Exploring Ireland by Cruise Ship & Scooter

Exploring Ireland by sea: Our family’s cruise itinerary & accessibility tips

In celebration of our 20th wedding anniversary, we set sail on a 10-day Norwegian Cruise Line adventure through Ireland and Northern Ireland—an unforgettable journey filled with breathtaking views, rich history, and accessible travel experiences. Starting and ending in Southampton, England, our itinerary took us to charming coastal towns, iconic landmarks like the Cliffs of Moher and Blarney Castle, and vibrant cities like Dublin and Belfast. With my husband’s mobility scooter in tow, we were thrilled to find this cruise offered the perfect blend of convenience, comfort, and adventure for our family. Join us as we share our favorite moments, accessibility tips, and why this trip was the ultimate way to explore the Emerald Isle!

The most perfect way to spend our 20th anniversary!

Waterford: A walk through history & sparkle

Our first port of call was the charming town of Waterford, and it was both educational and exciting. We strolled from the port into town, where our first stop was Reginald’s Tower—an original medieval Viking fort that has been preserved and in continuous use for over 800 years. While the tour is brief and not wheelchair- or scooter-accessible due to steep stairs, it’s well worth the visit for history lovers. At just €13 for the whole family, it’s an affordable and enriching experience that also offers beautiful panoramic views of the town.

If you’re drawn to sparkle over stone, don’t miss a tour of the Waterford Crystal factory, where you can watch skilled artisans at work and even bring home a dazzling souvenir. The town itself is very walkable and scooter-friendly, making it easy to explore at your own pace.

Our favorite places to eat:

• Momo Restaurant: This cozy, award-winning spot is the perfect introduction to Irish hospitality. Momo serves up fresh, seasonal ingredients, with options for meat-lovers, vegetarians, and everyone in between. We loved the casual-chic vibe and the friendly service—it's a fantastic place to relax after exploring town.


• Bonus treat: After lunch, stroll over to Gino’s Gelato for some of the best creamy scoops in the city!

Cork: Kissing the Blarney Stone & strolling through enchanted gardens

During our stop in Cork, we took a quick but unforgettable excursion to Blarney Castle—and YES, we kissed the famous Blarney Stone! The castle itself is a breathtaking piece of history, surrounded by lush, magical gardens perfect for wandering, relaxing, and snapping photos. To kiss the stone, you’ll need to climb a narrow staircase to the top of the castle, where a line forms for the chance to lean back (with help and handrails) and plant your kiss. Photographers are on hand to capture the moment, and you can purchase a keepsake photo before you leave. While the climb to the top isn’t accessible by mobility scooter (they didn’t exactly follow ADA guidelines 800 years ago!), the castle grounds and much of the property are scooter-friendly. While we ladies made the climb, my husband enjoyed a peaceful roll through the gardens, accompanied by the sounds of traditional bagpipe players. Admission was a great value—just €60 for a family pass for four—and they even offered a disability discount, which we really appreciated.

Our favorite places to eat:

• The SpitJack: This rotisserie and smokehouse is a meat-lover’s dream! The SpitJack delivers big flavors with dishes like rotisserie chicken, pulled pork, and brunch classics. The upscale rustic interior and accessible layout made it a perfect stop for our family.


• Sweet stop nearby: Don’t miss Casanova Gelato—their biscuit and cookies and cream flavors were a hit!

Dingle: Colorful streets, cathedral views & coastal treats

Our stop in Dingle felt like stepping into a postcard. We spent the day strolling through vibrant, colorful shops, soaking up the charm of this picturesque coastal town. One highlight was visiting the beautiful St. Mary’s Cathedral and its peaceful gardens—an awe-inspiring spot perfect for quiet reflection and photos. This port was a welcome change of pace, offering a more relaxed experience with leisurely strolls instead of steep climbs. The town is very walkable and mobility-friendly, making it easy for all of us to explore together. We capped off our visit with fabulous local ice cream, enjoyed as we sat by the water, taking in the serene harbor views. Dingle was truly a delight—charming, accessible, and full of character.

Our favorite places to eat:

• The Fish Box: We couldn’t cruise the Irish coast without trying fish and chips, and The Fish Box did not disappoint! It’s a family run gem where the seafood is caught daily from their own boat. Fresh, flavorful, and fast—perfect for a quick bite between exploring Dingle’s colorful streets.


• Save room for dessert: Murphy’s Ice Cream is just a few steps away and absolutely worth the hype (try the Dingle sea salt!).

Irish fish and chips

Galway: A scenic journey to the Cliffs of Moher

Our stop in Galway brought us to the highlight of our entire adventure: the Cliffs of Moher, my absolute favorite part of the trip. From the port, we joined an excursion aboard a comfortable motor coach that took us through the Irish countryside and straight into a storybook. Our guide, a native Irishman with a gift for storytelling, shared fascinating history and made stops at castles along the way. We even paused at a charming little pub for a quick break—many grabbed a pint, while I opted for a delicious cappuccino before we continued to the cliffs. Once we arrived, the Cliffs of Moher took our breath away. The entire visitor area is paved and very accessible, making it easy for my husband to roll alongside us as we explored. We visited several stunning vantage points and took our special 20th anniversary photos against the backdrop of the dramatic cliffs—truly unforgettable. There’s also a well-done museum on site, as well as local artisans selling unique souvenirs near the bus area. This was hands down the best excursion of our trip—a must-see stop and a memory we’ll treasure forever.

Our favorite place to eat:

• The Creamery Café: This charming café sits right by Galway Bay and offers a bit of everything—soups, sandwiches, and fresh seafood. It was the perfect relaxing lunch with a view. Best of all? They serve their own ice cream, so you get your sweet treat without an extra stop. One-and-done meal and dessert stop!

Belfast: Culture, cuisine & cathedrals

Our day in Belfast was filled with energy and culture, thanks to a vibrant street fair happening right in the city center. We sampled cuisines from across the UK, browsed stalls of local artisans, enjoyed sweet treats from around the world, and watched talented street performers bring the city to life. The colorful Belfast flower displays made for stunning photo backdrops, adding a cheerful charm to every corner. Despite the hustle and bustle, the city was very walkable and scooter-friendly, making it easy for us to navigate. We even found a handicap-accessible taxi to take us across town for a deeper dive into Belfast’s rich history. We visited several museums and marveled at the stunning St. Peter’s Cathedral, a peaceful and awe-inspiring stop amid the city buzz. Belfast offered a beautiful blend of fun, flavor, and culture—with accessibility and adventure all in one.

Our favorite places to eat:

• Fratelli Belfast: Trendy yet family-friendly, Fratelli serves up delicious Italian food in a bright, welcoming space. We loved their wood-fired pizzas and creamy pasta dishes—and the fact that it was easy to get to with a scooter made it even better.

• Nearby dessert option: Al Gelato on Ormeau Road is a top pick for premium scoops!

Dublin: Double-decker views & Irish charm

Dublin was an absolute blast—and we made the most of our visit with one of my favorite ways to explore a big city: a hop-on, hop-off tour! Cruising through the streets on a classic double-decker bus, we were able to hit all the key sites at our own pace. Even better, the company was very accommodating to my husband’s mobility scooter, making it an easy and accessible way to see the city.

We admired gorgeous cathedrals, popped off the bus to enjoy a meal at a cozy local pub, wandered through unique shops, explored museums, and indulged in a few sweet treats. If you’re a fan of Guinness, this is your stop—you can hop off at the Guinness Storehouse for a tour and a taste straight from the source!

This is truly one of the best ways to maximize your time if you’re only in Dublin for a day. Ticket prices vary depending on how many days you choose, but generally range from €35 to €55. It’s a fun, flexible, and efficient way to soak in all the sights and sounds of this vibrant city.

Our favorite places to eat:

• Leo Burdock (Christ Church branch): You have to try fish and chips in Dublin, and Leo Burdock is the spot. This legendary takeaway has been serving golden, crispy fish since 1913. It’s fast, iconic, and absolutely delicious. We grabbed ours and ate outside while soaking in the city.

• Sweet finale: Murphy’s Ice Cream and Bel Gelato are both nearby and excellent options to end your day on a sweet note.

Our 10-day Irish adventure with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) began and ended in Southampton, England, making it easy to extend our trip with extra days to explore the UK before and after the cruise. It was an incredible journey through Ireland and Northern Ireland, packed with unforgettable experiences and picture-perfect moments.

If you’re interested in this itinerary, send me a message—there are fantastic deals and family-friendly incentives available right now!

One of the things I love most about NCL is their commitment to accessibility. Their ships are thoughtfully designed with:

• Accessible staterooms featuring wider doorways and additional square footage.

• Visual and hearing accommodations, including lights and buzzers.

• Multiple elevators and easy-access seating in dining areas and theaters.

• Supportive policies for wheelchair and scooter users.

However, it's important to note that some ports requiring tender boats may not be fully accessible for guests who are unable to take a few steps. That’s where I come in—I’m here to help you choose the right cruise with the most accessible options to fit your needs and travel goals.

Ready to plan your own Irish cruise adventure? Let’s chat!

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our cruises page.