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Celebrate aboard a spacious 50-passenger ship with Westport Cruises in Kinsale. Enjoy exclusive access, stunning coastal views, and customizable entertainment on a private boat cruise designed for unforgettable gatherings.
Celebrate aboard a spacious 50-passenger ship with Westport Cruises in Kinsale. Enjoy exclusive access, stunning coastal views, and customizable entertainment on a private boat cruise designed for unforgettable gatherings.
Book with Westport Cruises
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Westport Cruises · Kinsale, County Cork
Kinsale, located along the rugged southern coast of County Cork, Ireland, offers a striking blend of maritime history and natural beauty. Known for its colorful harbor, ancient forts, and rich seafaring roots, Kinsale is a favorite destination for visitors seeking authentic coastal adventures. Westport Cruises offers a unique way to experience this storied town through their Private Hire Cruise, a 50-passenger vessel perfect for intimate celebrations and group events.
Westport Cruises’ Private Hire Cruise turns the harbor into your own floating event space. With exclusive use of the ship, a fully staffed bar, and customized entertainment options, the vessel transforms into an ideal setting for birthdays, weddings, corporate outings, or VIP gatherings. The cruise lasts around 50 minutes, with the option to extend your booking, blending exceptional service with unparalleled views. From the upper deck, passengers are treated to sweeping panoramas of Kinsale’s maritime landmarks: the imposing Charles Fort from the late 1600s, the star-shaped James Fort constructed in 1603, and the 16th-century Block House guarding the harbor entrance.
Beyond the impressive historical architecture, the cruise navigates past Ringrone Castle—dating to the 13th century—while offering glimpses of local wildlife such as seals and otters near the shoreline. The journey ends with a tranquil passage up the Bandon River, where sailors and boaters moor against a backdrop of rolling green hills.
What sets Westport Cruises apart is its commitment to creating a tailored, all-inclusive experience. Whether streaming your own music via onboard tablets or opting for guided commentary that recounts Kinsale’s storied past, every detail aims to enhance your time on the water. This private venue blends the raw authenticity of Ireland’s coastline with top-tier hospitality, making it a standout choice for immersive celebrations uniquely anchored to the local culture and landscape.
easy.
50 minutes (extendable).
No specific fitness level needed; suitable for all ages and abilities.
The standard private hire cruise lasts approximately 50 minutes, with options to extend for an additional cost.
The vessel can host up to 50 passengers, allowing for intimate to larger celebrations.
Your party receives a wireless tablet to stream a variety of music through the ship’s sound system, customizable by deck.
Yes, exclusive use guarantees the vessel and crew are reserved solely for your group during your booking.
Cruises proceed in almost all conditions except when wind is unsafe, which is rare. You will receive a full refund if the sailing is canceled.
Parking is not included; visitors should find public or street parking nearby or arrange transportation independently.
Kinsale’s strategic maritime importance is highlighted by forts dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, protecting the harbor during historic conflicts such as the 1690 Battle of Kinsale.
Local efforts focus on preserving the marine environment and historic sites, encouraging sustainable tourism that respects both wildlife and cultural heritage.
Westport Cruises, based in Kinsale, County Cork, operates private and scheduled 90‑minute boat tours aboard a modern 50‑passenger ship. The business provides private-hire options for hen and stag parties, engagement celebrations, birthdays, post-wedding gatherings, and corporate or VIP events, offering exclusive use of the vessel and a fully staffed bar. Private hire packages include cruise-only charters as well as options with finger food or customizable buffet menus. Live entertainment and tailored on-board hosting are available on request. Professional crew deliver engaging live commentary that highlights local history, maritime stories, and notable landmarks encountered during each route. Signature trips include a Kinsale Cruise that showcases Kinsale Harbour, with views of Charles Fort and Ringrone Castle and opportunities to spot local wildlife. The Clew Bay Cruise departs from Westport Harbour aboard the modern "Spirit of St. Patrick," featuring Clew Bay scenery, a lively seal colony, John Lennon’s Island, and stories about the Pirate Queen Grace O’Malley. Safety, comfort, and clear trip descriptions are central to the offering. The vessel accommodates up to 50 passengers for comfortable private charters, and staff handle bar service, catering coordination, and event hosting. Westport Cruises is positioned for visitors and event planners seeking a distinctive maritime venue, memorable scenery, and narrated local history on the water.
Book with Westport Cruises