Cobh (Cork) to Blarney Castle & Kinsale - Shore Excursion
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
Exciting Shore Excursion from Cobh to Blarney Castle, Cork City, Kinsale and Cobh. Bus Tour starts/finishes at your ship and is tailored to suit your docking/sailing times.
Our Bus Tour Includes:
• Admission To The Famous Blarney Castle & Gardens
• Shopping at Blarney Woolen Mills - The Worlds Largest Irish Store
• Driving Tour of Unique Cork City
• Free Time in Picturesque Kinsale for lunch and exploring
• A Visit To The Magnificent St. Coleman's Cathedral
Up to 8 hours Tour day (Tour times are tailored to work with your docking/sailing times)
Our bus tour departs/returns right at your ship in Cobh/Cork
We're based in Cobh and have over 50 years experience.
Our driver/guides are all locals and have lots of interesting facts, fascinating history, fun stories, songs and jokes.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Front seats can be reserved if you have mobility issues (let us know after you book)
Good agility is required for the famous Blarney stone which has lots of challenging steps up to it
Our tours are for ships that dock in Cobh/Cork
Live commentary is while on the bus only - Blarney Castle is a self guided tour.
Kissing the Blarney Stone requires good agility
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Live commentary on board from local experienced guides
Storage for wheelchairs, scooters, etc
Air-conditioned vehicle
Admission To Blarney Castle & Gardens
Pick up from your ship and return to same
Food and drinks
Gratuities
What To Expect
Blarney Castle & Gardens
Here you will have the opportunity to kiss the famous Blarney Stone, explore the 15th century castle and discover the magnificent gardens. Admission to the castle and gardens is included in your tour price. Our visit to Blarney will be up to 2 hours in total depending on your ships docking/sailing schedule. Shopping time at Blarney Woolen Mills is included in your 2 hour visit to Blarney
Blarney Woollen Mills
Take time out to shop at the Worlds largest Irish Store, Indulge in a coffee and delicious scone or even sip on a sumptuous Irish Coffee. Please note that your 2 hour visit to Blarney includes time to visit the Castle, Gardens and Woolen Mills. Avail of the free wifi while you are here. Time spent here is part of your total 2 hour approx. stay in Blarney.
Options
Cobh (Cork) to Blarney Castle & Kinsale - Shore Excursion
Pickup included
Reviews
502 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Cruise Ship Excursion to Blarney Castle
norms699,
Oct 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00We started off having an issue in that our ship couldn't dock at Cobh and had to go to the other port Ringaskiddy. We were told this will affect our time visiting Cork (which we only drove thru) which was disappointing. We met the bus near the port entrance and we did get off to an early start to see the Blarney Castle. This is a must as the lineup to kiss the stone was less than 30 minutes when we got there and over 90 minutes when I came out of the castle. We only spent 2 hours at the castle which is not enough time. We never got to see Blarney Woolen mills. We then went to Kinsale. It rained the whole time there which probably affected my opinion but I thought it was waste of time visiting the place. The time would have been better spent either at the castle or in Cork. I do commend the guide, driver and the Butler staff who were all professional and approachable.
Our favorite excursion.
565crystal,
Sep 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a really great day on our cruise port excursion to Blarney castle. Butler tours was amazing at keeping us informed of what was happening, even with a change in our docking port made by the cruise line. Ian and Dan were certainly the “A” team getting us to Blarney castle before the lines got long. Our guide and driver were very entertaining and informative and made this excursion one of our favorites.
Great location but not t...
James N,
Sep 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00Great location but not t the effort. Would have to have waited nearly 60 minutes to get into the castle so just walked the grounds. No need to walk yet another set of ruins. Weather didn't help but no control.
Fun and interesting tour.
Ian B,
Sep 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our driver got us to Blarney Castle before the worst of the crowds. Paul, our tour guide, did a wonderful job of giving us a lot of information about the local history in a fun way. He even treated us to a couple of songs. Highly recommend this tour.
Very enjoyable tour
purpleij,
Sep 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a very enjoyable and informative tour. Our bus tour guide Kevin was excellent. He made sure everyone was taken cared of and the bus was very comfortable. Would recommend! Worth the money.
Great Cork overview in full day
Michael A,
Sep 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Outstanding guide AND driver. Perfect timing at all sites including first in line T Blarney Castle. Even left sufficient time at end to explore Corh and walk back to ship.
The Gift of Ireland in a day
B5668MIdebbieb,
Sep 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Loved this tour!! Great bus, tour guide so knowledgeable and personable! Countryside is stunning and Blarney castle grounds were among the most beautiful we have seen. Kissing the Blarney Stone for bragging rights takes a bit of time, but the views from the top are amazing. Have an Irish coffee at the woollen mill too! Highly recommend this tour and company.
Blarney Castle & Kinsale
William S,
Sep 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Was able to enter the castle prior to general public. InKinsale not a lot of place to choose from to eat or shop however it was beautiful town.
Wonderful trip
ColetteinFrance,
Sep 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The castle to the Blarney Stone is quite a trip up some steep steps, so be aware. But worth the view from the top. Kindle is a cute small town with good shopping and food. Had a great time.
It was good! Our driver...
Gloria V,
Sep 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was good! Our driver and guide were well informed and got us back to the ship on time. Highly recommended and will book with Viator for all future excursions.
From €79.00
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Operated by Butlers Shore Tours