Writes Leo McMahon
If you really want to appreciate the wonder that is Cork Harbour, make a booking online with Ocean Escapes and be guaranteed a voyage to remember and one you’re bound to repeat.
Recently, Ocean Escapes has launched a Crosshaven to Spike Island Ferry. The maiden voyage from Crosshaven will depart on Sunday, July 14that 11am. Check it out at oceanescapes.ie or phone 021-2339049.
The price is €22 per adult or €12 per child including admission to Spike Island including tour and arrival back in Crosshaven is around 3pm.
In addition, Ocean Escapes has corporate charters to Spike Island and operates three high speed rib boats for the more adventurous. All bookings online at oceanescapes.ie
There’s a Sunset Cruise from Cork at 7pm on July 24thand more dates will be announced.
Trips with Ocean Escapes in In Cork Harbour A Must Do:
On a sunny Wednesday in May, there was a warm welcome aboard the sturdy and impressive Cailín Oir for a special trip for members of the tourism, hospitality and media sectors from Ocean Escapes guide Trish Harrisand skipper Mikey Shanahan. A special bonus was commentary along the way from historian Jim Murphy of Passage West Maritime Museum.
There are a number of trips from the Port of Cork Marina, Custom House Quay at 11.30am and 2.30pm and two departures from Kennedy Pier, Cobh at 10am and 1pm. You can admire the many attractions at your destination and then enjoy the journey back by train on the popular Cork-Cobh line.
Cailín Oirhas capacity for 72 passengers both indoors and outdoors, plus a bar in conjunction with Rising Sons Brewery and Pub.
This summer, Ocean Escapes have been running ‘Chase the Sunset’ evening cruises from Custom House Quay and ‘Follow the Liner’ cruises from Cobh and from Hugh Coveney Pier, Crosshaven (6pm) to view luxury ships leaving the harbour.
Ocean Escapes Harbour Tours, 4th July 2019. Photo Siobhán Russell
Trish, the regular tour guide, pointed out that private tours and corporate party cruises (e.g. birthdays, work events, team building) can also be arranged.
On a most exhilarating afternoon departing from the city, we got a fabulous non-stop view of all the many places of interest in the world’s second largest natural harbour. These included the Marina, Pairc Uí Chaoimh, Blackrock Castle, Lough Mahon, Little Island, Marino Point, Passage West, Glenbrook, Passage West, Rushbrooke, Haulbowline and Cobh with its magnificent St. Colman’s Cathedral.
We viewed luxury liners in Ringaskiddy and Cobh, the Glenbrook-Carrigaloe ferry, rowing and boat clubs, great houses, former boatyards and, courtesy of Jim and Trish, got lots of interesting lesser known facts about the marine life, (e.g. seals Sally and Suzie and dolphins), and famous people who lived close to an expanse of water and harbour that continues to have huge potential for future growth in tourism and commuter use.
Passengers on board Cailín Oirincluded representatives of Failte Ireland, Midleton Tourist Office, Cool Running Events, Rising Sons, Bauhaus, Cork Live and The Carrigdhoun Newspaper.
To really appreciate how amazing Cork Harbour is and be sure of a great morning or afternoon out, be sure to make a splash with Ocean Escapes which is promoted by Ring of Cork and others.
* Ocean Escapes was founded in 2015 by Andrew O’Riordan,a man who overcame cancer, realised a dream and with his team is delighting many. He recently featured on RTE Nationwide. Find it on RTE Player.
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