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Ireland and Northern Ireland

Program Overview

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-Program Option and/or the County Kilkenny Post-Program Option.

Program Details

May 21 to 30, 2024 (Exploris One)
From $6,385 plus air View Terms & Conditions
  • 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 a driving tour of Cork City and visits to Blarney Castle and the beautiful seaside town of Kinsale.  
  • Opt for an excursion to Garnish Island and Beara Peninsula or a daytrip that includes visits to Killarney and the Ring of Kerry. 
  • Follow the footsteps of monks to St. Fionan’s monastery at the summit of UNESCO-inscribed Skellig Michael. 
  • 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 and the Ulster Museum at the Queen Victoria Botanic Gardens.  
  • Visit the Northern Ireland Parliament, 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. All accommodations in your private haven at sea offer a queen-sized bed that can be separated into 2 twin beds, a private marble bathroom with shower, and luxury bath amenities. While cruising, unwind in the sauna, hammam, and outdoor Jacuzzis or book a rejuvenating massage. Complimentary alcoholic/nonalcoholic beverages and Wi-Fi access are available throughout the cruise. Included onboard meals feature delectable, sophisticated culinary experiences to rival your discoveries ashore.

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. 

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Program Itinerary

Day 1 Depart home city

Depart your home city for an overnight flight.

Day 2 Dublin, Ireland

Arrive in Dublin, Ireland’s lively capital. Enjoy lunch on your own, then embark the deluxe Exploris One this afternoon and savor dinner on board.

Day 3 Cobh

Begin in picturesque Cobh, which was the main Irish port for ships to America in the late 1800s and early 20th century. The Titanic made its last port of call here before sailing across the Atlantic Ocean. Choose from three included activities. The first features a walking tour of Cobh, lunch and a visit to Blarney Castle and Gardens. The second option takes you to colorful Kinsale, Ireland’s “gourmet capital,” where you’ll visit a modern meadery that crafts this ancient, honey-based drink, and relish a delicious lunch. Your final option includes a tour of the herb garden at the Ballymaloe Cookery School, lunch at charming Ballymaloe House and a whiskey tasting at a distillery. Tonight, gather for the Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner. 

Day 4 Bantry Bay

Arrive in Bantry Bay, a stunning harbor town in County Cork near the Wild Atlantic Way. Select from three included excursions with lunch—a tour of the delightful gardens on Garinish Island and Beara Peninsula’s wild grandeur; an excursion to the elegant, bayside Bantry House and Gardens; or a walking tour amid the rolling West Cork countryside. 

Day 5 Skellig Michael/Dingle Penninsula

Cruise by the Skellig Islands off the coast of Kerry to behold the UNESCO World Heritage‑designated Skellig Michael, an ancient Celtic site and the setting of many modern films. Atop this awe‑inspiring rock lies St. Fionan’s Monastery, where monks lived, prayed, and slept in clocháin, beehive-shaped, medieval stone huts. Cruise later to Dingle Peninsula, and take in dazzling coastal vistas and more clocháin on a ride along Slea Head Drive.

Day 6 Galway

Arrive in Galway and select from two included excursions. On the first choice, admire the Wild Atlantic Way’s dramatic splendor at the Cliffs of Moher and The Burren. Enjoy a guided walk across The Burren’s karstic landscape and watch waves crashing below you at the breathtaking cliffs that rise 702 feet above the ocean. Your other option takes you to Connemara’s castles, including lovely Kylemore Abbey, with lunch, tea and scones on your countryside route.

Day 7 Kilronan, Inishmore

Ruggedly beautiful Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands, has been inhabited since the Stone Age. On a guided tour, learn about everyday life on this striking island, where Gaelic is the first language. Head next to see Dún Aonghasa, the largest of the islands’ prehistoric stone forts, perched on a cliff over the Atlantic Ocean. 

Day 8 Portrush, Northern Ireland/Giant’s Causeway

Ruggedly beautiful Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands, has been inhabited since the Stone Age. On a guided tour, learn about everyday life on this striking island, where Gaelic is the first language. Head next to see Dún Aonghasa, the largest of the islands’ prehistoric stone forts, perched on a cliff over the Atlantic Ocean. 

Day 9 Belfast

Northern Ireland’s vibrant capital is renowned for its impressive Titanic Belfast museum on the site where the famous vessel was designed, constructed and launched. At the engrossing “Titanic Experience,” delve into the full story of the Titanic and Belfast’s shipbuilding heritage. 

Later, see Belfast’s highlights, including City Hall and the Botanic Gardens, and visit the Shankill and Falls Roads area, the site of brutal sectarian violence during “The Troubles,” from the late 1960s to 1998. View bold, vivid murals commemorating individuals and events on both sides of the conflict, and get in-depth and personal insights about this turbulent period from your driver on a Belfast Black Taxi tour. Join the Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner tonight. 

Day 10 Dublin, Ireland/Return to home city

After breakfast, disembark and begin the County Kilkenny Post‑Program Option or transfer to the airport for your return flight home.