Day Trips
6+ hours
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 96% of travellers
96% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
€79
per adult
Butlers Shore Tours
Butlers Shore Tours
4.8
Full view
About
Exciting tours to Blarney Castle, Kinsale, Jamesons and much more. Exclusively for cruisers ships visiting Cobh (Cork). Maximise your time in port with our full day and half day tour options. Experienced local driver/guides. A family business in Cobh (Cork) since 1967.
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4.8
859 reviews
Excellent
733
Very good
103
Average
18
Poor
4
Terrible
1
weatherman46
Wiltshire, England63 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
We were cruising on the Regal Princess and one of the ports of call was Cobh. We took the Butlers Tours full day shore excursion to Blarney Castle and Kinsdale, which included a stop at Charles Fort and drive around Cork. This tour was excellent with lots of interesting information from Ian the guide, and great driving from Steve. It was much better value for money than any of the ships tours and did more.
Written 28 July 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.
Dianekinz
5 contributions
Jun 2023 • Friends
Butler Tours is the most amazing group to work with. Just spent 10 days with our amazing guide,John. This was a personalized tour for my group and they get 5 stars in all areas. I can’t wait to plan my next trip to Ireland and boos Butler Tours
Written 25 June 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.
Garry B
Moorabbin, Australia2 contributions
Aug 2014 • Friends
You can forget booking your Cobh/Cork tour on your cruise ship. This company is not only cheaper (substantially) but their tours are far more comprehensive and flexible.
Highly recommended
Highly recommended
Written 3 October 2014
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.
Cathy S
New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada19 contributions
May 2012 • Friends
We were picked up at the cruise ship terminal in Cobh, and driven to Blarney Castle where we had lots of time to climb up to the Blarney Stone, wander through the grounds and visit the woolen mill. Then we went to Kinsale for lunch, after which we had a quick tour of Cork, then back to Cobh where we had a chance to see the Cathedral. This was the same trip the ship's tour did but cost us a quarter of the price. Driver and guide were both great and I would definitely recommend this company
Written 6 March 2013
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.
Gimme_a_break50
Ballina, Australia33 contributions
Sept 2016 • Couples
We chose a local tour company, eCoach Shore Tours, for our day in the port of Cobh in the County of Cork, Ireland.
It was an early start for our all day tour of the area which included Blarney Castle. On leaving the ship we were directed to the coaches parked nearby and were soon on our way. Our driver/guide was Paddy, a local man, who knew the area and added humor to the commentary during the trip.
Thoroughly enjoyed the day, getting back in plenty of time to the port to board the ship. Definitely recommend as an alternative to the very expensive ship tours.
It was an early start for our all day tour of the area which included Blarney Castle. On leaving the ship we were directed to the coaches parked nearby and were soon on our way. Our driver/guide was Paddy, a local man, who knew the area and added humor to the commentary during the trip.
Thoroughly enjoyed the day, getting back in plenty of time to the port to board the ship. Definitely recommend as an alternative to the very expensive ship tours.
Written 11 October 2016
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.
Jerry R
Falls Church, VA10 contributions
Sept 2016 • Couples
This is the second time we have taken this eCoach tour. We still have not seen all the Blarney castle grounds. The tour is a fantastic value. The ship offers the same tour in a large bus at 4 times the price. If visiting Cobh this is the easy choice.
Written 4 October 2016
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.
lrw1974
San Angelo, TX97 contributions
Sept 2014 • Couples
Enjoyed the tour! Driver and guide were great! Very informative and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend this tour to any cruise ship passenger. The icing on the cake was that the price was right!
Written 14 October 2014
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.
Jo_fr_Edmonton
Edmonton, Canada75 contributions
Jul 2016 • Solo
My cruise ship was to be in Cobh in July. I found the ship's prices high so checked into independant tours & found eCoach (much less expensive). They knew my ship would be at the rather inconvenient Ringaskiddy dock instead of right at Cobh. They modified their usual Blarney & Kinsale bus tour to suit this - unfortunately that meant leaving out the Cobh portion.
eCoach's website was very clear about the tour itinerary and the booking process was smooth & efficient. They sent a follow-up e-mail to remind me when & where I was to meet them once I got off the ship. It was obvious they had done this tour many times as they had everything very well organized. (That's what gave me the confidence to book an independant tour as I was travelling alone). They were there where they said they'd be with signs to show us to the buses.
Our very nice guide Kevin and friendly, good driver Eddie did a great job of showing us around in a comfortable full sized bus. There was good information during the tour & a few jokes too. We had plenty of time at Blarney Castle, an informative driving tour through Cork, a brief stop at star-shaped Charlesfort, then time in the picturesque town of Kinsale for lunch/shopping/sightseeing. It rained buckets at Kinsale so was hard to enjoy it properly, but the whole day was well run and I was glad I had taken their tour. We were back to the ship when they said we'd be with no worries. Thanks for making me feel welcome and showing me your beautiful corner of the Emerald Isle.
eCoach's website was very clear about the tour itinerary and the booking process was smooth & efficient. They sent a follow-up e-mail to remind me when & where I was to meet them once I got off the ship. It was obvious they had done this tour many times as they had everything very well organized. (That's what gave me the confidence to book an independant tour as I was travelling alone). They were there where they said they'd be with signs to show us to the buses.
Our very nice guide Kevin and friendly, good driver Eddie did a great job of showing us around in a comfortable full sized bus. There was good information during the tour & a few jokes too. We had plenty of time at Blarney Castle, an informative driving tour through Cork, a brief stop at star-shaped Charlesfort, then time in the picturesque town of Kinsale for lunch/shopping/sightseeing. It rained buckets at Kinsale so was hard to enjoy it properly, but the whole day was well run and I was glad I had taken their tour. We were back to the ship when they said we'd be with no worries. Thanks for making me feel welcome and showing me your beautiful corner of the Emerald Isle.
Written 5 November 2016
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.
Lourdes V
Orlando, Florida, United States8 contributions
Sept 2014 • Solo
This tour was the first one I have ever used outside of the tours offered by the cruise lines. I was very favorably impressed! The bus was very nice and comfortable, the driver was excellent and the tour guide was superb! He gave us lots of information regarding our surroundings during the ride to Blarney Castle and quite an extensive tour afterwards. We were given plenty of time to go up the Castle steps and kiss the Blarney Stone and even had time to visit the Old Woolen Mill.
Upon my return to the ship I overheard some people complaining that the tour they had taken with the cruise line did not allow them time to visit inside the Castle and Stone therefore they were very disappointed. .
I was very glad to have opted for the eCoach Tour because Blarney Castle and Stone were one of the highlights of my trip!
I highly recommend this company!
Upon my return to the ship I overheard some people complaining that the tour they had taken with the cruise line did not allow them time to visit inside the Castle and Stone therefore they were very disappointed. .
I was very glad to have opted for the eCoach Tour because Blarney Castle and Stone were one of the highlights of my trip!
I highly recommend this company!
Written 1 October 2014
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.
2014MAN2014
Toronto, Canada14 contributions
Aug 2014 • Couples
We enjoyed the tour very much. Very good time management. No line up to buy the ticket at the castle entrance. The pub lunch recommend by the guise was good.
Written 30 September 2014
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.
Scenic34528999954
Ballwin, Missouri
Our ship, Royal Caribbean, Anthem, docks at 10:00 a.m. Will the Cobh (Cork) to Blarney Castle & Kinsale-Shore Excursion still be available? We depart at 8:00 p.m. & would probably have to be back by 7:00 p.m.
Written 23 January 2020
It is quite important to Tour companies that they return you to your ship at least an hour prior to sailing. You should make sure your guide knows when your ship is scheduled to depart and when you need to be onboard. Depending on arrival and departures, some itineraries are modified due to time constraints. Butler was quite prompt and provided a great tour.
Written 24 January 2020
Hi My Princess cruise docks in Cork at 9am and departs at 6pm. My wish is to kiss the blarney stone. Is that even possible with the time constraint and possibly long lines.
Written 19 May 2019
I would like to book a half day trip while my husband and I are in Cork with Princess Cruise on May 27th. What is available?
Thanks! Rose
Written 6 May 2018
Louise
Cork, Ireland
Hi Rose,
There is still availability on the half day tour at the moment. So pop onto ecoach. ie to book your place.
Many thanks,
Louise
Written 8 May 2018
quisiera saber si se puede tomar el tour en español, y como se contrata el tour, cuanto dura y que valor tiene
Written 1 May 2018
Louise
Cork, Ireland
Hi Clara,
Unfortunately eCoach don't have a Spanish speaking option on this tour at the moment.
Butlers Tours their sister brand may have an Spanish speaking option if you contact them directly. Butlers tours will give you all options and prices for the tour.
Hope this helps,
Louise
Written 1 May 2018
Hello, we will have a stay at Corbh on the 16th of July during our cruise. How can I book a tour with you to Blarnay Castle ? Kind regds.
Written 15 April 2018
Louise
Cork, Ireland
Good Morning Gabriele,
eCoach has a half and full day tour that you can book via the eCoach website. The half day (€39) tour sounds perfect for you below is a brief itinerary.
It is really easy to book just click the link to book online.
Warm regards
Louise
Kiss the legendary "Blarney Stone" and explore the magnificent gardens (admission included)
Shop at The Blarney Woollen Mills (The worlds largest Irish Store)
Driving Tour through Cork City.
Great "Craic" and running commentary from local guides
Modern Air Conditioned Coaches
Written 16 April 2018
Interested fro ship, to Cork, Jamison’s, and return to ship....oct5
Written 21 March 2018
Louise
Cork, Ireland
Hi Don,
Thanks for the enquiry.
We can give you a quote if you contact us on Butlers Tours.
Many thanks,
Louise
Written 22 March 2018
Do you have a tour from Cobh to Kinsale? If so, what is the time frame and cost? We will be in Cobh, Monday,7th, 2018. Also, is the a rugby tournament in Kinsale on that day? If so, do you expect a large crowd and how will it impact our time there?
Written 9 March 2018
Louise
Cork, Ireland
Hi Steve,
Thank you for your enquiry. We have both full day and half days tours available. All our tour itinerary and times are tailored to suit your ships sailing times and we don't foresee any issues with timings that day. It is a beautiful town to visit so I would recommend the full day tour which includes time Kinsale.
Louise
Written 9 March 2018
It is possible to book a seat on this tour on the day for the same price - be aware though that many dates are booked out fully in advance so it is always wiser to book your seat early.
Written 20 May 2017
Hello! We will be on a Princess cruise in May,2017 and would love to see the beauty of the landscape- cliffs,meadows,etc. All things "romantic " ! Could you please explain your tours and if you have different ones.Also what the cost will be. Are you GBP or Euros?
Many thanks.
Written 5 July 2016
It is Euro here in the Republic of Ireland. eCoach have one tour which goes to Blarney Castle, Cork City, Charlesfort, Kinsale and Cobh.
Written 5 July 2016
Information about local tour off the cruise ship
Written 27 July 2015
eCoach provide a comprehensive tour exclusively for cruise ship passengers in Cobh/Cork which goes to Blarney Castle, Cork city, Kinsale and Cobh
Written 28 July 2015
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