Cork - Visit to Blarney Castle

Time - 9:0AM - 6:30PM

Pickup Location - Bridge St Tourist Office (next to St Patrick's Bridge)

 Discover the highlights of Co. Cork on this popular day tour from Ireland's southern capital.

Recline back into your Coaches premium touring seat and watch the world go by as you take in the charm of the suburbs and then countryside of County Cork.

BLARNEY CASTLE - IRELAND'S WORLD FAMOUS FAIRYTALE FORTRESS

After a relatively short drive from Cork city you'll arrive at Blarney Castle in rolling Irish countryside. We've secured precious skip the line access for our valued guests and we arrive early enough that there will often still be dewfall on the surrounding fields which makes the setting all the more romantic.

There's much to see and do here including the castle itself, the gardens, a specialist "poison garden" with all kinds of medieval novelties and some serious tax free shopping at Blarney Woollen Mill.

The highlight for many (whether you have a head for heights or are happy to stand back and cheer on the others) is the Blarney Stone itself. Perched high atop the battlements this mystical stone is said to impart the "Gift of the Gab" - 7 years of eloquent speech to any mortal brave enough to dangle backwards from the rampart to kiss it!

You'll enjoy almost three hours to climb the Blarney Castles ancient battlements, kiss the legendary stone, stroll the beautiful gardens and shop tax free at the adjacent Woollen Mills.

CHARLES FORT, KINSALE

Strategically keeping guard over the harbor of Kinsale since 1682, Charles Fort is your next stop.

Named after King Charles II, British Imperial Forces constructed this pentagon shaped fort to protect the important logistics and trading hub of Kinsale. The star shaped layout is specifically designed to withstand assault by naval cannon and features "citadel" defensive structures.

Charles Fort remained a major British Army garrison and Royal Navy supply base in Ireland for over 200 years until it was surrendered to the new Irish government at the end of the War of Independence in 1922.

The architecture, grounds and surrounding views are sure to inspire your imagination and provide you with fantastic views and photographs of Kinsale, especially on those blue skied days of Spring and Summer when Dolphins and Wales can often be spotted just offshore.

Your entrance fee to the Fort is included with the cost of your tour!

 KINSALE - IRISH RIVIERA - GOURMET HOTSPOT

The town of Kinsale is undoubtedly a highlight for many of our guests. This resort town has been snugly nestled away from the ocean for centuries. You'll find a marina full of yachts, atmospheric streets with brightly painted shops and pubs and one of the best culinary scenes in all Ireland - it is for these reasons that the Irish often call the town "The Irish Riviera".

Enjoy approximately 80 minutes here to stroll the colorful streets, soak up the historic atmosphere or soak up a pint of Murphy's Stout (a local favorite's) with a bowl of amazing local chowder or plate of harbor- fresh seafood.

You'll find plenty of delicious options to choose from including pubs, cafe's and sandwich shops. Some of our favorite's include The Spaniard Inn, The Bulman Bar, Lord Kingsale and Fishy Fishy.

(For those who prefer to explore or to shop, feel free to take a packed lunch or to grab a sandwich at Blarney)

COBH, TITANIC'S LAST PORT OF CALL

We'll round off the afternoon with a visit to nearby Cobh, the natural deep sea port of Cork.

These days Cobh is host to some of the world's largest and most comfortable cruise ships including those from Cunard, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity. For much of the 19th and early 20th centuries however, Cobh was witness to many tearful goodbyes as the main port of emigration for generations of Irish people who waved goodbye to the Old Sod forever and hoped for better lives in the New World. The most famous of these departures was RMS Titanic which last saw dry land here before sinking on her maiden voyage in 1912.

If your Irish ancestors arrived in the United States or Canada before the 1950s it's likely that they stood on the Quayside here some decades or centuries before you. Maybe you've come full circle.

Not far from the water's edge you'll find a museum (optional) dedicated to Titanic and the spectacular Roman Catholic St. Colman's Cathedral, where many emigrants must have prayed before embarking on the voyage of a lifetime.

Enjoy approximately 90 minutes in Cobh.

ARRIVE CENTRAL CORK

We'll have you back in downtown Cork by approx. 6:30PM.

Hope you enjoyed this amazing tour of Blarney Castle, Charles Fort, Kinsale and Cobh!

Why choose this tour?

Visit Ireland's most famous bucket list castle

Kiss the Blarney Stone!

Visit Amazing Kinsale

Emotional Emigration Port of Cobh - Titanic's last port of call

Ireland's most experienced guides

Free 4G unlimited WiFi & USB ports

Risk Free - 100% Refund up to 72 hours before tour