(Small Group) Shore Tour from Cork: Blarney Castle & Jameson Distillery
3
(Small Group) Shore Tour from Cork: Blarney Castle & Jameson Distillery
By Elegant Irish Tours - Day Tours
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About
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 18-99, max of 25 per group
Duration: 7h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
- Port pickup and drop-off
- Live commentary on board
- WiFi on board
- Bottled water
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Entry/Admission - Blarney Castle & Gardens
- Entry/Admission - Midleton Distillery Experience
What's not included- Gratuities
- Lunch
- Start:
- Port of Cobh, Ringmeen, Cobh, Co. Cork, IrelandCobh (Cork) Cruise Ship Terminal - We collect passengers from the cruise ship at 07:30 for departure @ 08:00. Where your ship docks later than 07:30 the tour will begin 30 minutes after disembarkation commences.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Infant seats available
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 8962P49- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 25 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 8962P49
From
$150.46
per adult
Select date and travelers
Similar experiences
Itinerary
- Ringmeen, Cobh, Co. Cork, IrelandCobh (Cork) Cruise Ship Terminal - We collect passengers from the cruise ship at 07:30 for departure @ 08:00. Where your ship docks later than 07:30 the tour will begin 30 minutes after disembarkation commences.
- Pass byPort of Cobh
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- tmosbarger0 contributionsAndy was amazingWe really enjoyed this trip. We got a private trip for two. It was so nice having the flexibility and to be on our schedule. Andy was our guide and simply put he was amazing. Always sharing stories and knowledge of the sites and the history of his amazing country. Bunratty castle and Cliffs o Moher were breathtaking.Written September 25, 2024
- christinehW9870FA0 contributionsWorth the TimeOur driver and guide, Patrick, was very knowledgeable and informative. The Cliffs of Moher were beautiful and worth the long trip. Would have liked a little more time to spend at Dunratty Castle and the surrounding area.Written September 14, 2024
- daylelaural0 contributionsPaul Egan: Ireland's Ultimate Guide - A Journey Beyond ExpectationsPaul Egan: An Absolute Gem of a Guide Our 3-day journey through Ireland with Paul Egan was nothing short of extraordinary. He's not simply a driver, but a true companion who elevates the entire travel experience. From the moment we met, Paul's warmth and genuine interest in us shone through. He's an active listener, always attuned to our needs and preferences. He effortlessly balanced providing insightful commentary with giving us space to enjoy quiet moments. Paul's knowledge of Ireland is remarkable. He shared fascinating historical tidbits and local legends, weaving captivating narratives that brought the landscape to life. His recommendations were spot-on, ensuring we experienced the best of Ireland's hidden gems and iconic landmarks. He went above and beyond to ensure our trip was seamless. He offered invaluable advice for my daughter's upcoming move to Ireland, showcasing his genuine care and dedication. Paul's driving skills are impeccable, making us feel safe and secure throughout the journey. His sense of humor and easygoing nature made every moment enjoyable. If you're fortunate enough to have Paul as your guide, you're in for an unforgettable adventure. He's not just a driver; he's a storyteller, a confidante, and a true ambassador for Ireland's beauty and charm. Book him now - you won't regret it!Written September 9, 2024
- daniellelR4377RQ0 contributionsGreat way to see this beautiful country!The best tour I’ve ever been on! If you only have a limited time in the country but don’t want to feel like a tour bus of cattle and you actually want to enjoy the experience, this is the tour! Our driver Patrick was fantastic. He was knowledgable and safe and so enjoyable to listen to. Lots of history of the country and he took us on a beautiful tour of the countryside. He was patient and kind and made our trip to the cliffs of Moher and the tour of Bun Ratty castle very special for my sister and I unforgettable. We’ll definitely come back some day for another tour of your beautiful country. Thank you !!Written September 9, 2024
- loisd3740 contributionsPersonal service for our familyWe cannot say enough about how wonderful our tour was with this group! Our driver Eugene made the trip particularly memorable. He threw in several additional ideas based upon our interests which really made the trip even better. Our accommodations were all reasonable, comfortable, and well located. All of them had large breakfasts included. I would highly recommend this tour company for those traveling with families and small groups-they definitely had the personal touch!Written September 8, 2024
- dorrst0 contributionsPrivate day tours - Cliffs of Moher & Giants CausewayWe signed up for 2 one-day private tours with Elegant Irish Tours. The first tour was from Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher. The second tour was from Dublin to Giants Causeway. Both tours greatly exceeded our expectations. The places that we saw were amazing, but the 2 drivers we had (Mick & Richie) were so nice and friendly. They knew so much about the history of each of the areas we traveled through and we stopped along the way at interesting photo opportunities. They were so very flexible and gave us a so much as part of the tour than we would have gotten with the larger group tour. I highly recommend the private tour option if it fits your budget. The company is top-notch and communicated very well every step along the way during registration and prior to the actual tour(s) happening. Thank you Mick and Richie and Elegant Irish Tours for providing amazing tours and very friendly and interesting days for us!Written September 7, 2024
- bgbr0 contributionsMemorable dayI booked a small group tour from Dublin to Belfast and Giants Causeway. There were only 6 of us. James was our driver/guide, and everything was great. I'd love to spend more time at Giants Causeway, but it was a long day and a long drive. Also we all took 'black taxi' option in Belfast ('Titanic museum' was another option) and it was very interesting.Written September 4, 2024
- 331samanr0 contributionsAmazing tour!!!!This tour was the highlight of my trip!! We had so much fun & learned so much about Ireland. The pacing of the tour was fantastic and we spent more than enough time at every location. Patrick did an amazing job, and made our trip to Ireland super special!!Written September 3, 2024
- fayec7240 contributionsStill waiting for a refund!We signed up for a small group tour and ended up on a huge bus with a promise of a refund of the difference. Apparently our small group driver didn't show up! Well it is August and we have yet to hear back from Elegant Irish Tours after three emails. Very disappointing!Written August 24, 2024
- DrBobQA0 contributionsAvoid This Tour Company!There were many things wrong, but the most egregious is the driver stopped to pick up a hitchhiker! This was without the consent of 17 paying passengers and potentially put all of us at risk. Driver talked incessantly about his personal life history and the real estate prices in Dublin. He made offensive comments about migrants coming to Ireland. But he gave us little information about Glendalough before we visited, so we had no context for a very interesting place. On the way back to the ship he inexplicably put on religious music without asking the passengers. I found it offensive as did others I talked to.Written August 22, 2024
- Jpirving0 contributionsPrivate tour Cliffs of Moher & Giants CausewayWe did private tours to Cliffs of Moher and Giants Causeway. There was good communication from the office staff in arranging the tours, and our guide was Mick for both tours. Mick was punctual, courteous, friendly, and a wealth of knowledge. I will use Elegant Irish Tours again and ask for Mick when we return to Ireland!Written August 13, 2024
- allisonbF3903DR0 contributionsDan B and Elegant Irish Tours were the highlight of our trip!I recently took a private two day tour with Elegant Irish Tour company from Dublin to Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, and Dingle, and it exceeded all our expectations. Our group, which included a 10-year-old child, my husband and I in our 40s, and my parents in their 70s, had an amazing experience. Dan B., our driver and tour guide, was exceptional. His deep knowledge of Ireland and engaging storytelling captivated us all, regardless of age. Dan’s enthusiasm and passion for the country’s history and landscapes made the tour both educational and entertaining. His flexibility and attention to our needs were particularly impressive. He took the time to provide us with information and adjust the itinerary to ensure the tour was exactly what we wanted. His smooth and safe driving also allowed us to fully enjoy the stunning scenery without any worries. He absolutely made our trip! We wish he could have continued on with us for our entire vacation. The tour was perfectly tailored to accommodate our diverse group. The thoughtfully planned itinerary allowed us to explore each destination at a comfortable pace. From the vibrant charm of Killarney to the awe-inspiring Ring of Kerry and the picturesque Dingle, every stop was a highlight. I will admit, I was a bit skeptical since the booking communication is solely through email and not necessarily a “booking site”. However, the responses were prompt, professional and accommodating. Elegant Irish Tour company provided a wonderful experience for our multigenerational group, and Dan B. made it truly memorable. I highly recommend them for anyone looking to explore Ireland with ease and enjoyment.Written July 28, 2024
- Devin S0 contributionsEpic and MemorableAlex was a great guide and this tour had great attractions. The castle was brilliant and the cliffs were breathtaking. Top notch small group tour.Written July 22, 2024
- canadianguy010 contributionsDon't waste your money - not a tour, just a driver that delivers you to places with no planningDid a private day trip from Dublin to Belfast. Lots of issues - Couldn't get a detailed itinerary before we left (just a list of key places that was in not in the order we did them). No time set aside all day for a meal (just snacks waiting for the next thing - I tried to pre-book a meal on my own and was told not too). No guide with us just a driver who delivered us to places. Vehicle was too small for our 7 people (not the vehicle in their pictures). No ability to customize the trip before leaving (I tried and they said no) but the driver kept offering new options during the drive that I hadn't done any research on to see if we'd like to do (Game of Thrones Studio, visit to Howth).Written July 22, 2024
- Q1201YBjillf0 contributionsAmazing Private Tours from DublinMy daughter and I three, private - 1 day tours from Dublin: Cliffs of Moher with Nick, Giants Causeway and the Titanic Experience with Mick and Blarney Castle and Cobh with Brighid. All three were excellent! If I could do it again, I would have more time in Blarney Castle (the grounds are stunning) and more time in Cobh which has a lot of history around the Titanic and immigration. We loved our private tours - even though they were long days - each of our guides provided extra stops and many additional areas of interest. I only had one small issue and that was with the office staff but that was resolved quickly.Written June 25, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
3.0
16 reviews
Excellent
6
Very good
1
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
6
Dave M
Waukesha, WI2 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Horrible experience with this tour. If you are porting in Ringaskiddy instead of Cobh, prepare to have your day ruined.
A. What we paid for: “Operated by our 5 star sister company Elegant Irish Tours, the small group vans seat no more than 25 passengers and allow for a particularly intimate day on shore.
Your day begins in style as we collect you with a small group tour van from the cruise liner terminal in Cobh, Cork Harbour. (Note: if for operational reasons your ship is diverted to the other Cork terminal in Ringaskiddy we will of course meet you there instead)”
What we received: We were not collected by the small group tour van in Ringaskiddy. We were unable to find the Elegant Irish Tour Van. We found a Paddywagon coach bus and asked the tour operators to help us locate the small group tour van. They made some phone calls and told us that the small group tour van would not be picking us up. Instead, we should ride along on the Paddywagon group coach bus and meet up with the small group van at Blarney Castle, which was the first stop for both tours.
B. What we paid for: Transport from the Jameson Distillery to the city of Cobh including (time permitting) visits to the St Coleman Cathedral and the Titanic Experience.
What we received: The tour bus driver told us he would not take us to the city of Cobh because we were from a different port than the rest of the passengers on the tour. Instead, he called a taxi for us and two other tourists to take us directly back to the Ringaskiddy Terminal. The rest of the Elegant Irish Tour passengers went to Cobh and to their terminal in Cork.
C. What we paid for: Return to the cruise ship via the small group tour van
What we received: Taxi ride with a driver and a total of four passengers in a sedan to our cruise ship.
Our travel agent has also blacklisted them based on our experience.
A. What we paid for: “Operated by our 5 star sister company Elegant Irish Tours, the small group vans seat no more than 25 passengers and allow for a particularly intimate day on shore.
Your day begins in style as we collect you with a small group tour van from the cruise liner terminal in Cobh, Cork Harbour. (Note: if for operational reasons your ship is diverted to the other Cork terminal in Ringaskiddy we will of course meet you there instead)”
What we received: We were not collected by the small group tour van in Ringaskiddy. We were unable to find the Elegant Irish Tour Van. We found a Paddywagon coach bus and asked the tour operators to help us locate the small group tour van. They made some phone calls and told us that the small group tour van would not be picking us up. Instead, we should ride along on the Paddywagon group coach bus and meet up with the small group van at Blarney Castle, which was the first stop for both tours.
B. What we paid for: Transport from the Jameson Distillery to the city of Cobh including (time permitting) visits to the St Coleman Cathedral and the Titanic Experience.
What we received: The tour bus driver told us he would not take us to the city of Cobh because we were from a different port than the rest of the passengers on the tour. Instead, he called a taxi for us and two other tourists to take us directly back to the Ringaskiddy Terminal. The rest of the Elegant Irish Tour passengers went to Cobh and to their terminal in Cork.
C. What we paid for: Return to the cruise ship via the small group tour van
What we received: Taxi ride with a driver and a total of four passengers in a sedan to our cruise ship.
Our travel agent has also blacklisted them based on our experience.
Written June 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike R
3 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
The advertisement for this tour was very misleading. It was advertised for a small group and the picture showed a 6 to 8 passenger van. When we arrived at port, we and about 50 other people were put on a very large bus. Everyone within earshot of us were making the same comment about not being a small group. I will make a point in other areas where we speak of this trip to advise future travelers to not book this tour. We also feel we should be refunded a portion of our expense because it was not as it was advertised
Written July 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paula I
Bend, OR28 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
Horrible Experience. Booked this through PaddyWagon Tours but it’s booked actually with Elegant Irish Tours. This is surely the worst “tour” I’ve ever been on. It was nowhere near what was described on your website. See comments below;
1. The information states we would be taken in style by a van with no more than 25 passengers. There were 8 of us stuffed into a taxi which smelled like smoke. The only air circulation was from windows. But when they were open they blew in the face of the passengers in the last seat. I personally don’t consider this being “taken in style”.
2. We were supposed to enjoy a panoramic view of Cork while our guide points out highlights. We did not have a tour guide. After we were driving for 20 minutes or so I finally asked where we were. Not at any time prior to that did he speak about anything we were passing. At that point I knew something was up. When we stopped I asked about this. Our driver admittedly stated he was not a guide and would try the best he can. He was called the night before to take us. He pointed out nothing throughout the day as stated in your description of the tour. Even if he would have said anything those of us stuck in the back couldn’t hear him.
3. We were dropped off in Cork for a few minutes, but really had no understanding as to why. We didn’t have time for lunch. He dropped us off in front of Carrolls gift shop.
I want a refund for this tour. You should have contacted us the day before saying you don’t have a tour guide or a comfortable van (luxury). We could have chosen to go or not, but the company decided to stick us in a taxi with someone who has no knowledge of history or points of interest. Or maybe we could have been added to another tour? But no - we sat uncomfortably for hours. It’s really despicable.
1. The information states we would be taken in style by a van with no more than 25 passengers. There were 8 of us stuffed into a taxi which smelled like smoke. The only air circulation was from windows. But when they were open they blew in the face of the passengers in the last seat. I personally don’t consider this being “taken in style”.
2. We were supposed to enjoy a panoramic view of Cork while our guide points out highlights. We did not have a tour guide. After we were driving for 20 minutes or so I finally asked where we were. Not at any time prior to that did he speak about anything we were passing. At that point I knew something was up. When we stopped I asked about this. Our driver admittedly stated he was not a guide and would try the best he can. He was called the night before to take us. He pointed out nothing throughout the day as stated in your description of the tour. Even if he would have said anything those of us stuck in the back couldn’t hear him.
3. We were dropped off in Cork for a few minutes, but really had no understanding as to why. We didn’t have time for lunch. He dropped us off in front of Carrolls gift shop.
I want a refund for this tour. You should have contacted us the day before saying you don’t have a tour guide or a comfortable van (luxury). We could have chosen to go or not, but the company decided to stick us in a taxi with someone who has no knowledge of history or points of interest. Or maybe we could have been added to another tour? But no - we sat uncomfortably for hours. It’s really despicable.
Written August 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
johnnyred86
Bonham, TX2 contributions
Look at the pic. Advertised as a small, 16 passenger bus run by "elegant Irish tours". What we actually got was a big 50 place bus from a company called "Paddywagon" (a company with many bad reviews) . They also combined two different iteneraries...so about half the people rightfully ticked off about missing some castle that they had been promised and were now going with us to Jameson's distillery for a tour. The driver was very informative and entertaining, but had been dealt a very bad situation. I know that the world is having staffing problems but this one was somewhat unacceptable. Bait and switch.
Written August 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pam H
Eclectic, AL14 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
After their stressing for us to be on time to the meeting place, our group of 7 was left waiting at cruise ship for 50 minutes. One opted not to go by then. When after 50 minutes our vehicle had not arrived we were just put in a taxi and driver asked us where we were going. (Really, you are supposed to be our guide). They said we would leave early and beat most of the large cruise bus tours so the line would not be so long at Blarney Stone but of course that didn’t happen. Line was over 1 1/2 hours by then. Also, we did not receive the skip the line tickets as advertised and waited to get in. Upon leaving Blarney we went to our meet place but could not find driver we called him and had to walk around a parking lot for 15 minutes. After calling him again we finally located him. Advertised Wi-Fi, water and a commentary of the areas we passed. We received none of that. He spent the entire drive chatting with the woman in the front seat but those in the second and third row got nothing out of it. Went to Jameson and he went to the wrong place so we had to turn around and drive back through town to get to correct place. Driver was friendly but this was not what we paid for and not a good day. Avoid this company
Written June 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim N
8 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
JJ was an excellent host/driver for our day to Blarney Castle and the Jameson Distillery. We even made a nice stop in Cork to have a walk or catch lunch in a local pub. He was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Gave great hints as to where to shop to get great items to take home. The smaller size van was a huge bonus as we were the FIRST people inside the gate at Blarney Castle. It made the photos and stop there amazing! You won’t regret taking this tour and hopefully spending your day with JJ!
Written May 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Philandmik
Independence ky20 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Fantastic tour. They took excellent care of our vacation experience, ensuring that we were the first to get to Blarney Castle. So many participating in the cruise ship excursion did not get the same experience. Lovely tour of Jamison and local area.
Written October 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nope
1 contribution
May 2023 • Family
Would you recommend (Small Group) Shore Tour from Cork?
NO, I would NOT, under ANY circumstances, recommend your company, Elegant Irish Tours, or Paddywagon to handle ANY tour! It was the most frustrating experience & the downside to an otherwise perfect vacation. The experience from the start was completely unnerving. There was no one outside at the port with any type of sign or placard to indicate to those of us who had PREPAID, as to which car, van or bus to board. We were not greeted by ANYONE, & when we approached a guy (I would never call him a gentleman because he was EVERYTHING BUT that), he was completely RUDE & told us he didn’t have any list of names as to who was supposed to ride with him because he wasn’t even supposed to be at work that morning. His name was Alex & he told us to “get on the bus if we wanted to & if we didn’t get on his bus, that was fine with him.” We were trying to find out where his tour was going to make sure we were joining the tour for which we had paid. He had rude words with several people who were just trying to confirm that we were going on the right tour. He called his supervisor on the phone to see where he was supposed to bring us, & after he got off the phone, he rudely & loudly told us to “get on or we would be left there in the middle of the street.” He absolutey lost his “cool” & cursed at a gentleman who was just trying to get info as to what tour he was conducting to make sure we were on the correct bus. He got in the gentleman’s face, cursed him profoundly, & told him to “GET OFF THE BUS”! As they were exchanging words, another driver showed up (Ian) & he took over & Alex left the bus. Alex was so out of control that none of us would have been comfortable with him driving us anyway. Ian dropped us off at the Blarney Castle & when we finished touring the castle & grounds, we met Ian outside the gift shop where he told us to meet him. Unfortunately, Ian was sick & was sitting down on the brick ledge next to the tree & was uncontrollably throwing up. We were very worried about him & kept checking on him & bringing him napkins & water & he told us to walk to the next stop which was just up the street & he said he’d meet us there after we walked around & ate some lunch. After he never showed back up to get us, one of the members of our group went back to check on Ian & he was laying down on the ledge, still throwing up & very weak. He kept telling us he’d be okay but we tried to reach your company to ask that you send a replacement for Ian because it was clear he was in no shape to drive himself, much less a bus full of tourists. After making contact with your company ONE time & getting assurance that a replacement driver would pick us up at 1:30 pm, NO ONE EVER SHOWED UP & YOUR COMPANY NEVER ANSWERED THE PHONE AGAIN! It was clear that our phone numbers were being recognized & purposely NOT being answered, because when we used another phone to call your company, you answered & told us that you were sorry but there was nothing you could do to help us & we should wait for Ian to return to pick us up. You put us on hold for several minutes & came back to the phone to tell us that Ian’s phone was dead but yet you had spoken with him & he told you we refused the ride back to the cruise terminal. Not sure how you spoke with him if his phone was dead but that’s what you told us! We were left stranded with no transportation back to the port & had to rely on alternate transportation which was not easy to do! This situation was inexcusable & certainly not the way to run a business. With terrible customer service from the time of booking with no follow-ups from your company & no way to reach anyone the day of our tour, we were left completely stranded & your company did NOTHING to help your sick employee or the tourists who had prepaid for a service that was outrageously bad from the start with your employee who threatened one of the bus riders to being literally left at the first stop of the tour with no communication as to how we would get back to the ship. SO, NO, I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND YOUR COMPANY AND IN FACT, WILL DO EVERYTHING I CAN TO SPREAD THE WORD OF YOUR TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE & FAILURE TO COMMUNICATE OR EVEN COME TO THE RESCUE OF YOUR OWN SICK EMPLOYEE! We felt sorry for Ian & did everything we could to help him & try to get him AND US a ride back & your failure to communicate was inexcusable, NEGLECTFUL & completely distressing!
NO, I would NOT, under ANY circumstances, recommend your company, Elegant Irish Tours, or Paddywagon to handle ANY tour! It was the most frustrating experience & the downside to an otherwise perfect vacation. The experience from the start was completely unnerving. There was no one outside at the port with any type of sign or placard to indicate to those of us who had PREPAID, as to which car, van or bus to board. We were not greeted by ANYONE, & when we approached a guy (I would never call him a gentleman because he was EVERYTHING BUT that), he was completely RUDE & told us he didn’t have any list of names as to who was supposed to ride with him because he wasn’t even supposed to be at work that morning. His name was Alex & he told us to “get on the bus if we wanted to & if we didn’t get on his bus, that was fine with him.” We were trying to find out where his tour was going to make sure we were joining the tour for which we had paid. He had rude words with several people who were just trying to confirm that we were going on the right tour. He called his supervisor on the phone to see where he was supposed to bring us, & after he got off the phone, he rudely & loudly told us to “get on or we would be left there in the middle of the street.” He absolutey lost his “cool” & cursed at a gentleman who was just trying to get info as to what tour he was conducting to make sure we were on the correct bus. He got in the gentleman’s face, cursed him profoundly, & told him to “GET OFF THE BUS”! As they were exchanging words, another driver showed up (Ian) & he took over & Alex left the bus. Alex was so out of control that none of us would have been comfortable with him driving us anyway. Ian dropped us off at the Blarney Castle & when we finished touring the castle & grounds, we met Ian outside the gift shop where he told us to meet him. Unfortunately, Ian was sick & was sitting down on the brick ledge next to the tree & was uncontrollably throwing up. We were very worried about him & kept checking on him & bringing him napkins & water & he told us to walk to the next stop which was just up the street & he said he’d meet us there after we walked around & ate some lunch. After he never showed back up to get us, one of the members of our group went back to check on Ian & he was laying down on the ledge, still throwing up & very weak. He kept telling us he’d be okay but we tried to reach your company to ask that you send a replacement for Ian because it was clear he was in no shape to drive himself, much less a bus full of tourists. After making contact with your company ONE time & getting assurance that a replacement driver would pick us up at 1:30 pm, NO ONE EVER SHOWED UP & YOUR COMPANY NEVER ANSWERED THE PHONE AGAIN! It was clear that our phone numbers were being recognized & purposely NOT being answered, because when we used another phone to call your company, you answered & told us that you were sorry but there was nothing you could do to help us & we should wait for Ian to return to pick us up. You put us on hold for several minutes & came back to the phone to tell us that Ian’s phone was dead but yet you had spoken with him & he told you we refused the ride back to the cruise terminal. Not sure how you spoke with him if his phone was dead but that’s what you told us! We were left stranded with no transportation back to the port & had to rely on alternate transportation which was not easy to do! This situation was inexcusable & certainly not the way to run a business. With terrible customer service from the time of booking with no follow-ups from your company & no way to reach anyone the day of our tour, we were left completely stranded & your company did NOTHING to help your sick employee or the tourists who had prepaid for a service that was outrageously bad from the start with your employee who threatened one of the bus riders to being literally left at the first stop of the tour with no communication as to how we would get back to the ship. SO, NO, I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND YOUR COMPANY AND IN FACT, WILL DO EVERYTHING I CAN TO SPREAD THE WORD OF YOUR TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE & FAILURE TO COMMUNICATE OR EVEN COME TO THE RESCUE OF YOUR OWN SICK EMPLOYEE! We felt sorry for Ian & did everything we could to help him & try to get him AND US a ride back & your failure to communicate was inexcusable, NEGLECTFUL & completely distressing!
Written June 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alfred A
24 contributions
Aug 2019 • Family
We were on a cruise and although the port of Cobh has little to offer, the day excursion to Blarney castle is spectacular. You could spend the whole day there. The castle is beautiful. The gardens are out of a fairytale! You feel you are in another time. Our guide was charming and made sure to get us there before all the crowds arrived so we were first to kiss the Blarney stone. Crowds are really big so get there early. Lunch at Kinsale was good. It’s a quaint and colorful town.
Written August 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ruth R
Detroit, MI155 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
We were on a cruise ship in Cork. It docked early. The tour said it would pick us up 1/2 hour after the boat docked and there he was waiting for us in a nice van. As we drove away, here come all the ship's buses to the ship. We had a great head start on them. We went to Blarny Castle where he gave us 3 hours to see the castle and walk the grounds and shop at their woolen mill outlet store. The ship would have given us an hour at the most. We had a great time walking around and buying the fabulous woolen products. Then he took us to a resort town where we were allowed to eat lunch and wander around. Our driver was informative and entertaining. I would highly recommend using this company if you are in Cork, which I hope you do some day.
Written May 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arriving on cruise ship need transportation from Cobh to Lismore to meet relatives . 4 adults, no luggage,pick up at 9am return by 5
Written July 14, 2019
We have a party of 2 adults scheduled to arrive on Crown Princess August 7th at 9am and departing at 7pm. Your availability shows 7:30 -- is that our actual departure time?
Written June 19, 2019
We had the same issue recently with Crown Princess. It was no problem. After we docked at 9:00 a.m. and disembarked driver was waiting for us and other passengers from ship that signed up for the same tour.
Written June 19, 2019
Hi, NCL/Spirits will dock at 8:00am on July 31, can you adjust the departure time?
Written April 26, 2019
Can you do a tour for just 4 adults? One gentleman is in his mid 60s and is wheelchair bound. He could transfer to the front passenger seat of a minivan with the assistance of my husband if you could provide a driver/guide. We will be arriving for one day May, 2019 on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. We would like to visit Blarney Castle, a sheepdog demonstration/farm and whatever your beautiful countryside could offer in our very limited visit. Thank you, Cindy Mann
Written May 15, 2018
I need to know the approximate duration of this tour. Royal Princess would dock at Cobh, Cork from 10 am-8 pm. We have a party of four (all seniors)
Samuel
Written May 5, 2018
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