If you could only choose one

[Liv4Beach]

Cork, Ireland

 

Would you choose Blarney Castel, Woolen Mill Shop, and Kinsale

OR

Take train to Killarney National Park and Muckross House?

[casofilia]

Cork, Ireland

 

Would you choose Blarney Castel, Woolen Mill Shop, and Kinsale

OR

Take train to Killarney National Park and Muckross House?

 

 

I was looking at shorex out of Cobh with Princess and they had the first one going to Youghal rather than Kinsale so we were very interested as we had our honeymoon there in 1966!! When I phoned they wouldn't guarantee Youghal. We decided against that one after having read all about Blarney and the crowds and steps.

 

We chose West Cork's Scenic Wonders.

 

Mike

[ginabab]

Train

I haven't done this but I've seen wonderful pictures of Muckross at Filoli and would like to see it

[casofilia]

I don't know if you have looked into the train service. Remembering that you are probably docked in Cobh between 7.30am and 6pm and you have to get off the boat and then be back before 6pm the train service may be hectic.

 

I put in the latest date that a timetable was available at the moment between Cobh and Killarney; here is the link.

 

http://journeyplanner.irishrail.ie/bin/query.exe/en?OK#focus

 

Hope it works out.

 

Mike

[easyboy]

Cork, Ireland

 

Would you choose Blarney Castel, Woolen Mill Shop, and Kinsale

OR

Take train to Killarney National Park and Muckross House?

 

 

Have not taken either, but have booked the Best of Cork & Countryside for our Sept BI cruise.

[Potstech]

Blarney Castle, Woolin Mill shop. Both busy tourist traps but cheapest place to buy Irish Sweaters. Buy so much and they will ship them free anywhere.

[Thrak]

Cork, Ireland

 

Would you choose Blarney Castel, Woolen Mill Shop, and Kinsale

OR

Take train to Killarney National Park and Muckross House?

 

 

We have never been there but... We would likely take the first one. I need to kiss the stone and anything to do with Woolen Mill Shop would make my wife's eyes light up big time. :)

[UT-Volsfan]

We enjoyed the Blarney Castle visit several years ago. We didn't do a ship tour; we checked with cab drivers at the dock area and hired one for the day to drive us to Blarney Castle and some other great spots.

 

Sent from my SM-G930V using Forums mobile app

[Times Prince]

Cork, Ireland

 

Would you choose Blarney Castel, Woolen Mill Shop, and Kinsale

OR

Take train to Killarney National Park and Muckross House?

Obviously, this is a question of what floats YOUR boat. We've been to both locations on a land tour.

 

Blarney Castle - historical place, beautiful grounds and surroundings, and kissing the stone is not mandatory or for the faint of heart should you fear heights.

Woolen Mill Shop - this is arguably the best place in Ireland to buy Irish souvenirs of any kind. They have everything from Donegal Tweed caps to knit sweaters, to shirts, to jewelry (we bought a Claddagh ring for our daughter there), to tin whistles.

 

Killarney National Park - very peaceful place, but in our experience, not really much to do there. Can't tell you much about the house - we didn't tour it, having already toured an Irish manor house in the Dublin area.

 

On our last Princess TA cruise, we considered going to the Ring of Kerry (relatives there), but decided against it due to travel time, and limited port time. One other thing affected our decision - the ship didn't dock in Cobh, but across the bay due to another ship and Titanic celebration in Cobh.

[jasbo49]

Cork, Ireland

 

Would you choose Blarney Castel, Woolen Mill Shop, and Kinsale

OR

Take train to Killarney National Park and Muckross House?

 

 

I'd go for the second option. We chose the first last September and found Kinsale to be a lot of fun, but found Blarney a bunch of hooey.

 

Jim

[caribill]

Blarney Castle is fascinating to go through even if you do not kiss the famous stone.

[Lucky TGO]

Blarney Castle is fascinating to go through even if you do not kiss the famous stone.

I agree!!

Tony

[flamomo]

We found Kinsale to be delightful.

[Hopeless67]

Cork, Ireland

 

Would you choose Blarney Castel, Woolen Mill Shop, and Kinsale

OR

Take train to Killarney National Park and Muckross House?

 

 

We have been to both and I would chose Killarney National Park and Muckross House. Blarney is to crowded and to many steps.

[Tripin']

Cork, Ireland

 

Would you choose Blarney Castel, Woolen Mill Shop, and Kinsale

OR

Take train to Killarney National Park and Muckross House?

 

 

I'd choose Muckross Houise. It was one of my favorite tours of all time.

[dfields1814]

I would do neither. I would save some money and hang out in Cobh, one of my favorite Irish cities. They have an excellent small museum on immigration just feet away from where the ship docks. They have a nice cathedral. Not to mention a few good pubs where you can meet locals. When we were there about 8 years ago, they had some art stores near the dock that my wife enjoyed. I am not big on Blarney Castle, very touristy. Back in the 70's we were warned not to kiss the stone in that drunk locals would go there at night and pee on it. I am sure that problem is solved by now. I am not big on shopping but I think you could find some shops in the city that sells Irish textiles etc.

[bendar06]

A word regarding the Woolen Mill Store: be sure to check out the seconds or irregular bin for some outstanding pricing! As usual - caveat emptor.

[Alcairns]

I agree with dfields1814 we did a guided walking tour of Cobh which included amongst others the museum and the wonderful cathedral. The tour ended in a pub for an Irish coffee or Guinness. The guide, a local school teacher, was excellent and explained the towns connections with the Titanic, lusitania and the potato famine emigrants.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

[Mary Ellen1]

I hate to say it, but Blarney Castle makes the list on every "what NOT to see in Ireland" list. Too touristy, and not really super-historically-significant. Unlike, say the Rock of Cashel.

 

Cobh has a lot to offer, as mentioned. The Cobh Heritage Centre is fantastic.

 

Kinsale is amazing. If you're intrepid enough to venture there on your own, there's a walking tour that's not to be missed. It's recommended in a number of guide books. http://www.historicstrollkinsale.com

[Liv4Beach]

Thank you everyone for all your help and ideas !

[HLGW60]

Princess has a shore excursion to Killarney by train that says you board the train near the pier. Stops include free time in Killarney with lunch. You take a motor coach to see Muckross House, Ross Castle, and Torque Falls. Says they serve scones & tea on the train both going and coming. Pricey but at least you are assured that the ship will wait on you if you are delayed.