IRELAND'S CULTURAL CAPITAL

Cruise to Cork (Cobh), Ireland

The real capital of Ireland – that's what the locals call Cork, a university city in the country's southwest. In the city centre, situated on an island in the River Lee, you'll find one of Ireland's best foodie scenes, with lanes and streets filled with local watering holes and high-level restaurants. Cruise to Ireland to check out the prison-turned-museum Cork City Gaol, visit Blarney Castle and kiss its eponymous stone and sample local culinary specialities in the English Market. Cork is just a 25-minute drive from Cobh, Ireland's only dedicated cruise terminal and the final port of call for the Titanic before it set sail for the United States.

National Language Irish, English

Currency Accepted euro (EUR)

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Things To Do in Cork (Cobh)

The Blarney house in Cork, Ireland

Kiss the Blarney Stone

Don't leave the region without getting up close and personal with the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle, located eight kilometres northwest of Cork. Legend has it, if you literally bend over backwards to kiss the stone, you'll gain the gift of eloquence.

The gaol in Cork's old city

Go to Gaol

Going to prison is usually a bad thing, but Cork City Gaol (the Celtic spelling for "jail") is the exception. The castle-like building once housed 19th-century prisoners. It closed in 1923 to become a broadcasting station and reopened as a museum in 1993. Today, you can tour the cells and see the artifacts of early radio broadcasting.

A building at Fort Mitchel on Spike Island in Ireland

Fortify Yourself

Take the short, scenic ferry ride from Cobh to Spike Island – named the top European tourist attraction at the 2017 World Travel Awards – and explore Fort Mitchel. Over 200 years old, the star-shaped fortress previously held 2,300 prisoners. For brave souls, the island even offers After Dark tours.

A serving of traditional stew with a pint of beer on the side

Local Cuisine

Visit the local artisans selling their fresh produce at English Market in Cork, where trading has been happening since 1788. You'll find artisan cheese and bread, locally raised meats, fresh produce and seafood. Then, head to a traditional restaurant on Oliver Plunkett street for a classic dinner of fish and chips or lamb stew with potatoes and vegetables.

Shopping

St Patrick's Street in the city centre is Cork's main shopping district to see with your Ireland cruise. You'll find modern pop-ups like Wild Design, which offers ethically made handicrafts and jewellery. Traditional Irish stores like Kilkenny Shop specialise in everything from pottery to home décor. The common theme here is high-quality, Irish-made goods.