Pictured at the launch of a new 72-seater tour boat for the summer season connecting Cobh and Cork City. Pic: Brian Lougheed

New boat tour of Cork harbour launches

A new 72-seater tour boat is commencing on Thursday for the summer season connecting Cork city and Cobh.

Ocean Escapes, a Cork-based company, is investing €1/2 million in the new service and will operate daily guided tours of the harbour from Cobh to Cork City and Cork to Cobh, with a return by rail option, until September.

Locals and visitors alike will enjoy the experience, which will include the sights, sounds and stories of the harbour, told in a fun and theatrical way by engaging guides.

Owner/directors Orla O'Neill and Andrew O'Riordan pictured at the launch of a new 72-seater tour boat for the summer season connecting Cobh and Cork City. Pic: Brian Lougheed

Highlights along the ancient port waterways will include breath-taking views and famous landmarks such as Crosshaven, Roches Point Lighthouse, Blackrock Castle, Spike Island Prison, Camden Fort Meagher, Haulbowline Naval Base (Ireland’s only Naval Base), Blackrock Castle, Martello Towers, Lord Inchiquin and the Royal Cork Yacht Club, the World’s first Yacht Club, and Cobh, the last port of call for the Titanic, and more. Passengers will also learn about Cork’s fascinating maritime history and hear unique stories about each of the towns, villages and islands along the harbour.

Commenting Seamus Heaney, Head of Visit Cork, said: “Cork is Ireland’s Maritime Haven, set in a beautiful coastal environment with a significant maritime history spanning over a thousand years. It is also ideally situated between two of the best experiences in Ireland – the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland’s Ancient East.

Ocean Escapes is already well known for operating successful rib tours in the harbour. This new venture is a partnership with another local company, Cool Running Events, who are known for delivering exceptional entertainment with Cork on Ice and The Nightmare Realm, and businessman Daniel O’Donoghue, who will operate as Ocean Escape’s marine engineer and technician.

The new tour takes 1.5hrs and will run from Thursday 31st May to Sunday 2nd September, sailing from Cork City at 11:30 and 16:00 and from Cobh at 9.00, 14:00 and 18:00. (People are advised to check the website for accurate daily timings as times may change for cruise ships).

Tour packages are cleverly paired with return rail connections, allowing visitors to take in the sights of Cork city or Cobh before returning to their origin. Prices start from €16.

The tour boat is also available for private booking and for transport to and from events like concerts in Pairc Uí Chaoimh or weddings, hens and stag parties.

Lawrence Owens, CEO of Cork Business Association, said: “There has been a huge demand from the business community for a tourism offering that connects the city with Cobh, in order to tap into the huge potential that the cruise market offers, so we are delighted to welcome this development.”

Speaking at the launch, Andrew O’Riordan, Owner/Director of Ocean Escapes, said, ‘We are delighted that Cork is being promoted as a maritime haven and hope this new tour offers tourists and locals alike a new and exciting experience on our harbour. So far, we have got incredible support from all the key stakeholders in Cork and we hope everyone continues to spread the word about the Ocean Escapes Harbour Tours.”

For more information or to book see http://www.oceanescapes.ie