f the many wonderful cruise experiences to be enjoyed in Northem Europe, one of the most spectacular is sailing into the Port of Cork through the deep sheltered entrance at Roches Point as the early morning sun rises over the eastern part of the harbour and sheds its light on the tranquil waters below. The warm welcoming sight of the multi-coloured houses of the historic cathedral topped town of Cobh which seems to rise out of the harbour is surely at variance with the barren welcome which awaited the first waves of Celtic invaders as they entered the harbour initially by way of Britain and later from Brittany - from 500 B.C. onwards.

From the earliest times, the Celts erected mysterious stone structures and the greatest concentration of stone circles in Ireland is to be found in Cork and the neighbouring county of Kerry.

Ring forts, which are the most numerous of the archaeological monuments of Ireland and which are estimated to number between 40,000 and 50,000 throughout the county, proliferate in Cork and surrounding areas.

Much tangible evidence of Celtic settlements in the Cork area is on display in the Cork Public Museum.

The modern Port of Cork offers a range of facilities for cruise ships. Cobh CruiseTerminal is Ireland's only dedicated cruise terminal while excellent berthage is also available at Ringaskiddy and Cork city. Cobh Heritage Centre, which depicts life in Ireland in the 19th and early 20th Centuries and chronicles the country's sad emigration history, is a must for all cruise visitors while the quaint, friendly town contains wonderful bars, many with a strong maritime flavour. A cruise call to the Port of Cork enables passengers to visit two of Ireland's major tourist attractions - Blarney Castle and Woollen Mills and the Lakes of Killarney.

Whether the passenger's interest is in the area's Celtic past, in its poignant history of recent centuries or in enjoying the cultural, scenic and sporting amenities of modern Ireland, a cruise call to the Port of Cork is the ultimate experience.