The countryside of Ireland often gets the accolades, but Ireland's cities are just as fairy tale worthy. Not only are these cities brimming with historic sites and beautiful architecture, but each city has something different to offer. You might wander past Dublin’s Georgian townhouses, follow the River Lee through the heart of Cork or trace Belfast’s shipbuilding heritage in the city where Titanic was built.

This guide explores what sets Dublin, Cork and Belfast apart and how Princess® “Best of” excursions can help you make the most of your time ashore.

Key takeaways

Dublin, Cork and Belfast each have a distinct identity, from literary history to maritime heritage to a city transformed.

Princess offers a “Best of” shore excursion for each city, providing a curated way to experience key sights during your time in port.

Dublin and Cork use the euro, while Belfast, in Northern Ireland, uses the British pound.

Dublin, a city of literature and learning

Welcome to Dublin, the capital of Ireland. Walk through the gates of Trinity College and you’re stepping into more than 400 years of academic history. Founded by Queen Elizabeth I in 1592, Trinity is Ireland’s oldest university and a centerpiece of Dublin’s reputation as a city of writers, scholars and ideas.

But Dublin reaches back much further. Vikings established a settlement here more than 1,000 years ago, and later centuries left their own marks across the city. Georgian architecture frames Merrion Square and the streets around St. Stephen’s Green, while landmarks such as St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Dublin Castle reveal other chapters of the capital’s past.

Today, the city is also a major European center for technology and business, giving its historic streets a distinctly contemporary energy. That mix of old and new is part of what guests can experience on cruises to Dublin, Ireland. You can see all of the can’t-miss sites on the Best of Dublin excursion, too.

A busy stone arch bridge over the River Liffey in Dublin at golden hour, lined with pedestrians and a double-decker bus, with historic buildings visible along the riverbank.
Cross the River Liffey on Dublin's historic O'Connell Bridge.

Cork, a walkable city on the River Lee

Dublin may be the capital, but ask a Cork local and you might get a different answer. Corkonians proudly refer to their city as Ireland’s “real capital,” a nickname that captures the independent spirit of the Rebel County. Built across an island in the River Lee, Cork’s compact center is threaded with bridges, quays and streets that make many of its highlights easy to explore on foot.

At the heart of the city is the English Market, a covered food market that has been trading since 1788. Step inside and you’ll find stalls filled with local cheeses, freshly baked breads, seafood, meats and other Irish specialties. It’s an easy way to get a taste of Cork — quite literally — during a day ashore.

There’s plenty to discover beyond the city center, too. Blarney Castle draws visitors to its 15th-century tower and famous Blarney Stone, while the harbor town of Kinsale is known for its colorful streets and maritime setting. Princess cruises to Cork (Cobh), Ireland arrive in Cobh, so guests have access to Cork and the surrounding countryside.

The Best of Cork & Countryside excursion combines city sights with time beyond Cork for a close look at this corner of Ireland.

Aerial view of St Fin Barre's Cathedral in Cork with tall Gothic spires surrounded by autumn trees, a grassy park with winding paths, and rows of rooftops leading to a hillside town under a partly cloudy sky.
Discover the Gothic spires of St Fin Barre's Cathedral in Cork.

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Belfast, a city transformed

As the capital and biggest city of Northern Ireland, Belfast has served as not only an industrial powerhouse, but a vibrant cultural center known for its maritime history and arts. Belfast built ships that traveled the world, but none is more closely tied to the city than Titanic. Constructed at the Harland & Wolff shipyard and launched in Belfast in 1911, the ocean liner remains a defining part of the city’s maritime heritage. That history is visible across Belfast today, including at the Titanic Memorial on the grounds of Belfast City Hall.

The city has plenty to say about its more recent history, too. Along sections of Belfast’s Peace Walls, large-scale murals have turned city streets into an open-air canvas. The artwork reflects different chapters of Belfast’s past as well as themes of peace, identity and cultural change.

A Princess cruise to Belfast, Northern Ireland puts these stories within reach during a day ashore. The Best of Belfast excursion offers the perfect introduction to the city, taking in City Hall, the Peace Wall murals, Crumlin Road Gaol and the Titanic Belfast exhibit over a full day.

Street-level view of Belfast City Hall, a grand stone building with green copper domes and towers, columned entrances, and tree-lined sidewalks under a partly cloudy sky.
Marvel at the Baroque grandeur of Belfast City Hall.

A "Best of" excursion in every city

As we’ve mentioned, Princess offers a full-day “Best of” excursion in Dublin, Cork and Belfast, with coach transportation connecting the featured stops along the way. Each includes a meal and carries a moderate activity rating, creating a similar overall format across the three ports. Here’s how they compare:

  • Dublin: The Best of Dublin excursion is the shortest of the three at 7 hours. Starting from $309.95 per person, it dedicates the day to seeing some of the capital’s signature landmarks and includes a meal.
  • Cork: The Best of Cork & Countryside excursion stretches to 8 hours and, as the name suggests, reaches beyond Cork itself. The excursion includes a meal and starts from $324.95 per person.
  • Belfast: Also running 8 hours, the Best of Belfast excursion is a full-day tour that stays within the city, taking in City Hall, the Peace Wall, Crumlin Road Gaol and the Titanic Belfast exhibit. A meal is included, with prices starting from $269.95 per person.

Whichever city is on the itinerary, expect these excursions to take up most of your time in port. That makes them especially well suited to guests who want a fuller introduction to the destination rather than choosing just one attraction to visit independently.

What connects Ireland's cities

One of the pleasures of visiting Dublin, Cork and Belfast by cruise is how much you can experience once you reach the city center. Each has a relatively compact core where major landmarks sit alongside shops, cafés, historic architecture and busy public spaces. 

Water has also shaped all three cities in Ireland. Dublin developed around the River Liffey and Dublin Bay; Cork's center sits between channels of the River Lee; and Belfast grew along the River Lagan and Belfast Lough.. And while each city has plenty to fill a port day, all three can serve as gateways to places farther afield. That gives guests a choice between concentrating on the city center or using an excursion to see more of the surrounding region.

A few tips for exploring Ireland’s cities

  • Expect to do some walking. Even with coach transportation included on Princess “Best of” excursions, you’ll spend time exploring individual stops on foot.
  • Wear comfortable shoes. Cobblestones, historic streets and garden or castle grounds can make supportive footwear a better choice than dressing for the coach ride alone.
  • Bring a light layer. Weather can shift throughout the day, so having an extra layer on hand makes it easier to stay comfortable between indoor and outdoor stops.
  • Keep some local currency handy. Dublin and Cork use euros, while Belfast uses British pounds.

The good news is that on a cruise, you can see all three of these Ireland's cities, from the energy of the capitals to the countryside beyond the port. That variety — and the overwhelming beauty of the setting — keeps cruise guests coming back. Browse Princess European cruise destinations to find an itinerary that brings Dublin, Cork, Belfast or a combination of ports into your vacation.

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