Keith Harrow

Review of Paddywagon Tours

Our cruise ship had a stop in Cork/Cobh. We tried...

Our cruise ship had a stop in Cork/Cobh. We tried to book a private tour with a few other couples, but there seemed to be nothing available when we tried to book. Fortunately, we found Paddywagon Tours. The bus driver/tour guide met about 25 of us just a few hundred feet from the ship, and we were one of the first groups to depart. The first stop was the Blarney Castle. Even though it was early in the morning, there was already a wait of almost an hour to kiss the Blarney Stone. Most of the group passed on this "opportunity" but a few people did participate. The rest of the group wandered the gardens around the caste or shopped in the Woolen Mills. We then traveled to Kinsale, a lovely village with many shops and great restaurants. Finally, the bus returned to the cruise terminal, passing through Cork without a stop. To be honest, I think we spent too much time at Blarney Castle; I would have preferred to see more of Cork, perhaps on foot. The driver/guide was a real professional, regaling us throughout the trip with stories and songs. Overall a good trip, but I would recommend less time at the castle.