From Dublin town down to the “rebel city” of Cork, then around and up the coast to Galway and Belfast, this enchanting 8-night cruise itinerary includes some of the island’s most iconic sites. From an excursion to the famous Blarney Castle and Cliffs of Moher to visits to legendary landmarks such as the UNESCO-inscribed Skellig Michael, Giant’s Causeway, and the Titanic Quarter in Belfast, the best of the Emerald Isle awaits. Extend your journey with the Dublin Pre-Tour Extension and/or the County Kilkenny Post-Tour Extension.
Program Details
- Enjoy excursions to Blarney Castle and the one of the island’s greatest natural wonders, the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren National Park.
- Discover County Cork with visits to Blarney Castle and the beautiful seaside town of Kinsale.
- Opt for an excursion to Garnish Island and Beara Peninsula.
- Enjoy a scenic drive along the famed Slea Head Drive on the Dingle Peninsula to see the Fahan Beehive, a series of medieval stone houses once occupied by monks.
- Explore the island of Inishmore, which has been inhabited since the Stone Age and where Gaelic is still the spoken language.
- From Portrush, Northern Ireland, experience the wonder of the Giant’s Causeway—an area of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, formed by ancient volcanic eruptions. The weathered rocks shelter rare and unusual plants, including sea spleenwort, sea fescue, and frog orchid.
- Tour the Northern Ireland city of Belfast, including a visit to the Titanic Quarter.
- See murals that document "The Troubles," and a peace wall between Protestant and Catholic communities.
- Discover the island' s unique microclimates and the seabirds that call it home, including gannet, puffins, and cormorants.
Day 1 - Depart home city
Day 2 - Dublin, Ireland/Embark Exploris One
Day 3 - Cobh
Day 4 - Bantry Bay
Day 5 - Skellig Michael/Dingle
Day 6 - Galway
Day 7 - Kilronan, Inishmore
Day 8 - Portrush, Northern Ireland/Giant’s Causeway
Day 9 - Belfast
Day 10 - Dublin, Ireland/Return to home city
Exploris One
This newly constructed, sleekly appointed, and intimate small ship can navigate and dock within smaller ports inaccessible to larger ships. Each of the 72 suites and staterooms (up to 728 square feet) features a stunning ocean view, and most include a private balcony.
Dublin Pre-Program Option
Kick off your adventure with a 3-night, pre-cruise extension in dynamic Dublin at the deluxe Conrad Dublin, ideally located near St. Stephen’s Green. Revel in the city’s bustling streets and leafy parks on a panoramic tour. Stroll through Trinity College and view the exquisite, hand-illuminated, 9th-century Book of Kells. Admire Dublin Castle’s 18th-century State Apartments used for ceremonial events and sip smooth whiskey at a distillery. You’ll also head further afield to marvel at the superbly landscaped gardens of Powerscourt Estate in Wicklow and tour Russborough, a stately Georgian gem regarded as one of Ireland’s most beautiful houses.
County Kilkenny Post-Program Option
Be charmed by tranquil countryside scenery, historic architecture and picturesque towns on this 3-night, post-cruise extension at the deluxe Mount Juliet Estate in Thomastown, County Kilkenny. Take in the atmospheric Rock of Cashel, once the stronghold of the Kings of Munster, and its medieval church ruins majestically set on a limestone outcrop. Tour grand Kilkenny Castle, filled with handsome period rooms, and enjoy free time in the scenic town of Kilkenny. You’ll also delight in a private, guided visit to pastoral Jerpoint Park, home to the ruins of a 12th-century medieval town.
The Pre- and Post-Program Options are available at an additional cost. Details will be provided with your reservation confirmation.