Itinerary : Southampton, Cork, Southampton



1 other departures
MSC Virtuosa
5 d
Inside Stateroom
Southampton
10/15/2026
from
$ 473
Other departures:
29 Sep 2026

7 cruises found
A cruise to Ireland offers a vibrant introduction to the landscapes and cities of the North Atlantic: Dublin and its historic pubs, Cobh and its colorful houses overlooking the harbor, Belfast and its maritime heritage, the Cliffs of Moher, the roads of Kerry, and the ports along the Wild Atlantic Way.
The journey combines rugged coastline, Gaelic culture, music, castles, gardens, distilleries, small harbor towns, and pivotal chapters of history. Depending on the itinerary, the experience can be highly cultural, scenic, culinary, family-friendly, or more upscale as part of a cruise around the British Isles.
Your search criteria:
Ireland
Itinerary : Southampton, Cork, Southampton



1 other departures
MSC Virtuosa
5 d
Inside Stateroom
Southampton
10/15/2026
from
$ 473
Other departures:
29 Sep 2026
Itinerary : Southampton, Cornwall, Cork, Dun Laoghaire, Belfast, Liverpool, Southampton



Majestic Princess
8 d
Inside Stateroom
Southampton
03/31/2028
from
$ 1,838
Itinerary : Southampton, Cornwall, Cork, Dun Laoghaire, Liverpool, Belfast, Greenock, Invergordon, Edinburgh, Le Havre, Southampton



Majestic Princess
13 d
Inside Stateroom
Southampton
08/18/2028
from
$ 3,039
Itinerary : Southampton, Portland, Cornwall, Cork, Dun Laoghaire, Belfast, Greenock, Invergordon, Edinburgh, Le Havre, Southampton



Majestic Princess
13 d
Inside Stateroom
Southampton
07/25/2028
from
$ 3,062
Itinerary : Hamburg, Cork, Dun Laoghaire, Belfast, Greenock, Kirkwall, Invergordon, Hamburg



MSC Preziosa
11 d
Suite
Hamburg
09/03/2026
from
$ 3,184
Itinerary : Southampton, Edinburgh, Invergordon, Greenock, Belfast, Dun Laoghaire, Cork, Cornwall, Portland, Le Havre, Southampton



Majestic Princess
13 d
Inside Stateroom
Southampton
08/30/2028
from
$ 3,261
Itinerary : Cork, Kinsale, Bantry, Dingle, Galway, Killybegs, Portrush, Dublin



L Austral
8 d
Ocean view Stateroom
Cork
05/25/2027
from
$ 7,643
| Season | Weather & swimming | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
May - June (Shoulder season) | Long days and lighter crowds. The landscapes are lush and green, the light is beautiful, and the best-known sites are often more enjoyable than at the height of summer. | An excellent time for Dublin, Cobh, Belfast, and coastal excursions, with a good balance of weather, light, and comfortable sightseeing conditions. |
July - August (Peak summer) The mildest and liveliest time of year. Temperatures are often more pleasant, days are long, and cities such as Dublin, Galway, and Belfast are buzzing. Ideal if you want to maximize outdoor activities. The best-known sites can be busier, especially in Dublin and Cobh and at the major viewpoints in the west. | ||
September - October (Shoulder season) | Quieter and sometimes wonderfully atmospheric. The weather becomes more variable, but the light, colors, and pubs create a distinctly Irish atmosphere. | A very good choice for travelers willing to accept some uncertainty in the weather in exchange for a more local atmosphere and less crowded sites. |
November - April (Cruise off-season) | Cruise options are more limited and the weather is harsher. Days are short, rain is more frequent, and fewer cruise itineraries are available. | Best considered for specific trips or land extensions. For a classic cruise around the British Isles, May through October is generally more comfortable. |
Cruise hotspots in Ireland range from port cities and spectacular natural sites to scenic roads and places of historic significance. The weather can change quickly, but it is also part of the journey's atmosphere.

Dublin
Trinity College, Temple Bar, the cathedrals, and the Guinness Storehouse make for an activity-packed, distinctly Irish port call.

In Cobh
The harbor, cathedral, colorful houses, and Titanic history make for an enjoyable maritime port call that is easy to explore.

Belfast
Titanic Belfast, the murals, and the historic shipyards give the city a strong identity.

At the Cliffs of Moher
The towering cliffs and open sea offer one of western Ireland's most iconic views.

In Connemara
The lakes, moors, mountains, and wild roads reveal a quieter side of Ireland.

On the Causeway Coast
The Giant's Causeway, cliffs, and seaside villages make this one of the premier excursions from Belfast.

From atop the natural ramparts of the Cliffs of Moher
The views of the Atlantic, seabirds, and sheer rock faces are striking.

From Cobh
The colorful hillside houses and cathedral above the harbor create an instantly recognizable scene.

At the Giant's Causeway
The basalt columns and waves create a unique landscape, especially in changing weather.

Dublin
Historic pubs, live music, and central neighborhoods create an immediate sense of place during the port call.

In Galway
The lively streets, musicians, and seafood restaurants make western Ireland feel especially welcoming.

In Kinsale
Excellent restaurants, fresh fish, and colorful lanes offer a more leisurely break from Cobh or Cork.
Arrive in Cobh and walk up to St. Colman's Cathedral
Cobh often leaves a lasting impression because the port of call unfolds as soon as you arrive: the harbor, colorful houses, cathedral above the town, and Titanic history create a distinctly Irish scene. It is easy to explore and compact in scale, with the unmistakable feel of a maritime town.
Watch the Cliffs of Moher fade into the Atlantic
The Cliffs of Moher stand out as one of the great natural highlights of a cruise in Ireland. Travelers appreciate the power of the wind, the height of the cliff faces, the seabirds, and the changing light that transforms the landscape from minute to minute.
Discover Belfast from Titanic to the Causeway Coast
Belfast often surprises visitors with the richness of its maritime and modern history. Travelers enjoy visiting Titanic Belfast, learning about the city's connection to its shipyards, and then heading to the Giant's Causeway or the Antrim Coast for a day of striking contrasts.
Stop in a Cobh pub after visiting the port
In Cobh, travelers often enjoy simple moments after historical visits. A pub near the harbor, a bowl of hot soup, a pint, or some music offers a distinctly local break before returning to the ship.
Explore the colorful streets of Kinsale from Cork
Kinsale offers a gentler alternative to southern Ireland's major classic sights. Travelers love its colorful facades, seafood restaurants, small galleries, and culinary port-town atmosphere, which is easy to combine with Cobh or Cork.
Take time to listen to street music in Galway
Galway's appeal comes from more than its monuments. Travelers love the energy of its streets, musicians, pubs, and small shops, as well as the natural way a stroll can lead to a song drifting from a street corner.
Lovers of Ireland say the country is made up of 50 shades of green. During a stay in Ireland, you'll see that this reputation is far from overrated. In County Galway, green hills adorned here and there with golden-yellow flowers and streams reflecting the blue of the sky await you. At the heart of this green setting are often centuries-old buildings, testimony to Ireland's glorious past. In the pastures of Tipperary, for example, you'll find the Rock of Cashel, an ancient fortress and stronghold of the Church. The round tower, which has remained intact despite time and weather, the 13th-century Gothic cathedral and the Romanesque chapel, built in the 12th century, are among the region's must-sees. If you're a fan of old stones, you'll appreciate a visit to Clonmacnoise, in County Offaly. This ecclesiastical city was home to monks and students long before the first European universities opened. Its ruins, overlooking the waters of Shannon, give you a glimpse of the place's former glory. If you're passing through County Wicklow, be sure to visit Glendalough, situated in the valley of two lakes. This peaceful spot is home to the remains of the monastery of St. Kevin, whose round tower is still intact.
There are many natural wonders in Ireland. The Ring of Kerry is one of them. Slipped like a ring into the Iveragh peninsula, this loop of colorful villages, towering cliffs and tranquil lakes is a feast for the eyes. The Cliffs of Moher in County Clare are also well worth a visit. Rising 200 meters above roaring waves, these cliffs are a cozy nest for seabirds like the puffin. If the natural landscape is the star attraction in Ireland, the cities are not lacking in interest either. Dublin, the capital, is famous for its museums and pubs, but it's the warm welcome of the Dubliners that makes all the difference. Cork, Ireland's second-largest city, is home to many art galleries and museums, much to the delight of art and culture lovers. Before leaving Cork, be sure to visit the English market.
From July to August, Ireland enjoys a sunny climate, attracting all visitors. In winter, the tourist sites are less popular, but the weather can sometimes be disappointing and some sites closed to the public. So when should you visit Ireland? Ideally, you should plan your stay in June, before all the holidaymakers arrive, or a little later, in September, just after they've left. This way, you'll benefit from glorious weather and won't be bothered by the crowds of holidaymakers.