Are you travelling onboard one of the 400 planned cruise ships visiting Ireland this year? Not sure what to visit when you reach port? Here are the top destinations not to be missed when cruising into celtic Ireland!
Explorer of the Seas ©MDHardingCruising into Celtic Ireland
Cruise Ports In Ireland
The most visited ports in Ireland are Dublin, Cork and Belfast. These are mostly visited while visiting cruising the British Isles. Each port of call has a unique history, great places to visit and of course delicious local food and drink not to be missed.
Irish Coffee ©MDHardingDublin
When arriving into Dublin there are two locations the ship could be docked, either at Alexandra Quay 1.5 km away from the city centre or for smaller ships up the River Liffey into the city. Please beware on some schedules it may say ship tendered, this could indicate from Dun Laoghaire. Ireland’s capital is famous for its drink Guinness, with the opportunity to take a guided tour around the distillery and then enjoy the Temple Bar area with lots of quaint cobbled streets, home to great food, drink, music and shopping. Dublin is also home to Trinity College one of the cities most famous landmarks founded by Elizabeth I in 1951. There is also the National Gallery home to over 2000 paintings and the National Museum of Ireland with a large antiquities collection dating from the stone age to medieval times.
If you have limited time why not jump onboard the hop on and hop off tour bus? It’s a great way to see the city and the bus stops at many places of interest.
©National Museum of IrelandCork
Most ships dock close to the centre by the Cobh Heritage centre; if a few ships are in you may be docked at Ringasay 2km away. While in Cork don’t miss a trip to Blarney Castle, built in 1446 discover the legend behind kissing the Blarney Stone. The easiest way to reach the castle is a short journey by taxi. Other destinations not to miss is the Jameson whisky distillery, the 1,000-year-old Waterford city famous for its crystal and en-route see the medieval walled town of Youghal and the Rock of Cashel.
Blarney Castle ©Chris HillBelfast
Belfast is easy to explore on foot and only a short taxi ride from Stormont Wharf. One of the most popular museum’s to visit is Titanic Belfast, with large and interactive displays. There is also the Ulster Museum housing some of Titanic’s artefacts and precious cargo from the Spanish sunken ship – Armada. St George’s Market is a hit with locals and visitors alike with a wide array of food, clothing and crafts. Belfast also has a hop on and hop off tour bus, hear about the cities historical past and get a glimpse into the present.
If you have a full day to explore you might like to visit the Giants Causeway, said to be the eighth wonder of the world.
Belfast ©MDHardingI hope you enjoyed reading and inspired to visit the Celtic island of Ireland. Cruising is a great way to travel the world, have you taken a cruise? What has been your favourite port of call? Please comment/share below. Happy Travels:) x