Summer Scenes of the British Isles

Discover Orkney’s ancient World Heritage sites and admire beautiful countryside panoramas on this scenic tour. Travel inland to the heart of Neolithic Orkney, home to four famous monuments with UNESCO World Heritage status. See the Standing Stones of Stenness, one of the earliest stone circles in Britain dating back more than 5,000 years.

Continue across a narrow isthmus before passing another UNESCO-listed site, the Ring of Brodgar, Scotland’s largest stone circle with a diameter of over 100 metres. Some believe this to be the blueprint for Stonehenge. Trace the shoreline of Scapa Flow on the return journey to Kirkwall. This natural harbour was used by the British navy in both world wars and its seabed is the final resting place of scores of shipwrecks, now explored by numerous scuba divers.

Additional Information

Please Note: A choice of included excursions is offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on your preferred excursion and note that it is not possible to book more than one included excursion in each port. Most of the sightseeing is from your tour vehicle. Photo stops are subject to change and time constraints.

Independently explore the town of Stromness, situated on the Atlantic Coast of Orkney. 

Built around the natural harbour of Hamnavoe during the 18th and 19th century, the town was often the final departure point for ships crossing the Atlantic to North America. Departing the port of Kirkwall, embark on a drive to the west of Orkney via the Heart of the Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site. 

Here, you will journey past the ancient tomb of Maeshowe and then, moments later, past the dual stone circles; the Standing Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar, both built over four thousand years ago. Then continue through the rich farmlands of Orkney to the small town of Stromness. 

On arrival, disembark by the harbour for over two hours of free time to explore. Enjoy the small independent shops, visit the Pier Arts Centre or stop for a drink in one of the local pubs or cafes. The winding main street paved with fossil filled local stone offers plenty of things to do. After your free time travel back to Kirkwall via the most direct route.

Additional Information

Please Note: A choice of included excursions is offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on your preferred excursion and note that it is not possible to book more than one included excursion in each port.

You will have two-and-a-quarter hours of free time in Stromness where walking is at your discretion. We have graded this tour based on good exploration. The drive to Stromness is approximately 45 minutes and the return drive is 30 minutes. This tour is unguided. The ground in Stromness is both paved and cobbled, wear flat walking shoes. The amount of free time on this excursion can range between two and two-and-a-half hours, depending on the weather.

Enjoy a guided walk through the historic old town of Kirkwall, the Viking capital of the Orkney Islands. 

After a short shuttle bus journey from the pier, you will arrive in Kirkwall to start your walking tour. Following your guide, your first stop is at the 12th century, red sandstone Cathedral of St Magnus, known locally as the Light of the North. 

After taking in fine views of this medieval building, your walking tour continues to the ruins of two residences in the heart of Kirkwall. First, you will see what remains of Bishop’s Palace, built around the same time as St Magnus Cathedral, it is essentially a simple two-storey hall house, and although little of the first floor remains, the ground level is largest intact. Across the road you will find the renaissance-style Earl’s Palace. 

The tour finishes at the Tankerness House Gardens, where you will have time at leisure to explore the museum or take a stroll around the town, before returning to the ship.

Additional Information

Please Note: A choice of included excursions is offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on your preferred excursion and note that it is not possible to book more than one included excursion in each port. Most of this tour is on foot, some over uneven ground and steps. There is up to one mile of walking during the tour, so flat, comfortable footwear is recommended. You will take a shuttle from the ship into Kirkwall and the same on return. There is the option to remain in Kirkwall at the end of the excursion and return to the ship independently.

Visit the genteel old Spa town of Strathpeffer and see the Black Water Falls and old bridge at Silverbridge. 

From the ship travel south from Ullapool through magnificent scenery to Silverbridge, where you stop to admire the old stone bridge that was once used to herd cattle from the Highlands to Inverness. 

The tour continues on to Strathpeffer, a Victorian era Spa town, once visited by people from all over Europe seeking a cure from its medicinal waters. The Pump Room dates from 1819 and its ornate train station from 1870. 

Today it is a particularly pleasant village to visit and is a popular tourist attraction. Enjoy free time in “The Square” with its variety of shops, and at the old railway station that has been sympathetically restored and now features several shops and craft outlets. Leaving Strathpeffer, return to Ullapool and the ship.

Additional Information

Please Note: A choice of included excursions is offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on your preferred excursion and note that it is not possible to book more than one included excursion in each port. There is approximately 150 yards of walking, any additional walking during free time is at your leisure. There will be 45 minutes of free time in Strathpeffer. To use the restroom in a cafe, a purchase may be required.

Ullapool, on the west coast of the Scottish Highlands, is an area steeped in culture and local traditions with folk and Celtic music at its core. 

Set off on a journey focused on performer and composer Mairearad Green. Mairearad was introduced to folk music at an early age and is renowned for her deft and lyrical accordion style, as well as her dexterous piping. 

From the tender pier, enjoy the short walk to Lochbroom and Ullapool church. Enter the church to the sounds of Mairearad’s albums, providing us with a taste of her performance to come. Local volunteers will greet you and serve tea and coffee, providing you with a feeling of community charm. 

Mairearad and her music are fast becoming staples in sessions throughout Scotland and further afield. Today you have the opportunity to enjoy an intimate show. After the performance, return the ship on foot.

Additional Information

Please Note: A choice of included excursions is offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on your preferred excursion and note that it is not possible to book more than one included excursion in each port. There is up to three-quarters of a mile of walking to and from the tender drop off to the venue, approximately 650 yards each way. The church has disabled access toilets. As Ullapool is a tender port the duration of this excursion is approximate and may vary as we bring all guests ashore. Some refreshments will be provided at the church.

Enjoy the Isle of Man’s coastal scenery and rolling inland landscapes on this guided panoramic drive. Leaving Douglas behind, drive through the south-east corner of the island, passing the Fairy Bridge; it is considered bad luck to pass over this bridge without acknowledging the fairies known to be there. 

You will then pass through the town of Castletown. With origins dating back to AD 1090, it is one of the oldest towns in the British Isles. Castletown’s narrow streets and small fishing cottages prove this lengthy past at every corner. Departing the town, head for the southern tip of the island and the pretty bay at Port Erin, before travelling inland to St Johns and the site of Tynwald Hill, where you will enjoy a short stop. 

The hill here is the location of the world’s oldest continuous parliamentary assembly, which has run continuously since AD 979. The conical mound is made up of soil from all 17 different parishes on Man. On your return to Douglas, travel through the centre of the island and enjoy the views known as the ‘Plains of Heaven’.

Additional Information

Please Note: A choice of included excursions is offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on your preferred excursion and note that it is not possible to book more than one included excursion in each port. Most of sightseeing on this excursion will be from you coach. Walking is at your discretion during your short stop.

Discover the seaside town and small fishing harbour of Peel at your own leisure. 

This is an unguided trip to the second largest town on the Isle of Man. After a 30-minute coach transfer, enjoy two hours to explore what Peel has to offer – including a wealth of history, art and culture. You can explore the imposing ruins of Peel Castle, take a stroll along the promenade, find the Island’s only cathedral or visit the House of Manannan, an interactive museum that takes you through the Island’s rich Celtic, Viking and maritime past.

Additional Information

Please Note: A choice of included excursions is offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on your preferred excursion and note that it is not possible to book more than one included excursion in each port. Walking during your free time in Peel is at your leisure. We have graded this tour based on good exploration. The drive to and from Peel is approximately 30 minutes each way. This tour is not guided and does not include any entrance fees.

Leaving the port, walk to Douglas Harbour - discovering how Douglas grew around this natural haven and the significant role of the sea in Island life, including transport, trade and fisheries. 

Throughout the tour, hear stories of wrecks and disasters and some prominent characters who have shaped the townscape from your local guide. Your walk continues to pass the market halls which replaced the bustling open-air markets in the 19th century. Climbing away from the waterside, admire the elegant Georgian facades of Athol Street and pause at Saint George’s Churchyard. 

At the Legislative buildings, you will learn of the Island’s political development and present government structure. Returning towards the port via Victoria Street, your guide will discuss the major improvements to the town during the Victorian era and the huge impact of mass tourism on both Douglas and the wider Island. Finally, stroll back to the ship or, if time permits, continue your exploration independently.

Additional Information

Please note: This excursion will involve walking approximately one-and-a-half miles with some gradients and uneven terrain. We recommend that you wear flat walking shoes. A good level of physical fitness is required. Please consider its suitability if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.

A choice of included excursions is offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on your preferred excursion and note that it is not possible to book more than one included excursion in each port.

Enjoy a narrated drive through Cork, passing the city’s Georgian architecture along the way. It is a University City with a rich cultural scene that incorporates jazz, film, opera and theatre. Despite offering the many amenities of a large city, Cork has retained the traditional charm and friendliness of a country town. During your tour you will see the spires of St Fin Barre’s Cathedral. Designed by William Burges and consecrated in 1870, the site of the cathedral has been a place of Christian worship since the seventh century. Continue past Cork City Hall which was destroyed in December 1920 by a fire set by the Black and Tans as retribution for republican attacks. It was replaced by the Jones and Kelly building of 1935, which was opened in 1936 by Eamon de Valera. Journey past the Old Courthouse and 18th-century St Anne’s church where the Tower houses the renowned Bells of Shandon before returning to your awaiting ship.

Additional Information

Please note: Sightseeing during this excursion is mainly from your tour vehicle. There will be no comfort stop made during this two-hour excursion.

A choice of included excursions is offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on your preferred excursion and note that it is not possible to book more than one included excursion in each port.

Embark on a return transfer to Cork City with an introduction from your local guide on route. On arrival in the city centre, you will have approximately three hours to browse the shops and explore the city at your own pace. Cork is a University City with a unique character, a city of Jazz, Film, Opera and Theatre. However, as well as offering the many amenities of a large city, it still manages to retain the pleasant charm and friendliness of a country town. Perhaps visit the English Market, which has been here since 1788 and is full of culinary delights. Or you may choose to explore the Cork City Gaol which is more like a castle than a penitentiary, with its grand Gothic and classical architecture. It is impossible to miss St Fin Barre's Cathedral, a French Neo-Gothic masterpiece set on the south bank of the River Lee. After your free time, rejoin your coach for your return journey to port.

Additional Information

Please note: Walking is at your discretion, but this excursion has been graded as moderate based on a good exploration in Cork.

During this excursion you can see the West Mainland of Orkney, the location of one of the greatest concentrations of World Heritage and prehistoric sites in the British Isles. Leaving Kirkwall, head to the Bay of Skaill where you can explore Stone Age Skara Brae, the remains of a village that pre-dates the pyramids and Stonehenge. Here you can enjoy a guided tour and see tools, beads, pottery and whalebone artefacts that span a period of 600 years of occupation.

Afterwards, a scenic drive will take you via the Standing Stones of Stenness - which you will drive past slowly - to the Ring of Brodgar, where 27 of the 60 stones that once formed a perfect circle are still standing.

Finally, pass historic Scapa Flow, where you can hear stories of dramatic wartime experiences that make this one of the most famous stretches of water in the world, as well as a favourite place for scuba-diving. Your drive back to Kirkwall takes you through an agricultural landscape punctuated by glistening lochs.

Additional Information

Please note: There is a walk of approximately 1200 yards at Skara Brae: the path is quite even and well-surfaced but is rather exposed in harsh weather. You should also expect to walk about 1250 yards at the Ring of Brodgar. The order of visits may vary. This excursion follows much of the same route as the Discover Orkney excursion and therefore we do not recommend that you book both.

Leaving Kirkwall, you pass close to the First and Second World War Naval Base of Scapa Flow, where your guide will tell you about the scuttling of the German fleet. Your tour takes you along the chain of islands that are linked by a series of causeways called the ‘Churchill Barriers’, originally built from cement blocks to protect the naval base during World War Two. Now surfaced, the causeways provide road access to islands that could previously only be reached by ferry. Pause on Lamb Holm to visit the hand-painted Italian chapel. Known as the ‘Miracle of Camp 60’, this structure was built by Italian prisoners during World War Two and has been maintained since thanks to its historical connections with the soldiers.

From here, continue south to the island of South Ronaldsay and the village of St Margaret’s Hope. During your short visit, you may like to explore the craft workshop or take a gentle stroll. Leave the village and head north, pausing for a tea or coffee at a hotel overlooking Burray harbour, before returning to your ship.

Additional Information

Please note: A walk of about 25 yards is required to visit the chapel. Walking in St Margaret’s Hope is at your discretion and is over level ground.

The RSPB is the largest land owner in Orkney and its varied habitats are home to a diverse array of wildlife. From Kirkwall, make your way first to Lowrie’s Water, a small loch on Birsay Moors, RSPB’s largest nature reserve on the Orkney mainland. Step inside the hide from which you may see red-throated divers, greylag geese, mallards, tufted ducks and scaups. You should also look out for birds of prey as this is one of the best places in Britain to see hen harriers. Take time to appreciate the panoramic views of Mainland Orkney - and some of the smaller islands in the distance – from this hilltop vantage point.

From here, travel across the wild and windswept peat hills, keeping a lookout for short-eared owls. Continuing to the west coast, reach Marwick Head RSPB nature reserve, a real ‘seabird city’ where you can walk to a clifftop observation point to enjoy stunning Atlantic sea views as well as the wonderful cacophony of the guillemots, kittiwakes, fulmars, razorbills and puffins that make their homes on the cliffs.

Your return journey to Kirkwall takes you past the ceremonial Ring of Brodgar, an ancient stone circle and World Heritage monument that stands inside another RSPB farmland nature reserve.

Additional Information

Please note: You will need to walk around three-quarters-of-a-mile from the coach park to Marwick Head, and the same distance back again: walking at Birsay Moors is likely to amount to several hundred yards. The ground may be steep and uneven in places, and possibly muddy and slippery if it has been raining. Binoculars are recommended. Views will depend on the weather and sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Experience a journey to the Island of Hoy and immerse yourself in the newly revamped Scapa Flow Museum which commemorates Orkney’s significant role in both world wars. This museum has been recognised as a finalist for the esteemed Art Fund Museum of the Year 2023 award.

Departing from Kirkwall’s quayside, join a local guide for a scenic coastal drive along the historic Scapa Flow, leading to the Houton Bay ferry terminal where you will board a ferry to Lyness on the Island of Hoy. Upon arrival, a short walk will take you to the restored Scapa Flow Museum, which revolves around the fuel oil pumping station of the former World War II Lyness Naval Base, known as HMS Proserpine. Here you can browse more than 250 artefacts and gain insights into the pivotal role Scapa Flow played in both World Wars. As you explore, don’t miss the nearby Naval Cemetery, as well as other wartime remains and memorials including the Arctic Convoys; two tall stones with circular plaques placed to represent the bows of the ship.

Afterwards, take a break in the Visitor Centre’s café where a hot drink and slice of cake will be served to you. Concluding the excursion, embark on the return ferry journey to Mainland Orkney, followed by a short drive back to Kirkwall.

Additional Information

Please note: There will be essential walking of approximately 800 yards. Further walking is entirely optional. If you choose to visit the Royal Naval Cemetery, a further one mile of walking will be required.

Leaving Ullapool, travel along the banks of Loch Broom through the windswept mountains. 

Enjoy views across to Little Loch Broom and pass through quaint crofting villages. Moving on, pass above Gruinard Island, before reaching the small village of Poolewe, which stands on the sheltered south side of Loch Ewe, we arrive at Inverewe Gardens. Designed in the 19th century by Osgood MacKensie, the gardens were first opened to the public during World War Two by Osgood’s daughter Mairi and became a National Trust property in 1953 when she passed away. 

The warm currents of the North Atlantic Drift help to create an oasis of colour and fertility, where exotic plants from many countries flourish, giving an almost continual display of blooms throughout the year. Himalayan rhododendrons, Tasmanian eucalypts and many Chilean and South African plants are featured, together with a large collection of New Zealand plants including the National Collection of the Daisy Bush (Genus Olearia). 

You may also see some Wollemi pines, which are among the world’s rarest plants. Enjoy one-and-a-half hours of free time to explore the gardens are your own leisure. Return to the tender pier by coach.

Additional Information

Please note: During your one-and-a-half hours of free time in the garden, walking is at your discretion. This tour is graded moderate based on a good exploration of the garden over variable ground, some steps. There are benches and a tea room in the garden (refreshments are not included). Flat walking shoes and a waterproof coat or jacket are recommended. The journeys to and from Inverewe take about one-and-a-half hours each way, and vertigo sufferers or those prone to travel sickness should note that some of this is along twisting mountain roads, please consider the suitability of this before booking.

Travel to the heart of Assynt, renowned in the Scottish Highlands for its soaring mountain vistas, then continue to Corrieshalloch Gorge. 

Departing Ullapool, head north through the rolling coastal landscape characteristic of the region. Ahead stands Stac Pollaidh, one of Scotland’s most distinctive mountains, towering over the surrounding lowlands. Make a stop at Knockan Crag to take in the far-reaching highland views and learn a little about the geology and landscape of the area. Continue south towards Corrieshalloch Gorge, entering a contrasting landscape. On reaching the Nature Centre, a local ranger will greet you and offer an introduction to the surroundings. 

Within the National Nature Reserve, visitors have the chance to witness one of Scotland's most dramatic waterfalls, Measach Falls. Formed around 13,000 years ago at the end of the last ice age, the mile long gorge climaxes in the falls of Measach which plunge almost 200 feet down into a dark chasm. 

A steep 30-minute walk will take you to the waterfalls, which you can view from a viewing platform or - if you choose - from a small Victorian suspension bridge soaring above the bottom of the gorge. After, walk back to your coach for the return drive to Ullapool.

Additional Information

Please note: At Knockan Crag, there is approximately 800 yards of walking with a slight gradient and uneven surfaces. The walk to Measach Falls is approximately one mile in each direction, over steep gravel and mud paths, which may be slippery. Only six people are allowed on the suspension bridge at a time, so you may need to queue if you wish to walk across it. Vertigo sufferers and those prone to travel sickness should be aware that much of the driving is along twisting, narrow mountain roads. This excursion is only suitable for those with a high level of physical fitness.

Join this RIB adventure from Ullapool around the inner loch, with the opportunity to observe the local wildlife and scenery.

Take a short walk from the tender pier to the RIB (rigid inflatable boat) pier, where you will have a safety briefing and will be provided with a waterproof suit. Board the RIB for a circular trip around the Isle of Martin. From the water, known as Loch Broom, see the Summer Isles in the not too far distance and learn more about this picturesque area. Enjoy capturing the coastal scenery and the local wildlife, such as the common grey seals, sea eagles, cormorants, skuas and other seabirds. If you are lucky, you may encounter a pod of common dolphins or harbour porpoise. Before returning to the pier, enjoy a 360-degree tour of Spirit of Adventure where it is anchored, a wonderful way to end your RIB adventure.

Additional Information

Please note: This tour has very limited capacity. You are required to walk 150 yards to the RIB and negotiate two steps. This tour can get bumpy, please consider its suitability if you have any pre-existing medical conditions. We recommend that you wear warm clothing. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Look forward to journeys aboard two of the Isle of Man’s distinctive railways: the Manx Electric Railway and the Snaefell Mountain Railway. 

Head to the Terminus Station in Douglas to board the Manx electric railway’s restored open and closed tramcars for the journey to Laxey, crossing the Glen Roy viaduct en route. The Manx Electric Railway, which opened in 1893, connects the island’s capital Douglas with Laxey in the east and Ramsey in the north. 

At Laxey Station you’ll transfer to the Snaefell Mountain Railway. This is the only electric mountain railway in the British Isles. The railway opened in 1895 and six of the original tramcars are still in use today. Enjoy the scenery during the four-and-a-half mile train ride to the summit of Snaefell. At 2,036 feet, this is the highest point on the Isle of Man, where (weather permitting) you will have views of Laxey Glens, the coast and the countryside. 

You’ll have some free time to take in the surrounding scenery before descending by mountain railway to the stop known as ‘The Bungalow’ where you rejoin your coach and return to Douglas.

Additional Information

Please Note: While there is not a great deal of walking involved on this tour, you will need to negotiate three steep steps to embark and disembark each train carriage. There is a steep incline of 1:12 on the Snaefell Mountain Railway; there is a centre rail to aid breaking. Some of the tramcars on the Manx Electric Railway have open sides and it can be windy and cold at the summit of Snaefell, even on sunny days, so we recommend bringing a windproof jacket on this excursion. This tour has limited capacity.

After a short drive from the port, board the vintage steam train at Douglas for a scenic journey along the 125-year-old Victorian railway. 

The railway still uses much of the original rolling stock and you will travel in carriages pulled by the original engines that first worked the line in the 1890’s. From the comfort of the train admire views over the inland countryside before arriving at Castletown Station, where you will disembark your train. 

A short transfer will bring you to the centre of Castletown, whose roots can be traced back to 1090, making it one of the oldest towns in the British Isles. After a short introduction you are free to explore at leisure, beginning at the market square, which is overlooked by a clock presented to the island by Queen Elizabeth I. Curiously, it has only ever had one hand, but is still going strong after 400 years. The Castletown of today has a quiet but distinctive charm. 

The fortress, from which the town takes its name, is visible from miles around. It’s a working castle, with its courthouse and precincts still in traditional use. Rejoin your coach in Castletown and enjoy a scenic drive back to Douglas.

Additional Information

Please Note: You will have approximately one-and-a-half hours of free time in Castletown, where walking is entirely at your discretion. This excursion has been graded a moderate activity because you should expect to cover at least 500 yards for a good exploration here. You will need to negotiate three steep steps with no handrail to embark and disembark the train carriage. This tour has limited capacity.

Enjoy an introduction to the scenery of the Isle of Man with time at leisure to explore historic Castletown. Departing Douglas, drive through the south-east of the island, pausing at the Fairy Bridge: it is considered bad luck to pass over this bridge without acknowledging the fairies believed to be there.

Arrive in the town of Castletown that traces its origins back to 1090 and holds true as one of the oldest towns in the British Isles. Its narrow streets and small fishing cottages are tetament to this ancient past at every corner. Enjoy some free time here to explore the cobbled streets independently. You may choose to take a closer look at the medieval Castle Rushen.

Departing Castletown, head for the southern tip of the island and the pretty bay at Port Erin, before travelling inland to Tynwald, or Cronk-y-Keeillown as it is known in Manx, where you will enjoy a short stop. The hill is the location of world’s oldest continuous parliamentary assembly, which has run continuously since 979 AD. The conical mound is made up of soil from all 17 different parishes on Man.

On your return to Douglas, travel through the centre of the island and enjoy the view known as the ‘Plains of Heaven’.

Additional Information

Please note: This excursion includes approximately one hour of free time in Castletown, during which walking is at your discretion. You should expect to walk at least 500 yards for a good exploration.

West Cork is blessed with some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery: the coast is rugged, with creeks, bays and coves, but just inland are gentle green hills and tranquil pastures where cows graze. This area was once thickly forested and inhabited by wolves, the last of which was killed in the early 18th century.

Your destination today, Clonakilty, is a lively market town at the top of a winding inlet and has been designated as West Cork’s Heritage Town by the Irish Tourist Board: a visit to the town soon shows why. You will feel at home here among the traditional shop fronts and hand-painted signs. The post office is housed in an old Presbyterian church and the library and council offices occupy a converted watermill with the river flowing beneath. Narrow streets and lanes open into elegant squares. It is a town of tall spires, towers and historic buildings - the brewery, mills and quayside warehouses stand as testament to a busy trading and industrial past.

Stop for an included cup of tea or coffee and scones in a local hotel, and afterwards have a little free time to browse in the shops or wander through the narrow streets before your scenic drive back to the port.

Additional Information

Please note: This is a largely panoramic tour with most of the sightseeing taking place from your tour vehicle. There is approximately 100 yards of essential walking required, although you will need to walk further if you wish to explore Clonakilty in depth.

Departing from Cobh, drive to Blarney, in the protective shadow of historic Blarney Castle. The castle was built in two sections and has a massive oblong Keep, with battlements that are typically Irish in form. Enjoy a visit to the castle, and, if you wish, kiss the famous Blarney Stone - to do this, you have to lean over backwards from the parapet walk of the battlements! According to legend, the stone imparts the gift of eloquence (the gift of the gab) to all those who kiss it.

From the top of the castle you can take in the wonderful views of over 60 acres of sprawling parklands which include gardens, avenues, arboretums and waterways. The estate boasts an impressive range of native wildlife. The woodlands, rivers and lake within the inner estate and also in the separate pockets of ground around the village area, provide support for many increasingly rare species including otters, red squirrels, barn owls, buzzards, kingfishers, trout and salmon.

Blarney is also home to the old Blarney Woollen Mills, dating back to 1793 and now a craft and gift centre. Here you enjoy a delicious cup of Irish coffee before returning to the port.

Additional Information

Please note: This tour involves essential walking of just under one mile, over mixed terrain. Those wishing to kiss the stone must ascend a spiral staircase with 110 narrow and uneven steps. This is a very popular tourist attraction, and there may be a long queue to kiss the stone. Walking during the free time is at your own discretion. Flat, closed-toe shoes are required if you wish to climb the steps up to the stone.

Depart the pier and travel to Cork City for a short panoramic drive. This introduction to Ireland’s second city highlights Cork’s unique origins which began as an island in the swampy estuary of the River Lee, just upstream from Cork Harbour – one of the world’s largest natural harbours. Today the River Lee flows through the city in two main channels, creating a network of bridges that give Cork its distinctive character. Along the way spot the spires of St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, the old Courthouse, City Hall, and the renowned Bells of Shandon.

Leaving the city, travel east to the village of Midleton, where the famous Irish whiskey gets its name. A visit to the Old Jameson Distillery in Midleton will take you into the heart of the Ireland’s whiskey-making tradition. You’ll enjoy a 60-minute guided tour of this restored 18th-century industrial complex, which includes a fully-operational waterwheel and a copper still with a capacity of 32,000 gallons – the largest in the world.

After an audio-visual presentation to summarise the experience, there’s time for a tasting. During this, you are invited to relax in the atmosphere of a traditional Irish pub and sample Ireland’s finest whiskey.

Afterwards, why not visit the gift shop stocking everything from Jameson merchandise to Jameson cocktail making kits and cold brews? Following your visit, re-board your motor coach for your return drive to Ringaskiddy.

Additional Information

Please note: There is up to one mile of walking over mixed terrain and up to 10 steps. You will be standing for most of the visit to the distillery. The order of the sites may vary. We recommend that you wear flat footwear.

Covering 104 acres, Spike Island sits in the heart of Cork Harbour. It holds a significant place in Irish history having served as a military fortress and a notorious prison. Prepare to be transported back in time as you navigate through centuries of Irish history with your local guide.

Leave the pier on foot with your guide and board a boat for the journey to Spike Island. On arrival, begin your guided tour highlighting the island’s main features, followed by free time. This behind-the-scenes tour takes you to areas that are off limit to the general public. Explore the Spike Island tunnels and an abandoned prison with a visit to the Captain’s Bar, where for over 200 years, fort commanders marked the end of the week here with their soldiers or prison officers. Follow in their footsteps and enjoy a toast with Spike Island Rum.

After your guided tour, enjoy some time to explore at leisure before returning to Cobh via boat. Returning to Cobh, you can make your way back to the ship or remain in Cobh independently.

Additional Information

Please note: There is approximately one mile of walking, over inclines, declines and some steps. You will walk from the pier to the ferry location and walk while on the island. We recommend that you wear flat walking shoes. There are both inside and outside seats available on the boats.