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.

Discover the scenic splendour and legacy of the renowned Bantry House & Gardens during a memorable, full day excursion to this historic property.

West Cork

You will begin your journey to picturesque West Cork - its rugged mountain landscapes, many lakes and unique towns are spectacular. The seaside areas of West cork are steeped in history. You will have time to take in these breath taking views as you head towards your first location of Clonakilty. Famous for their hospitality the "Clon" being the term for locals celebrate their own friendliness.Start your morning with tea/coffee and scones in the Irish Tourist Board's designated Clonakilty Heritage Town.

Bantry, Bantry House and Gardens,

Back on the coach, you'll travel next to Bantry. A visit will be made to Bantry House and Gardens. Bantry House is the ancestral home of the Earls of Bantry, still lived in by their descendants, the Shelswell-White family. A tour is a unique opportunity to find out the "living history" of this stately home with interesting insights and stories into the life of the family of this grand estate. Set in beautiful surroundings overlooking Bantry Bay, the house has a splendid collection tapestries and other works of art gathered by the 2nd Earl of Bantry during his travels in various parts of Europe.

The structure of the gardens as we know them today dates back to the second Earl of Bantry's travels. Both he and Mary, his wife, travelled with notebooks and sketchbooks (now in the Archive at University College Cork) at hand, which helped to transform the small house at home into a "palazzo" comparable to those he had seen on the continent.

Gougane Barra Forest Park

Following your visit to Bantry you will re-join your coach and continue your journey to last but not least the stunning, Gougane Barra Forest Park. Across the Shehy Mountains, the first national park in Ireland, spans 1,000 acres. Be sure to have your camera at the ready as you see sheer rock faces made from glaciers that existed during the ice age. Set your eyes on the beautiful Barra Lake. In this area St Finbarr's monastery lies in honour of Cork's patron saint. Wildlife is ravishing in Gougane Barra, occasionally you can spot foxes, rabbits, badgers, sheep & cuckoos.

Lunch will be served throughout the day.

Your return journey to Ringaskiddy will take you through the scenic Lee Valley.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking, at times over uneven and gravel surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, three steps at the entrance to Bantry House and 33 steps inside the venue. Walking at Bantry House & Gardens is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe and non-slip walking shoes and a weatherproof jacket from the ship. Guests must be at least ten years old to participate on this tour.

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.

The line to enter the Castle ruins and kiss the Blarney Stone can be long, we appreciate your patience. There may not be sufficient time to reach the Stone. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, a light sweater or jacket, flat, closed-toe walking shoes are recommended. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. The tour sequence may vary.

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 Old Midleton 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.

Old Midleton Distillery

Enjoy a guided tour of this unique industrial complex. The sense of heritage is everywhere at the Jameson Experience. Some of the original buildings date back to 1795, built as a mill before being converted for use as a distillery. The water wheel, which once operated all the machinery at the distillery, still turns and operates the cogs and wheels in the Mill Building, where visitors can also admire one of the original steam engines installed in the latter half of the 19th century. The Still House is always a tour highlight, the three original pot stills still gleaming like burnished gold. One of these pot stills, installed in 1949, can hold 31,000 gallons (141,000 litres), making it the largest pot still in the world. Sample a glass of whisky before enjoying some free time to walk around and take photos of the distillery's exterior.

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

Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking .75 miles (1 kilometre). It is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or for those who utilise a wheelchair as the tour at the Distillery moves at a brisk pace. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, a light sweater or jacket, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Guests must be at least 21 years old to consume alcohol on this tour. The tour sequence may vary

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.

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking, at times over tiled and wooden surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and one step at the entrance to the restaurant. Walking at Kinsale is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, but the coach is not wheelchair-accessible. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe and non-slip walking shoes, and bring sua weatherproof jacket from the ship. Guests must be at least ten years old to participate on this tour. The tour sequence may vary.

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.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking, at times over uneven surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and at the Rock of Cashel, and many stairs at the Cahir Castle. There is a steep hill to walk up to get to the Rock of Cashel. Walking during free time in Cashel is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Warm, layered clothing, a waterproof jacket or coat, flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and sun protection are recommended. Due to the local climate, most of the coaches are air-cooled. The tour sequence may vary.