Cork (Cobh), Ireland

Uncovering authentic local finds and having experiences that make you feel like you’ve really connected with a place are important elements in ensuring an extraordinary vacation. We’re taking advantage of our partnership with Travel + Leisure to get their editors’ recommendations and insider tips on the places you will want to visit. Here are their picks for just one of the 150 destinations they covered.

Must-Sees from the Editors of
Travel + Leisure

Patrick Street
Boutiques, cafés, and a handful of storied department stores—Marks & Spencer and Brown Thomas, among others—line this shopping avenue in central Cork. A recent renovation widened the sidewalks to be more stroll-friendly and refreshed storefronts, some of which feature the city’s classic bow-front Georgian windows.

St. Anne’s Church
Built in 1772, this red sandstone church is most famous for its eight bells, the inspiration behind the Irish choral song “The Bells of Shandon.” Travelers who climb the tower can ring the bells themselves; panoramic city views are another reward for making the narrow 120-foot climb.

Blarney Castle
The castle is a glorious ruin and the nearby village green is one of Ireland’s most charming. But the main reason to visit? To kiss that famous Blarney Stone. And it’s quite a production: you climb the castle walls, lie on your back, and drop your head uncomfortably into an opening in the floor, while two burly lads grip your shoulders to keep you from tumbling.

Be sure to visit our Shore Excursions page or speak with our onboard Destination Concierge for arrangements to any of these must-sees.

To learn more about this exciting port, please refer to our Port Explorer guide.