Cork & Cobh Highlights with Blarney Castle

This is the most popular Cork shore excursion for first time visitors. You enjoy a Cork city driving tour taking in the main sites, including the Cork City Gaol and the English Market, followed by free time for lunch and an afternoon visit to Blarney Castle, one of the most famous sites in all of Ireland.

After meeting your driver guide at the pier in Cobh, you begin with a driving tour of Cork city. You see historic landmarks including City Hall, St. Finbarr's Cathedral, St. Patrick's Street, and St. Anne's Cathedral.

Next you visit the Cork City Gaol. This imposing building opened in 1824 and housed prisoners until it closed in 1923. A tour takes you around the restored jail and its refurnished cells, telling the story of the social history and contrasting lifestyles of 19th century Cork.

You then walk to the English Market, a covered market for fish, fruit, meat, and vegetable sellers with entrances on Prince's Street, St. Patrick's Street, and the Grand Parade. The market traces its origins to a charter granted under King James I in 1610, and the current building opened in 1788. In recent years the range of food on offer has broadened to include fruit and vegetables, an organic stall, a traditional French deli stall, an olive stall, a cheese and pasta stall, and a bread stall.

Next you have free time to enjoy lunch, meal not included, at a typical Irish pub. In the afternoon you depart for Blarney Castle, whose keep dates from 1446 and stands on solid limestone. There are 127 steps to the top of the tower, where you take in views across the surrounding countryside, and you will likely feel compelled to kiss the Blarney Stone for the gift of eloquence.

Finally you drive into Blarney village to visit the Blarney Woolen Mills, a local shop set in an old woolen mill specializing in quality Irish goods such as crystal, linen, china, and pottery. After time to explore the shop, you return to the pier in Cobh.

If you cannot find what you are looking for, our Cork shore excursions can also be customized to fit your needs. If you have a larger group, we can offer you a private Cork tour using a mid-size bus or full size coach. Please contact us with any questions or to receive a customized quote.

• The English Market is closed on Sundays and Holidays. If your tour is on one of these days, then you will enjoy free time to explore Cork's pedestrian zone, do some shopping or visit a local pub. It should be noted that most sites are closed until noon on Sunday.