Cruise ship calls to Foynes in 2026

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  • Oceania Insignia will be visiting on August 10, arriving at 07:00 and departing at 19:00, with 684 passenger capacity.
  • Azamara Quest will be visiting on August 13, arriving at 06:00 and departing at 18:00, with 698 passenger capacity.

Shore options

These are the most commonly offered and popular options, typically arranged through cruise lines or local operators (such as Paddywagon Tours, private drivers, or Viator/GetYourGuide partners) with guaranteed return to the ship. They focus on the town’s aviation heritage, nearby historic sites, and scenic highlights, as Foynes itself is small and industrial with limited immediate facilities beyond the port area.

  • Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum Tour: A short, easy-access excursion (often walkable or via shuttle from the tender landing) to the town’s flagship attraction, featuring a full-scale replica of a Pan Am Boeing 314 Clipper flying boat, interactive exhibits on the Golden Age of transatlantic aviation (1939–1945), flight simulators, historical artefacts, and the birthplace of Irish coffee (with a demonstration and tasting included).
  • Cliffs of Moher and Burren Day Tour: A full-day coach excursion along the Wild Atlantic Way to the dramatic 700-foot Cliffs of Moher (one of Ireland’s top natural wonders with panoramic Atlantic views), combined with the unique limestone landscapes of the Burren (ancient sites, wildflowers, and geology), often including stops at viewpoints or a visitor centre.
  • Bunratty Castle & Folk Park: A half-day or full-day visit to the restored 15th-century Bunratty Castle (with period furniture and medieval banquets in some tours) and the adjacent open-air Folk Park recreating 19th-century Irish rural life through thatched cottages, farm animals, traditional crafts, and demonstrations.
  • Adare Village and Limerick City Highlights: A half-day or full-day scenic drive to picturesque Adare (one of Ireland’s prettiest villages, with thatched cottages, historic abbey ruins, and Adare Manor grounds), often extended to Limerick City for King John’s Castle, riverside walks, or the city’s vibrant streets and Georgian architecture.
  • Shannon Estuary Boat or RIB Tour: A marine-focused excursion by boat or high-speed RIB on the Shannon Estuary, offering views of wildlife (seals, birds), coastal scenery, and commentary on local maritime history, sometimes combined with estuary viewpoints or a relaxed cruise.
  • Private or Small-Group Custom Tour: Flexible full-day private excursions (by luxury vehicle or minivan) tailored to interests, such as combining the Flying Boat Museum with Adare, Bunratty, or nearby gardens (e.g., Knockpatrick Gardens), ideal for smaller groups seeking a personalised pace and deeper exploration of County Limerick.
  • Limerick City and King John’s Castle: A focused half-day tour to nearby Limerick (about 40 km away, often via shuttle), exploring the historic King John’s Castle (medieval fortress with exhibits on Viking and Norman history), the riverside district, and optional cultural stops like museums or the Milk Market.
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Independent options like taxis or local bikes are available for shorter visits, but most passengers opt for organised tours to ensure timely return, with the Flying Boat Museum being the standout “must-do” right in port.

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