Culture & Craic of Ireland

Southampton offers fast and efficient check-in areas, spacious departure lounges with seating areas, café-bars and smart washrooms. If you wish to travel by car and park for the duration of your cruise, you can pay for and reserve parking in advance directly with the relevant company. Alternatively, if being dropped off or collected by taxi or private car, they can drive right up alongside the terminal building.

Dun Laorghaire, pronounced Dunleary, is an elegant little coastal town situated close to Dublin and is steeped in history. You’ll be sure to receive a traditional Irish welcome as you step ashore and begin your explorations. Breathe in the Irish sea air as you take a stroll along the mile-long East Pier Walk, marvelling at the stunning views across Dublin Bay, passing by the beautiful Victorian bandstand, as small boats quietly sail in and out of the harbour. Explore the People’s Park, created as a formal Victorian Garden, encircled by wrought iron railings, and housing a multitude of landscaped lawns and sweet-smelling flowers. Each weekend, market vendors bring colourful art collections and local produce here, drawing visitors in to browse contentedly. The famous James Joyce Tower and Museum, noted for its appearance in the opening scenes of the novel Ulysses, now houses many artefacts of Joyce, including letters, photographs and rare first edition books. For those feeling brave eno…

The charming seaside town of Cobh, situated in Cork harbour, has served as a route in and out of Ireland for centuries. Formerly known as Queenstown before locals reverted back to the old Irish name in 1922, Cobh was the embarkation point for 2.5 million people who emigrated to America from the 'Emerald Isle' between 1848 and 1950, and was famously the Titanic's final port of call on her ill-fated maiden voyage in 1912. Today, the town sat in world's second largest natural harbour, is known more for its brightly coloured houses and imposing, Gothic revival-style St. Colman's Cathedral, which overlooks the harbour from a dramatically steep hill. At the centre, a number of attractions point to Cobh's fascinating past. The Cobh Heritage Centre examines the gruelling potato famine period, the town’s museum explores Cobh's maritime heritage and the impact of RMS Lusitania's sinking nearby, and the Titanic Experience, where a virtual version of ship's infamous voyage can be experienced.

Southampton offers fast and efficient check-in areas, spacious departure lounges with seating areas, café-bars and smart washrooms. If you wish to travel by car and park for the duration of your cruise, you can pay for and reserve parking in advance directly with the relevant company. Alternatively, if being dropped off or collected by taxi or private car, they can drive right up alongside the terminal building.