Glasgow, Dublin, Cobh

[Islandbuoy]

Looking for recommendations from past cruisers for shore excursions in these ports. Thanks!

[cruisequeen10]

Looking for recommendations from past cruisers for shore excursions in these ports. Thanks!

We didn't do any shore excursions in these ports, but in Dublin, we took the shuttle downtown and went to Dublin castle and in Cobh, right beside where the ship docks, there is a museum. This was the last port of call for the Titanic and there are a few things from there. When my mother came over from Germany in 1926, this was the last port of call until Halifax for her. Of course she was on 6 at the time, so didn't remember it. The port of Cobh used to be called Queenstown back in the day of Queen Victoria. When the Queen took the throne, she renamed the town of Cobh to Queenstown and when she died, they changed it back to Cobh. It is a very quaint place. When we were there, the clouds were black and the sun was shining through and up on a hill was a church and when I took a picture of it, it looked quite weird.

[2bout2c]

You didn't say when, but we did the Military Tattoo in Edinburg as a tour on our Glascow stop in 2005. In Ireland, we hired a car and driver on our own and just went all over the countryside.

[DFD1]

In Cobh, if you have the time, I would suggest hiring a car and driving thru the west of County Cork down to the town of Kinsale, a charming seaside town in a beautiful part of Ireland.

Cork City, the third largest city in Ireland and very interesting, is also within easy driving distance of Cobh.

In Dublin, take a taxi or the city rail system (DART) into the city center, Trinity College with the Book of Kells, St. Stephens Green and the wonderful shopping street...Grafton Street...and all within walking distance of each other.

[obriendan]

Like cruisequeen10, in Dublin we just took the shuttle into town and toured on our own. In Cobh, we took the tour of Cork that ended at the Jameson distillery. Nothing exceptional, but we enjoyed it.

When you arrive in Cobh, have your cameras ready. There is an absolutely stunning church on the hill above the harbor and city.

[karen2cruz]

Dublin Attractions:
Chief O' Neill's Chimney Viewing Tower
Christ Church Cathedral
Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre
Dublin Castle
Dublin Writers Museum
Guinness Storehouse
James Joyce Museum
Kilmainham Gaol
Malahide Castle
National Botanic Gardens
National Gallery of Ireland
National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology and History
National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History
National Museum of Natural History
Number Twenty Nine - Georgian House Museum
Rathfarnham Castle
Saint Patrick's Cathedral
St Audoen's Church
Tara's Palace
The Bram Stoker Dracula Experience
The Fry Model Railway
The James Joyce Centre
The Old Jameson Distillery
The Shaw Birthplace
Trinity College Library - contains the Book of Kells

Glasgow - agree with above - the Military Tatoo in Edinburgh is fabulous, well the Edinburgh castle is fabulous as is all of Edinburgh
Glasgow Cathedral -#1attraction

Cobh - agree with above - any of the suggestions are great

Wish I were in these cities again! Have a great time

[Islandbuoy]

if you had but 1 day in each port, what would you do??

[karen2cruz]

Depends on what you like -

Dublin -
-if you like drinking the guiness tour is fun (we hear)
-if you like history - st patricks cathedral, dublin castle, trinity college and writers museum can all be done in a day

Glasgow - personally -going to Edinburgh
see picture -
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www1.cs.columbia.edu/~sedwards/photos/edinburgh200504/20050402-8040_Edinburgh_Castle_at_night.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www1.cs.columbia.edu/~sedwards/photos/edinburgh200504/6.html&h=1352&w=2428&sz=218&hl=en&start=6&tbnid=104qEEp3rfUZ3M:&tbnh=84&tbnw=150&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dedinburgh%2Bcastle%26svnum%3D10%26hl% 3Den%26lr%3D

[DFD1]

Your mention of the Tattoo in Edinburgh brought back wonderful memories of a week there some years ago. We love Edinburgh, stayed in a dorm room at Edinburgh University, one block off the Royal Mile, and walked to the Tattoo.

Had an absolutely incredible time in this most fascinating city.

[kelhair]

My husband and I are both of Irish ancestory and have traveled to that beautiful island twice. Both were extensive trips. Dublin options have been detailed so I won't repeat that. But what I do want so sincerely to encourage you to do is when in Cobh try to visit Kinsale as a previous poster suggested.

It is like a fairy tale. When we were walking the cobblestone streets I told my husband that I felt like we were in Fantasyland (at one of the Disney parks.) I really think Walt must have visted Kinsale prior to the Anaheim Disneyland opening. I kept expecting Pinnichio to appear.

Kinsale is also known as the gourmet capital of Ireland. The restaurants are fabulous. Also, if you do go please try to visit Kinsale Crystal. Anyone can direct you there. The owner was trained at the Waterford factory where he worked for many years. His work is exquisite and less expensive than Waterford. I bought a beautiful pair of candlestick holders that I treasure.

Regards,
Kelly

I promise you (and I don't usually make my opinions so bold on these boards) that you will love every minute of your visit to this beautiful harbor town.

We can't wait to return there!

[saltydog28]

If you are really into Irish history, I would suggest, Kilmainham Gaol (jail). There is also an Irish Jewish Museum in Dublin. If you are into shopping-Grafton St. It's right beside Trinity College. And off of Grafton St there's St. Teresa's Church. Then there is St. Stephen's Green. Well, you really can't do much in 1 day. Whatever you do plan it ahead of time.

Take care,
Pat.

[Cruiseoften]

Glasgow is a truly vibrant city and has much to offer - The Art Gallery; Burrell Collection; Crystal Palace to name a few; fab shopping and the friendliest people in the world!

Edinburgh, in comparison is 'stuffy' and once you've seen Princes Street, and the Castle, you've seen Edinburgh. However, if you're there at Tatoo Time, that's a must.