Scenic Railtour to Cork and Blarney Castle

Check in at the old Victorian Cábh Railway Station, directly adjacent to the cruise pier, and climb aboard your train for a scenic rail journey from Great Island in Cork Harbour. Cábh is recognized as the Titanic's last port of call in 1912. Titanic Experience Cábh is a themed attraction in the former White Star Line ticket office, plus more displays on the liner are in the Cobh Heritage Centre, which also explores how Cobh became an embarkation point during Ireland's mass emigrations. North of town, you will pass by the huge Fota Wildlife Park, on Fota Island. Your train ride will cross onto the island of Fota, before finally reaching the mainland and the outskirts of Cork City.

Resting quite proudly on an island in the middle of the River Lee, Cork is comprised of decidedly great pubs with a thriving craft beer scene, museums, galleries, and the ever-present bohemian coffee houses. She might be a city, but you will feel as though you may be in one of the small local towns, where the pace is more laid back and nobody is in a hurry.

Your journey continues along the banks of the River Lee with views of Blackrock Castle before arriving into Cork Kent Station. Transfer by road to the magnificent Blarney Castle and Gardens where you have the opportunity to kiss the famous stone and thus acquire the gift of eternal eloquence. There is ample time allowed for shopping, exploring and lunch at Blarney Village upon your arrival.

Enjoy a Cork City tour before returning to Cábh to visit the fabulous Cábh Cathedral - St. Colman's. St. Colman's Cathedral is an exquisite gem of neo-Gothic architecture by the architects Pugin and Ashlin. It took 47 years to build, starting in 1868. In 1916 a Carillon of 42 bells was installed. The largest bell is 200 feet above the ground and weighs 3.6 tons. The cathedral organ, by Telford and Telford, contains 2,468 pipes. Before heading back to Cábh Harbour, visit Cábh cemetery and the mass graves of the Lusitania victims as well as that of the famous Jack Doyle.

Your final stop is the Cábh Heritage Centre. The Heritage Centre explores the themes of famine and emigration, as well as maritime histories of the Lusitania and the Titanic. The Lusitania was torpedoed nearby at the Old Head of Kinsale and the Titanic called Cábh its final port of call. Cábh was the embarkation point for generations of Irish emigrants to the new worlds, from the time of the famine to recent years.

Return to your ship at your leisure after your visit to the Heritage Centre as the pier is only a stroll away.

Please Note: There are no restrooms on the bus or train, however, there are facilities at the different tourist attractions.