Glengarriff is a scenic, small anchorage often used for tendering to explore Garnish Island, Bantry House, or the Ring of Beara;
- MS Deutschland-World Odyssey will be visiting on June 2, arriving at 09:00 and departing at 19:00, with 420 passenger capacity.
- Spirit of Discovery will be visiting on June 6, arriving at 08:00 and departing at 20:00, with 999 passenger capacity.
- Oceania Vista will be visiting on August 6, arriving at 07:00 and departing at 17:00, with 1,200 passenger capacity.
- ms Europa will be visiting on August 11, arriving at 08:00 and departing at 18:00, with 408 passenger capacity.
- Azamara Quest will be visiting on August 11, arriving at 08:00 and departing at 18:00, with 698 passenger capacity.
- Oceania Insignia will be visiting on August 12, arriving at 07:00 and departing at 19:00, with 684 passenger capacity.
Shore options
Glengarriff’s reputation is as a scenic, garden-rich haven in Bantry Bay, with many involving tendering to the pier followed by boat or coach transfers. Boat tours to Garinish Island are especially popular due to the sheltered harbour and exotic gardens. Independent options like local ferries or taxis suit shorter visits, but organised tours ensure timely return to the ship. Availability depends on weather (common in exposed West Cork) and ship schedules.
- Garinish Island (Ilnacullin) Boat Tour and Gardens: A short boat trip from Glengarriff Pier to the enchanting Garinish Island, a horticultural paradise with exotic plants, Italianate gardens, a Grecian temple, and Bryce House; passengers explore the trails and views over Bantry Bay, often with time for a peaceful stroll amid the subtropical flora.
- Bantry House and Gardens: A half-day excursion across Bantry Bay to the historic Bantry House, a grand Georgian stately home with stunning formal gardens, terraces overlooking the bay, and interior tours of antique furnishings and family history, providing insight into Ireland’s aristocratic past.
- Beara Peninsula Scenic Drive: A full-day or half-day coach or private vehicle tour along the rugged Beara Peninsula, featuring mountain passes, coastal viewpoints, charming villages like Eyeries or Allihies, and spectacular Atlantic scenery, often with photo stops and commentary on local geology and culture.
- Glengarriff Nature Reserve and Woodland Walks: A gentle, low-activity half-day option exploring the nearby Glengarriff Woods Nature Reserve, with easy walking trails through ancient oak woodland, rhododendrons, and streams, offering birdwatching, peaceful nature immersion, and glimpses of local wildlife.
- Killarney National Park Day Tour: A full-day scenic drive to Killarney National Park, including Ladies View, Torc Waterfall, Muckross Abbey and Gardens, and lakeside vistas, highlighting Ireland’s first national park with its mountains, forests, and historic sites.
- Bantry Bay Boat or RIB Tour: A marine adventure by boat or high-speed RIB on Bantry Bay, with commentary on maritime history, wildlife spotting (seals, birds), and views of rugged coastline, sometimes including fresh seafood tastings or stops at hidden coves.
- Ring of Beara Highlights: A focused tour circling parts of the Beara Peninsula, visiting Healy Pass for panoramic views, traditional villages, and coastal roads, often combined with Glengarriff’s local charm for a taste of rural West Cork life.
- Private or Small-Group Custom Tour: Tailored excursions (by private vehicle) combining favourites like Garinish Island, Bantry House, or Beara drives with personalised stops for photography, local crafts, or pub visits, ideal for smaller groups seeking flexibility.
