Panoramic Cork & Blarney Castle

Irish history and tradition are yours to discover during this orientation tour of Cork City that includes a visit to Blarney Castle.

Drive to Blarney, the little village that lies in the protective shadow of historic Blarney Castle. Built in two sections, the Castle features a massive oblong keep, and typical Irish battlements. Below them, the famous Blarney Stone is set in the wall, and to kiss it, one has to lean over backwards from the parapet walk of the battlements.

During your visit to the castle, you might have an opportunity to kiss the famous Blarney Stone, which, according to legend, imparts the gift of eloquence to all whose lips touch it.

Stop at the home of Blarney Woollen Mills, a building that dates back to 1793, and which today is considered to be one of the finest craft and gift centers in Ireland. Here, you will enjoy an Irish coffee and an opportunity to browse through a wide range of Irish clothing, crystal, linen and handicrafts.

Enjoy a panoramic orientation tour of Cork, Ireland's second city. Once a swampy island located upstream from Cork Harbor on the estuary of the Lee River, the city is now an important shopping and commercial capital of the south. Today, the Lee River flows through the city in two main channels, so that you find yourself constantly crossing bridges. In fact, it is this feature that gives Cork its distinctive continental flair. Modern day Cork is a University City, brimming with jazz, film, opera, theaters, restaurants, and all of the amenities of a large city, yet it still manages to retain the pleasant charm and friendliness of a country town. During your drive through Cork, you will see some of the city's famous sites, including St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral, the Old Courthouse, City Hall, and the renowned Bells of Shandon.