (08:00 – 18:00)
28 May 2027 – Carnival Sunshine (11:00 – 21:00) @ Ringaskiddy
31 May 2027 – Majestic Princess (07:00 – 18:00)
01 Jun 2027 – AIDAsol (09:00 – 18:30)
05 Jun 2027 – Star Explorer (08:00 – 18:00)
06 Jun 2027 – Oceania Marina (08:00 – 18:00)
07 Jun 2027 – Balmoral (08:00 – 20:00)
08 Jun 2027 – Majestic Princess (07:00 – 16:00)
08 Jun 2027 – ms Nieuw Statendam (07:00 – 17:00)
09 Jun 2027 – Celebrity Eclipse (Arrives 09:00 - Departs 10 Jun 15:00) OVERNIGHT
09 Jun 2027 – Norwegian Star (10:00 – 18:00)
26 Jun 2027 – Norwegian Star (10:00 – 19:00)
27 Jun 2027 – Regal Princess (Arrives 09:00 - Departs 28 Jun 16:00) OVERNIGHT
28 Jun 2027 – Azamara Journey (07:30 – 22:00)
01 Jul 2027 – Spirit of Discovery (08:00 – 17:00)
01 Jul 2027 – ms Zuiderdam (07:00 – 15:00)
02 Jul 2027 – AIDAbella (08:00 – 18:00)
04 Jul 2027 – Britannia (08:00 – 17:00)
04 Jul 2027 – Seven Seas Voyager (09:00 – 18:00)
06 Jul 2027 – Norwegian Star (09:00 – 16:00)
06 Jul 2027 – Silver Spirit (08:00 – 17:30)
07 Jul 2027 – Aurora (08:00 – 18:00)
07 Jul 2027 – ms Europa (08:00 – 18:00)
09 Jul 2027 – Queen Victoria (08:00 – 18:00)
09 Jul 2027 – Viking Astrea (TBD)
10 Jul 2027 – Viking Vesta (TBD)
12 Jul 2027 – Amera (11:00 – 18:00)
13 Jul 2027 – Bolette (08:00 – 18:00)
14 Jul 2027 – Majestic Princess (07:00 – 18:00)
17 Jul 2027 – Carnival Miracle (08:00 – 19:00)
18 Jul 2027 – Viking Astrea (TBD)
26 Jul 2027 – Majestic Princess (07:00 – 18:00)
28 Jul 2027 – Seven Seas Mariner (09:30 – 19:00)
31 Jul 2027 – Viking Mars (TBD)
01 Aug 2027 – Arcadia (08:00 – 18:00)
03 Aug 2027 – AIDAsol (09:00 – 18:30)
05 Aug 2027 – ms Volendam (08:00 – 18:00)
05 Aug 2027 – Viking Astrea (TBD)
07 Aug 2027 – Majestic Princess (07:00 – 18:00)
07 Aug 2027 – Norwegian Star (10:00 – 18:00)
10 Aug 2027 – Celebrity Eclipse (09:00 – 18:00)
13 Aug 2027 – Norwegian Star (08:00 – 16:00)
15 Aug 2027 – Viking Astrea (TBD)
18 Aug 2027 – ms Nieuw Statendam (07:00 – 17:00)
19 Aug 2027 – Majestic Princess (07:00 – 18:00)
23 Aug 2027 – Viking Vela (TBD)
28 Aug 2027 – Carnival Miracle (08:00 – 19:00)
29 Aug 2027 – Seven Seas Grandeur (08:00 – 16:00)
29 Aug 2027 – Costa Favolosa (09:00 – 19:00)
31 Aug 2027 – Majestic Princess (07:00 – 17:00)
31 Aug 2027 – Azamara Journey (08:00 – 20:00)
02 Sep 2027 – Viking Astrea (TBD)
03 Sep 2027 – Norwegian Star (08:00 – 16:00)
05 Sep 2027 – Viking Vesta (TBD)
07 Sep 2027 – SeaDream I (08:00 – 18:00)
10 Sep 2027 – Viking Vela (TBD)
12 Sep 2027 – Majestic Princess (07:00 – 18:00)
13 Sep 2027 – Ambience (08:00 – 17:00)
14 Sep 2027 – AIDAsol (09:00 – 18:30)
15 Sep 2027 – ms Nieuw Statendam (07:00 – 17:00)
23 Sep 2027 – Viking Vesta (TBD)
24 Sep 2027 – Amera (08:00 – 14:00)
24 Sep 2027 – Norwegian Star (08:00 – 16:00)
28 Sep 2027 – ms Europa 2 (08:00 – 16:00)
24 Oct 2027 – Coral Princess (07:00 – 18:00)
26 Oct 2027 – Norwegian Prima (07:00 – 16:30)

Pick-up 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

Itinerary

08:00am (or as soon as the ship docks if later than 08:00am) Tour Begins At Cobh Cruise Terminal

We look forward to picking you up in style right from your ship! When you disembark, please head to the right toward the pedestrian exit gate (by the Annie Moore Statue), where your guide will be waiting for you.

Our tour starts at 08:00 AM. If your ship arrives later than scheduled, please disembark as soon as possible so we can meet up promptly—we love getting ahead of the crowds to beat the queues at Blarney Castle!"

Blarney Castle & Woolen Mills

Visit Ireland’s most famous castle, where you can lean back to kiss the legendary Blarney Stone and gain the "Gift of the Gab." Your admission ticket is fully included—saving you €24.00.

Afterward, enjoy free time to explore the world-famous Blarney Woolen Mills. As the largest Irish shop in the world, it’s the perfect place to take advantage of tax-free shopping on authentic, high-quality Irish goods.

Cork City Tour

We’ll highlight the city’s finest landmarks, including the River Lee, St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral, the iconic Shandon Bells, the bustling English Market, and historic Grand Parade. Named one of Lonely Planet’s top 10 cities in the world to visit, Cork boasts a rich history and notable native figures—from automotive pioneer Henry Ford to Irish revolutionary leader Michael Collins.

Jameson Distillery at Midleton

Our next stop is the historic town of Midleton, the world-famous home of Irish whiskey-making since 1825.

Midleton is the beating heart of Irish whiskey, producing renowned brands like Jameson, Powers, Paddy, Redbreast, and Green Spot—all under one roof. In 1992, the original 19th-century distillery grounds reopened as a premier visitor destination, the Jameson Experience, where guests can step back in time and discover the art of whiskey craftsmanship.

Cobh

Our final stop before returning to the ship is the charming port town of Cobh, famously known as the Titanic’s last port of call.

Perched on a scenic hillside, Cobh features the magnificent St. Colman’s Cathedral—one of Ireland’s finest architectural treasures. Time permitting, we will head up the hill to explore the cathedral.

For guests on ships with later departures, you will also have time to visit the Titanic Experience, located just 100 meters from the cruise pier.

Return To Cruise Ship

Your peace of mind is our top priority. We carefully structure each tour to guarantee you are back on board at least one hour before your ship's scheduled departure.

Our tours typically last around 8 hours, dropping you off directly at the dockside. Should your cruise ship depart earlier than planned, we will adjust the itinerary accordingly to ensure a seamless and timely return.

Additional Info

Language

This tour is exclusively in English.

Ticket

You will receive your ticket (featuring your booking number) via email immediately at time of booking. There is no need to print the ticket. If you wish, you can simply show it on your phone or tablet.

When to Book?

Book as soon as possible to guarantee availability, especially during public holidays and festivities. You can book up to 60 minutes before departure if there are still places available.

Free Cancellation

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour's start time.

If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour's start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour's start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the local time in Ireland.

Learn more about cancellations