What to do in the Ports? (British Isles)

[chiburple]

We just booked the 7-night Brittish Isles cruise for next year and we're very excited but also a little intimidated figuring out what to do in each port. Our cruise is making the following stops:

BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND
GREENOCK
LIVERPOOL
RINGASKIDDY (CORK), IRELAND
PORTLAND

If anyone has been to any of these ports do you have any recommendations for what to do - whether it's a Disney excursion, a non-Disney excursion, or exploring on our own? Would love any tips!

 

[TikiThunderPirates]

Ringskiddy is the secondary port for Cobh (pronounced Cove) Ireland. It is not the easiest to connect to Cobh from here (Cork is easier) but in my opinion the highlight of this area is Cobh. Cobh was the last stop of the Titanic before heading to sea. It is also the place many families boarded a ship to immigrate from Ireland to the USA. The town is charming with cute shops, several small museums covering immigration and the Titanic. This area is also home to the Jameson Distillery, which is in Middleton, which is also a fun town to walk around, shop and grab a tea and scone in. Because you are porting into Ringskiddy and not Cobh directly (it only has one berth) I would recommend booking a private driver/guide (not through Disney) for the day if you have any interest in Cobh or the Jameson Distillery. If you are more interested in what Cork has to offer (large market, the gaol, cathedrals, museums and pubs) you can get a train to Cork, or use DCL transportation - they have offered it in the past from the port to Cork.

In Portland England the most common destination is Stonehenge. If that is something that interests you, thats the thing to do from Portland. We chose to do a Port Adventure through DCL that took you to a private manor house for the day. This house had great gardens that are open to the public, but the inside of the house is not open for the general public. Only group bookings. After a short introduction from the Lord of the manor, we were left to explore the entire first floor on our own and welcomed to make ourselves at home. IE there were no ropes or barriers and we were allowed to sit in the drawing room etc. We were also served a cream tea, and had time to wander the gardens. If you enjoy things like Downton Abby, (although a much smaller house) this was a great experience.

I haven't had a chance to go to Belfast, but I know they have a Titanic museum that a lot of people enjoy.
One thing to keep an eye out for, on the last several British Isles sailings DCL has brought on a music group called the Shamrock Tenors to do entertainment. They do Irish folk music and are outstanding. If they are on your sailing, be sure to check out their show.

Have fun on your cruise. Happy planning.

 

[chiburple]

Ringskiddy is the secondary port for Cobh (pronounced Cove) Ireland. It is not the easiest to connect to Cobh from here (Cork is easier) but in my opinion the highlight of this area is Cobh. Cobh was the last stop of the Titanic before heading to sea. It is also the place many families boarded a ship to immigrate from Ireland to the USA. The town is charming with cute shops, several small museums covering immigration and the Titanic. This area is also home to the Jameson Distillery, which is in Middleton, which is also a fun town to walk around, shop and grab a tea and scone in. Because you are porting into Ringskiddy and not Cobh directly (it only has one berth) I would recommend booking a private driver/guide (not through Disney) for the day if you have any interest in Cobh or the Jameson Distillery. If you are more interested in what Cork has to offer (large market, the gaol, cathedrals, museums and pubs) you can get a train to Cork, or use DCL transportation - they have offered it in the past from the port to Cork.

In Portland England the most common destination is Stonehenge. If that is something that interests you, thats the thing to do from Portland. We chose to do a Port Adventure through DCL that took you to a private manor house for the day. This house had great gardens that are open to the public, but the inside of the house is not open for the general public. Only group bookings. After a short introduction from the Lord of the manor, we were left to explore the entire first floor on our own and welcomed to make ourselves at home. IE there were no ropes or barriers and we were allowed to sit in the drawing room etc. We were also served a cream tea, and had time to wander the gardens. If you enjoy things like Downton Abby, (although a much smaller house) this was a great experience.

I haven't had a chance to go to Belfast, but I know they have a Titanic museum that a lot of people enjoy.
One thing to keep an eye out for, on the last several British Isles sailings DCL has brought on a music group called the Shamrock Tenors to do entertainment. They do Irish folk music and are outstanding. If they are on your sailing, be sure to check out their show.

Have fun on your cruise. Happy planning.

Thank you so much for your help!!

 

[Intr3pid]

If you are comfortable driving, it will open up a lot more of the country to you.

In Ringaskiggy, check out Great Island car rentals: https://www.greatislandcarrentals.com/. You can pick up and drop off your car right at the cruise terminal. There are direct buses from the port to Cork, while the train station is about a 20-minute walk away.

While most British Isles cruises don't allow you to visit the best Irish attractions - those in/around Dublin, along the Ring of Kerry, or at Skellig Michael - Cork is still a great city to tour. You can go all the way to Blarney Castle past Cork. While Cobh is charming, I wouldn't spare a whole day in town when you are docked in Ringaskiddy.

From Greenock, you can catch the train to Glasgow or Edinburgh. Edinburgh has much more history to it, but the train takes about two hours in each direction. Once in Edinburgh, you can explore the Royal Mile and old town very efficiently.

Belfast has the Titanic Museum, Ulster Museum, gaol, etc. With a car, you can the visit the Giant's Causeway in the morning and then stop in the city in the afternoon on the way back.

Liverpool has a lot of Beatles memorabilia as well as a football/soccer theme, which you can pursue if you have interest. The city has its own museums and cathedrals, or you can drive to Manchester or the Lake District/Peak District national parks.

The port of Portland doesn't allow you to walk around on your own, and there isn't much to do on the peninsular island. Best to take a tour to a nearby attraction - Stonehenge, Jurassic Coast, etc. If you can find a rental or a private driver, check out the Lulworth Cove Cliffs on the Jurassic Coast.

 

[chiburple]

If you are comfortable driving, it will open up a lot more of the country to you.

In Ringaskiggy, check out Great Island car rentals: https://www.greatislandcarrentals.com/. You can pick up and drop off your car right at the cruise terminal. There are direct buses from the port to Cork, while the train station is about a 20-minute walk away.

While most British Isles cruises don't allow you to visit the best Irish attractions - those in/around Dublin, along the Ring of Kerry, or at Skellig Michael - Cork is still a great city to tour. You can go all the way to Blarney Castle past Cork. While Cobh is charming, I wouldn't spare a whole day in town when you are docked in Ringaskiddy.

From Greenock, you can catch the train to Glasgow or Edinburgh. Edinburgh has much more history to it, but the train takes about two hours in each direction. Once in Edinburgh, you can explore the Royal Mile and old town very efficiently.

Belfast has the Titanic Museum, Ulster Museum, gaol, etc. With a car, you can the visit the Giant's Causeway in the morning and then stop in the city in the afternoon on the way back.

Liverpool has a lot of Beatles memorabilia as well as a football/soccer theme, which you can pursue if you have interest. The city has its own museums and cathedrals, or you can drive to Manchester or the Lake District/Peak District national parks.

The port of Portland doesn't allow you to walk around on your own, and there isn't much to do on the peninsular island. Best to take a tour to a nearby attraction - Stonehenge, Jurassic Coast, etc. If you can find a rental or a private driver, check out the Lulworth Cove Cliffs on the Jurassic Coast.

Thank you very much! I think we'll shy away from driving, but trains we can definitely do! Really appreciate your help!

 

[Louise97]

As a native Glaswegian it pains me to say this, but Edinburgh might be your better option for a day trip from Greenock, despite the additional travel time. The best parts of Glasgow are quite spread out whereas there is lots in the centre of Edinburgh for you to do in a short space of time. That being said, I see DCL have a Glasgow port adventure which includes Kelvingrove Gallery (GR02) - Kelvingrove is excellent and I'd definitely recommend a visit if you choose to do Glasgow.

 

[chiburple]

As a native Glaswegian it pains me to say this, but Edinburgh might be your better option for a day trip from Greenock, despite the additional travel time. The best parts of Glasgow are quite spread out whereas there is lots in the centre of Edinburgh for you to do in a short space of time. That being said, I see DCL have a Glasgow port adventure which includes Kelvingrove Gallery (GR02) - Kelvingrove is excellent and I'd definitely recommend a visit if you choose to do Glasgow.

Thank you! I just googled Kelvingrove and it looks gorgeous

 

[Chipmunkmaniac]

We just booked the 7-night Brittish Isles cruise for next year and we're very excited but also a little intimidated figuring out what to do in each port. Our cruise is making the following stops:

BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND
GREENOCK
LIVERPOOL
RINGASKIDDY (CORK), IRELAND
PORTLAND

If anyone has been to any of these ports do you have any recommendations for what to do - whether it's a Disney excursion, a non-Disney excursion, or exploring on our own? Would love any tips!

I'm not gonna lie, BI was my least favorite itinerary of all the European Cruises I've done. I was expecting to find more tours orientated towards scenery/cliffs etc like on The Iceland/Scotland cruise....
Belfast I was planning to do the Titanic museum on my own but all slots were taken by tours and groups til later in the afternoon so I ended up just walking around.
Greenock you can catch a train to Glasgow but by then I was so tired by all the cities I just did the hike uphill for the scenery and packed (it was our last portday and the next day was our one and only seaday)
Liverpool I did a walkingtour on my own but wasn't too impressed by the city.
Cork, we stopped in Cobh but same issue or that prison island as Belfast Titanic. Slots on your own weren't until later in the afternoon available so I took the train to Cork. Saw some pretty churches there but mostly a city...
Portland, I didn't do Stonehenge cause I did it before. Wanted to do the Jurassic thing on my own but it was already considered low season so public transporation didn't work out with just two busses a day each direction. Taxi for one would just be superexpensive. ended up visiting Weymouth on my own (free shuttle) but luckily it was a nice day for a boardwalk walk cause there was really not much to see.
HENCE my advice, make sure you find port adventures you like (or tours booked privately) and don't wait til you re there!

 

[insureman]

The port of Portland doesn't allow you to walk around on your own, and there isn't much to do on the peninsular island. Best to take a tour to a nearby attraction - Stonehenge, Jurassic Coast, etc. If you can find a rental or a private driver, check out the Lulworth Cove Cliffs on the Jurassic Coast.

When we did Portland (replaced Plymouth) on the West bound transatlantic this past September DCL had free shuttles that took us into Weymouth , a nice little seaside town. We really enjoyed it.

 

[chiburple]

Hmm... I see responses come to my email box but when I click here to respond they seem to disappear. I think Disboards or my computer is glitching, but just want to say thank you for all the responses and advice! I'm reading them all - even if I don't see them here to respond directly

 

[hmsTigger]

There is much history in Belfast and we have done the Free Walking Tours (Tip)
and the Black Taxi tours offering a glimpse of both sides during the Troubles. Excellent!
Google Belfast Walking Tours Both visits we did walking tours and had amazing guides and experiences. Love to go back. Book early as when shops are in port, tours sell out quickly.

Greenock: We did Edinburgh Thought this was a 4 hr tound trip bus trip It did not diappoint. We combined the Castle tour with the HMS Britannica. Excellent!

Liverpool: Walked around the wharf area, did a Beatles 2 hour taxi guided tour, the Cathedral, and Cavern Club.

 

[chiburple]

There is much history in Belfast and we have done the Free Walking Tours (Tip)
and the Black Taxi tours offering a glimpse of both sides during the Troubles. Excellent!
Google Belfast Walking Tours Both visits we did walking tours and had amazing guides and experiences. Love to go back. Book early as when shops are in port, tours sell out quickly.

Greenock: We did Edinburgh Thought this was a 4 hr tound trip bus trip It did not diappoint. We combined the Castle tour with the HMS Britannica. Excellent!

Liverpool: Walked around the wharf area, did a Beatles 2 hour taxi guided tour, the Cathedral, and Cavern Club.

Thank you!!

 

[merfsko]

I know it's not as popular, but we spent our Greenock port day in Glasgow and had blast! We took the train into the city, and then used the subway to do what was essentially a museum crawl. (https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums#venues). It was a very full day but we LOVED it.

 

[chiburple]

I know it's not as popular, but we spent our Greenock port day in Glasgow and had blast! We took the train into the city, and then used the subway to do what was essentially a museum crawl. (https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums#venues). It was a very full day but we LOVED it.

Thank you very much for the suggestion!

 

[ldo]

Belfast: we did the small group tour to Giants Causeway. Stops also at castle ruins and the small village and good (short) city tour upon return. Very educational about N Ireland conflict. Loved it. www.odysseycoachtours.co.uk
Greenock: DIY train to Stirling Castle, fairly easy. I think we had to walk a bit to change trains/stations, no issues for active family with teens-it was a fine day, but would not DIY with mobility issues or younger kids. For that, I'd use Wow Scotland, which we will use our next trip to see more of the countryside.
WOW Scotland Tours | Telephone 01808 511773 | info@wowscotlandtours.com
Cork: Blarney/Kinsale Tour with eCoach (eCoach.ie), large bus, all cruise passengers booked independently. If you can get a group together, Butler's (maybe from same company) used to have charter minibuses+. They were sold out on our dates. Email to ask if they'll pick up at port other than Cobh.
We were very satisfied with both tour operators. We enjoyed the BI a lot.

 

[CarolynU]

Liverpool is a city full of detail about popular culture of the 60’s. It’s of interest to anyone who wishes to immerse themselves in the origins of The British Invasion as it’s termed.
There are tours to see the houses of George Harrison and pass by those of Paul Mcartney and John Lennon. You end up in the place where it all started the re-imagined Cavern Club.
Or there is another tour which takes you inside the childhood homes of Paul and John.
Down on Albert Dock there is a much more touristy place with some original suits etc and also a museum which has historical significance connected to The Slave Trade. That’s just a fraction of the points of interest in Liverpool but to be honest you do have to be interested in the musical connection most of all.

 

[chiburple]

Liverpool is a city full of detail about popular culture of the 60’s. It’s of interest to anyone who wishes to immerse themselves in the origins of The British Invasion as it’s termed.
There are tours to see the houses of George Harrison and pass by those of Paul Mcartney and John Lennon. You end up in the place where it all started the re-imagined Cavern Club.
Or there is another tour which takes you inside the childhood homes of Paul and John.
Down on Albert Dock there is a much more touristy place with some original suits etc and also a museum which has historical significance connected to The Slave Trade. That’s just a fraction of the points of interest in Liverpool but to be honest you do have to be interested in the musical connection most of all.

Thank you!!

 

[chiburple]

Belfast: we did the small group tour to Giants Causeway. Stops also at castle ruins and the small village and good (short) city tour upon return. Very educational about N Ireland conflict. Loved it. www.odysseycoachtours.co.uk
Greenock: DIY train to Stirling Castle, fairly easy. I think we had to walk a bit to change trains/stations, no issues for active family with teens-it was a fine day, but would not DIY with mobility issues or younger kids. For that, I'd use Wow Scotland, which we will use our next trip to see more of the countryside.
WOW Scotland Tours | Telephone 01808 511773 | info@wowscotlandtours.com
Cork: Blarney/Kinsale Tour with eCoach (eCoach.ie), large bus, all cruise passengers booked independently. If you can get a group together, Butler's (maybe from same company) used to have charter minibuses+. They were sold out on our dates. Email to ask if they'll pick up at port other than Cobh.
We were very satisfied with both tour operators. We enjoyed the BI a lot.

Very helpful! Thank you!!!

 

[hedwigowl73]

We plan to do the Titanic tours in Belfast and Cork. I am very excited to see Southampton, Belfast, and Cork, as I am a huge Titanic buff. We plan to do the Stonehenge tour at the Portland stop. I don't know what we will do in Greenock as we've been to Edinburgh. We were in Edinburgh during the Fringe festival. We went to Edinburgh Castle and to Holyrood Palace. There is so much to see, depending on which era of history you're into at the time. It was Mary, Queen of Scots for me at that time.

 

[Dznypal]

Hi OP we just booked this cruise a few weeks ago--cant wait

thanks for asking these questions as I was wondering too--about tours

happy cruising