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Ireland Circumnavigation

Ireland Circumnavigation

From USD $5,995

Description

Everyone loves Ireland! Friendly folks, rolling countryside, charming villages, and rugged seascapes. The Emerald Isle is truly a treasure—best seen by ship.

This twelve-day voyage aboard the Ocean Endeavour shows Ireland in its best light. This island nation has always embraced the ocean. From cosmopolitan Dublin to coastal Ulster, there’s so much to see by sea.

Irish culture is vibrant and welcoming. Visit quaint villages, harbour towns, and modern cities. Meet the people, hear the stories—and tap your toes to the music!

Explore another side of Ireland aboard our Zodiacs. Cruise rugged coastlines. Find abundant seabirds, and keep your eyes peeled for whales. Ireland is a photographer’s paradise, a traveller’s dream; we will show you it all—by sea.

Trip Name
Ireland Circumnavigation
Days
12
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 137m Passenger Capacity: 199 Built: 1982 - refurbished 2010, 2014 & 2017 Ocean Endeavour is a comfortable, well-appointed small expedition ship expertly engineered to explore the Polar Regions. The ship has an ice-strengthened hull, Zodiacs for exploration and remote landings, and advanced navigation equipment. The newly-refurbished vessel offers a superb guest experience with an expansive choice of cabin categories, large cabins and common areas, a sundeck and observation area, plenty of deck space for polar landscape viewing, and lounges for learning and reflection. The ship’s interiors have a contemporary aesthetic that provides a bright and spacious feel throughout. Endeavour is also the only polar adventure ship in Antarctica focused on health and wellness , and offers a contemporary approach to cuisine and newly-designed health and fitness features. Facilities include a spa serviced by organic spa provider VOYA, His & Hers saunas, a salt water pool, a gym, and a juice and smoothie bar. Complimentary activities include yoga and stretching classes, an exclusive Polar Photography program, the Scientists in Residence program, and more adventure activities than any other Quark vessel. The ship also has a polar library, and a Polar Boutique for gifts and any needed gear. Features of the Ocean Endeavour   VOYA spa treatments and beauty products, Choice of 13 cabin categories, Bright, spacious cabins and common areas, Plenty of deck space for observation, Lounge with expansive views, Quiet zone for contemplation, Newly-refurbished restaurant, Contemporary dining with complimentary wine with dinner, Juice and smoothie bar, Lecture theater, Polar library, Polar boutique, Health and Wellness, Spa treatments and beauty products by spa provider VOYA - Organic Beauty From The Sea, Spa menu for face, body, hair and nails, including the exclusive Quark Explorer’s treatment, and signature VOYA hand and foot rituals, Yoga and stretching classes, His & Hers saunas, gym, and heated salt water pool Full range of adventure activities including: kayaking, camping, mountaineering, cross-country skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, Zodiac cruising, shore landings and hiking/ walking. Deck plan varies for the trips to Antarctica

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1 Dublin
tArriving independently in Dublin, we’ll gather to meet our Expedition Leader and fellow travellers. We’ll then explore the region, wending our way to our disembarkation point. The Rock of Cashel is bound to be a highlight: home to one of the most remarkable collections of Celtic art and medieval architecture anywhere in the world. The Rock is the jewel at the heart of County Tipperary. Our journey by sea aboard the Ocean Endeavour begins this afternoon.
Day 2 - DAY 2 South Coast
A combination of expedition landings and coastal towns awaits us along Ireland’s south coast. Our expedition team will make the most of our opportunities; we hope to enjoy hiking, photography, and birding—in addition to town visits.Cork, Ireland’s second largest city, is a must. It is known for its bridges, St. Finn Barre’s Cathedral, the English Market, its beautiful architecture, and its many multicultural offerings.
Day 3 - DAY 3 Clear Island and Garnish Gardens
A ship’s cruise of Clear Island should be a hit with birders. The island is home to shearwaters, auks, skuas, black and common guillemots, cormorants, and storm petrels. Seals, basking sharks, and dolphins frequent the surrounding waters.In the afternoon we’ll visit Ilnacullin Garinish, Bantry Bay. Here we’ll view rare and exquisite plants at one of Ireland’s top gardens. A Martello tower offers excellent views, and a seal colony rounds out the list of attractions.
Day 4 - DAY 4 Ring of Kerry
This scenic route around the Irveragh Peninsula in County Kerry takes in outstanding views of coastlines, rolling rural scenery, and numerous cultural attractions. Historic sites, including castles, abbeys, mansions, and cathedrals are dotted along the route.Killarney National Park, “The Jewel in Kerry’s Crown” is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. From the foot of the Macgillycuddy Reeks (the highest mountain range in Ireland) to the outskirts of Killarney, the park encompasses lakes, mountains, and plains.
Day 5 - DAY 5 Southwest Coast
Skellig Michael (Sceilg Mhichíl), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rocketed to new fame as the fictional home of Luke Skywalker in The Last Jedi. We hope to spot actual residents like puffins, petrels, and shearwaters on our ship’s cruise.We’ll visit the town of Dingle, rich in Irish music and culture. The town boasts historic buildings, medieval ruins, an aquarium, arts and crafts shops and more. Thirsty visitors will find numerous pubs and a distillery.
Day 6 - DAY 6 Cliffs of Moher
Rising over two hundred metres above the Wild Atlantic Way, the Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s most outstanding natural attractions—as attested by their popularity with visitors. They have been featured in numerous films, including The Princess Bride.We’ll be watching for seabirds as we ship’s cruise by the cliffs. A landing in the region will provide excellent opportunities for walking, hiking, sightseeing and photography.
Day 7 - DAY 7 Aran Islands
The Aran Islands are geologically and culturally unique. Inishmoor, Inishmann, and Inisheer are limestone Islands located in Galway Bay. Subject to temperate climatic conditions, they are home to diverse range of plant and animal species.The Arans are also bastions of Irish history and culture; a large proportion of the population are Gaelic speakers. Some of Ireland’s oldest archeological remains are found here. Inishmoor medieval hill fort will be a highlight of our visit.
Day 8 - DAY 8 Inishbofin and Clew Bay
Just off the Connemara Coast lies Inishbofin. Prior to the Irish Famine, this outpost was home to 1,400 souls; today the population is less than two hundred. Clew Bay is said to have ‘an island for every day of the year’, many of them drumlins. The town of Westport in the bay is famed for its music, history, and beauty: “The most beautiful view I ever saw in the world,” according to novelist William Makepeace Thackeray.
Day 9 - DAY 9 Tory Island and County Donegal
Toraigh (Tory Island) lies nearly fifteen kilometres off the northwest coast of County Donegal. The main spoken language on the island is Gaelic. Since the 1950s, the island has been home to a small community of artists, and has its own art gallery. Historical sites include Balor’s Fort, the Wishing Stone, the Bell Tower, and the twelfth-century Tau Cross. The island is an important breeding site for corn crakes, a globally threatened bird species.
Day 10 - DAY 10 Giant's Causeway and Rathlin Island
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Causeway is a geological wonder. About 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, formed by volcanic eruption, form ‘steps’ leading from the coastal cliffs, to below the surface of the North Sea. Numerous legends associate the causeway with the mythic hero Fionn mac Cumhaill (Finn MacCool).Rathlin Island, the only inhabited island off Northern Ireland, is designated a Special Area of Conservation in Northern Ireland and Royal Society for the Protection of Birds nature reserve.
Day 11 - DAY 11 Belfast
The largest city in Northern Ireland, and its capital, is also the second-largest city on the island of Ireland. Once considered dangerous, at the height of the troubles in Northern Ireland, Belfast was previously much better known as a centre for industry, particularly shipbuilding. The HMS Titanic was completed in a Belfast shipyard, and sailed from Belfast on its maiden voyage. Today, Belfast is a popular tourist destination, known for music, architecture, gardens, and the arts.
Day 12 - DAY 12 Dublin
On our last day together, we’ll wind up back where we began: Dublin. Ireland’s glorious capital—beloved home of poets, musicians, and dreamers—lies at the mouth of the River Liffey. Once we disembark, you may enjoy exploring one of the world’s great cities, take our optional post-tour around the Isle of Man, or journey on to your next destination. Safe home!
Day 13 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
09-06-201920-06-2019USD $0Category 1 - Quad
09-06-201920-06-2019USD $0Category 2 - Triple
09-06-201920-06-2019USD $0Category 3 - Interior Twin
09-06-201920-06-2019USD $0Category 4 - Exterior Twin
09-06-201920-06-2019USD $0Category 5 - Main Twin
09-06-201920-06-2019USD $0Category 6 - Comfort Twin
09-06-201920-06-2019USD $0Category 7 - Select Twin
09-06-201920-06-2019USD $0Category 8 - Superior Twin
09-06-201920-06-2019USD $0Category 9 - Junior Suite
09-06-201920-06-2019USD $0Category 10 - Suite

Inclusions

    • Learn Irish history, archaeology, and culture from enthusiastic experts
    • Spot rare seabirds and marine mammals along Ireland’s rugged coasts
    • Explore rolling countryside, charming towns, and scenic islands
    • Sail past the picturesque Skellig Islands, featured in The Last Jedi
    • Tour the Dingle Peninsula, described by National Geographic as the most beautiful place on earth
    • Visit the gems of the Emerald Isle: Giant's Causeway, Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry and more
    • See the remarkable collection of Celtic art and medieval architecture at the Rock of Cashel

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