COBH, IRELAND

After a short drive through the rolling countryside we will arrive at the Imperial Hotel and commence our walking tour from here. Leaving the South Mall – one of the most gracious streets in the city – we will cross Parnell Bridge and stop for a while to enjoy the view.

Cork is a city of steeples and bridges and was made for walking. From many vantagepoints it can all be seen at a glance, as it is a compact city in size yet diverse in its range of activities. The city centre has streets lined with a multitude of shops, arcades and boutiques. The atmosphere is mildly cosmopolitan yet engagingly Irish. Pleasantly spread out amongst the hills that rise up on both sides of the River Lee, the city centre is actually a small island between two channels of the river and a plethora of bridges. After a short drive through the rolling countryside we will arrive at the Imperial Hotel and commence our walking tour from here. Leaving the South Mall – one of the most gracious streets in the city – we will cross Parnell Bridge and stop for a while to enjoy the view. We can see City Hall, elegant in its classical lines and its glistening limestone, the fluted columns of the Savings Bank, the modern lines of the College of Commerce and Morrison’s Island. Strolling further the slender spire of the Holy Trinity Church rises up across the river. We stop for a while at the Parliament Bridge with its gracious arch and its gleam of limestone and as we approach the South Gate Bridge the three spires of St Finbarr’s Cathedral, part of the city skyline, suddenly come into view. Designed and built by William Burgess the city has been given a church full of exuberance. Its style is all things romantic, ornate and possibly even exotic. There is time for an inside visit and some photos. Then it is time to stroll down Sharman Crawford to Clarkes Bridge – one of the most atmospheric places in the whole of the city. Despite the bustling city surrounding it, this bridge has remained tranquil and quaint. It dates from 1776 and, with its hump back and red slate, it is an enduring reminder of old times, yet it was so solidly constructed that today it carries a stream of double-decker buses. Departing this quiet corner of the city it is time for the hustle and bustle of the main thoroughfares of city life. The classical limestone façade of the Courthouse, located in a street full of red brick buildings is one of the most enduring sights of the city. As we walk onto North Main Street and through Castle Street we will suddenly find ourselves in a very cosmopolitan part of the city, full of pedestrian lanes, cafés, bookshops, antique shops and the people of Cork going about their business. We shall now have time to browse independently and maybe do a little shopping before rejoining our guide and coach for the return journey to the ship.

As this is a walking tour - only guests who are fit and energetic should partake in it. Guests should be prepared to walk or stand for approximately two and a half hours and cover approximately two kilometres (three miles) of walking at different levels – some uphill, some cobblestones, and some flat walking. It should be noted that the English Market (not visited) will be closed as our call falls on a Sunday.

THIS DESCRIPTION IS CORRECT FOR 2007 CRUISES