Silversea Luxury Cruises A CORK

Explore Cork at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your Driver and your English speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Participation is limited to 2 guests per car. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this programme. Please see the Shore Concierge desk on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore Cork at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Participation is limited to 2 guests per car. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this programme. Please see the Shore Concierge desk on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore Cork at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Participation is limited to 4 guests per car. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this programme. Please see the Shore Concierge desk on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore Cork at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Driver is a licensed guide. Participation is limited to 4 guests per car. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this programme. Please see the Shore Concierge desk on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Begin your tour with a drive around Cork, Ireland's second largest city, affectionately known as the 'City of Steeples and Bridges. The main streets are flanked with spacious sidewalks and illuminated by unique lighting that evokes Cork's former glory as one of Europe's main sea-ports.

Blarney Castle

After this charming drive through the lush countryside, depart city and continue to the Blarney Castle. This massive, 15th-century castle is famous for its legendary Blarney Stone, embedded in the castle wall. The stone's power is said to bestow the gift of eloquence on anyone who kisses it. To do so, you must climb the 109 steps to the battlements, lie on your back, with someone holding you, and bend down to kiss the overhanging stone. The less agile may simply enjoy the magnificent views from the castle grounds. These were laid out in the 18th-century and contain a grove of trees and pretty dells with a circle of large stones known as Rock Close.

Blarney Woollen Mills

After enjoying the stunning view and the rich history of this castle, partake in some Irish coffee and some shopping time in the Blarney Woollen Mills, offering a large selection of Irish goods.

This tour takes you through the lush countryside for a panoramic tour of Cork City, affectionately known as the City of Bridges and Steeples. Visit the Jameson Distillery, the home of distilling to-date in Ireland

Cork's Steeples and Bridges

Board the coach for a drive through Cork. The main streets are flanked with spacious sidewalks and illuminated by unique lighting that evokes Cork's former glory as one of Europe's main sea-ports. Pass the French Gothic styled St. Fin Barre's Cathedral whose imposing steeple is a landmark in the city. From Cork take a short 30 minute drive to the Old Midleton Distillery.

Jameson Distillery

Next you will visit to the Jameson Heritage Centre in Midleton which will take you right to the heart of the cherished whiskey making tradition. The Jameson Experience Tour is a fully guided tour around the original Midleton Distillery which brings the stories of Jameson's rich heritage to life. You'll learn about the hard working people and field-to-glass processes responsible for the whiskey that bears John Jameson's name.

Whiskey Tasting

On this tour, your Jameson Ambassador will guide you around some of the key on site buildings, including the warehouses and the Micro distillery. The tour finishes with your chance to do a guided comparative tasting of three whiskeys, one being Jameson.

Afterwards re-board your coach and depart for Ringaskiddy and your ship.

For those seeking adventure and thrills, this tour offers a truly unique opportunity to experience the highlights of Cork Harbour. Noted to be the 2nd largest natural harbour in the world, your local skipper/guide will whisk you away by RIB (Ridged Inflatable Boats) at high speed to visit the far corners of our magnificent harbour.

RIB Ride

On departing Cobh you will follow in the footsteps of Titanic on its ill-fated journey & learn of Irish immigration from the town formerly known as Queenstown. Travelling at speed, your tour will easily incorporate highlights such as coastal artillery forts, light houses & the Royal Cork Yacht Club the oldest sailing club in the world. If lucky you may even spot some of the local marine & birdlife as you visit scenic coastal areas, typical of the wild Atlantic coastline.

Irish Coffee

Next, it's time for a well-earned local treat for braving the elements as you stop at a harbour watering hole for an Irish Coffee making demonstration. Irish coffee is a cocktail of sweetened coffee & Jameson whiskey which is distilled in Cork and topped with fresh whipped cream. It is not only acceptable but expected as a morning treat. Of course you'll have your own to enjoy.

Following your "coffee break" you will return to the boat once more for a few photo stops and the return journey to Cobh and your ship.

Discover the beautiful Cork countryside and historic harbour town of Kinsale during this relaxing, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Ringaskiddy, Charles Fort, Kinsale and Kinsale Harbour

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 75-minute drive to Kinsale. En route, a brief photo stop is made at the Charles Fort for splendid panoramic views over Kinsale Harbour. Nestled snugly between the local hills and valleys and sheltered by the rounded contours of a lovely harbour, the beautiful, 12th-century town of Kinsale has earned the European prize for 'Tourism and the Environment', and 'Entente Floreale', 'National Tidy Town' and 'Gourmet Capital' awards.

Kinsale Village, Refreshments and Free Time

Upon arrival in Kinsale Village, a stop is made at a local restaurant for tea or coffee with scones. Afterward, some free time is made available to shop, browse or just enjoy strolling through Kinsale's many little alleyways and streets. A former garrison town and port of consequence for over 300 years, Kinsale boasts magnificent Georgian homes and splendid Dutch architecture.

Dunderrow, Innishannon and Bandon River

Following your visit to Kinsale Village, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 75-minute drive back to the pier. En route, drive to Innishannon via Dunderrow for a photo stop overlooking the Bandon River.

Experience the splendid beauty, history and landmarks of Tipperary and its environs during this scenic, full-day sightseeing excursion.

Fermoy, Mallow and Tipperary

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 2.25-hour drive to the town of Cashel. En route, travel north past the towns of Fermoy and Mallow before entering picturesque Tipperary. Ireland's largest inland county, Tipperary has diverse, breath-taking scenery spanning its hills, mountains, plains and river valleys. Renowned for its rich pasturelands, Tipperary boasts the best Irish dairy products on the island. In addition, Tipperary is rich in ancient heritage, as it was once home to Ireland's High Kings.

Cashel, Rock of Cashel and Cathedral of St. Patrick

On the approach to Cashel, the rock bearing its name appears on the skyline, rearing up from the landscape in a series of limestone ridges and topped by the serenely beautiful Cathedral of St. Patrick. Upon arrival, a guided visit is made to the Rock of Cashel, an impressive pre-Christian settlement. Cashel has long been a place of great significance, and was the royal seat of the Kings of Munster from the 4th century A.D. St. Patrick arrived here about 432 A.D. and converted King Aengus, who became Ireland's first Christian ruler.

After your guided tour, proceed for lunch at a restaurant adjacent to the impressive Rock of Cashel, followed by some free time to explore your surrounds at your leisure.

Cahir, River Suir and Cahir Castle

Next, re-board your coach and head to Cahir, located on the River Suir. Upon arrival, a visit is made to the 15th-century Cahir Castle, also situated on the River Suir. Once the stronghold of the powerful Butler family and one of Ireland's largest and best preserved castles, Cahir Castle retains its impressive keep, tower and much of its original defensive structure. Rooms in the keep are whitewashed, and contain armour displays and period furnishings from the 16th and 17th centuries. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 15-hour drive back to the pier.

Explore the legacy of the beautiful Tourin House & Gardens in a unique new way during this bespoke, half-day sightseeing excursion with a member of the Jameson family.

Tourin House & Gardens, Blackwater River, Welcome Drink, Guided Walking Tour

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 75 minutes drive to the Tourin House & Gardens. Situated on the banks of the Blackwater River with a fine view of the Knockmealdown Mountains to the north, Tourin is surrounded by arable land, an approximately 15-acre (about six-hectare) garden with mature, broadleaved trees, and a fine collection of shrubs and plants. An Italianate-style villa with classical proportions, Tourin House is home to the Jameson family, of Irish Whisky fame. The present generation, Kristin, Andrea and Tara, are all artists and passionate gardeners. Upon arrival, enjoy a welcome glass of Jameson, followed by a guided tour of the house and garden with a member of the family

Tourin Castle, Tower House, Main House, Broad Walk

The original dwelling place is Tourin Castle, an imposing tower house dating from 1560. Tourin was bought by Richard Musgrave in 1780, and, in 1840, his grandson built the more spacious and classically proportioned Main House at Tourin. At this time, the existing garden was enlarged and redesigned. A long, formal Broad Walk leads from the Main House to the pleasure grounds. Beyond, there to the walled garden, which originally belonged to the tower house, and has supplied the family with fruit and vegetables for generations.

Main Garden, Walled Garden, Woodland Walks, Onsite Tea Room, Coffee or Tea

Today, the Walled Garden is a mix of ornamental and productive planting, and is at its best and most colourful in midsummer. Successive generations of the Musgrave and Jameson families (Joan Jameson married Tommy Ormsby Jameson in 1920) have left their mark on the garden. The present owner's mother, Norwegian born Didi Jameson, was a keen plants-woman, and the fine collection of trees and shrubs that she planted have now reached maturity. The gardens at Tourin include the Main Garden, Walled Garden, and extended, broad-leaved woodland walks, which lead to the banks of the Blackwater River and Tourin Quay. Following your tour, proceed to the onsite Tea Room for a cup of tea or coffee. At the conclusion of your tour, re-board your coach and drive back to the pier.

On this Kinsale half-day culinary tour, immerge yourself in local culture, discover hidden gems off the beaten path and take the time to truly enjoy and appreciate this charming town.

Kinsale Local Tasting On Foot

Enjoy a scenic drive along the Wild Atlantic before arriving in the beautiful village of Kinsale. Here begin a walking tour to savour the best that Kinsale has to offer. Your culinary experience will involve sampling local cheese, smoked meats/ smoked salmon, Atlantic Bay oysters, an Irish coffee, local chocolates all crafted to perfection in this spoilt for choice gourmet town (exact food samples may vary).

Light Lunch and Free Time

Finish the tour with a light lunch and a local brew of choice. There will be a short amount of free time in Kinsale before the relaxing return drive to Cobh.

Once known as "Irelands Alcatraz", visit this 104 acres Island that was once a prison, then military base and now museum depicting the story of the people that lived there.

Local Boat to Spike Island

Depart the pier on foot accompanied by your Spike Island guide and board the boat for your approximately 20 minutes ride to Spike Island. Extending to 104 acres, Spike Island commands a strategic position within the sheltered mouth of the lower reaches of Cork Harbour, one of the largest natural harbours in the world. For centuries people have used the island for a wealth of different reasons. Monasteries on islands were often hermitages and places of pilgrimage that played an important role in Early Christian Ireland, and written evidence suggests that, in the seventh century, Saint Mochuda founded a monastic settlement on Spike Island with 20 brothers.

Spike Island Military Fortifications

Cork Harbour has been vital to the development of overseas trade and commerce since Viking times, but not all of the trade on Spike was legal. During the eighteenth century the rugged Spike Island shoreline was a hiding place for smugglers. In order to protect the harbour, a series of artillery fortifications were built at strategic locations in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, the largest of which is on Spike Island. Unlike medieval castles, these were built with a low profile to absorb cannon fire and had the characteristic star-shaped plan with corner bastions. Many memorabilia from this time can be found on display on the Island.

Convict Depot

In 1847 Spike Island became a convict depot. By 1850 over 2,000 convicts were detained on Spike Island and in 1883 the last of the prisoners were relocated to prisons on the mainland. Almost a century later however, the island became a prison again. Between 1985 and 2004 the fort was used to hold young offenders - mainly 'joyriders' convicted of stealing and recklessly driving cars.

Guided Walk and Time at Leisure

Today it plays host to stories and memories that have created such an interesting history of the Island and surrounds. Enjoy an approximately 45 minutes guided tour of the key features of the Island before taking time to explore independently for approximately 1 hour.

Re-join your boat for your return journey to Cobh where you will make your way independently back to your awaiting ship or take some time to explore Cobh town.