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Summer in Ireland – A voyage from Liverpool to Dublin

Summer in Ireland – A voyage from Liverpool to Dublin

From GBP £6,195

Description

If you have been to Ireland before and have been meaning to return or are yet to discover the appeal of what is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful countries in the world, then our summer voyage aboard the MS Island Sky offers the perfect opportunity.
Culturally rich with amazingly gifted writers, poets, musicians and actors, and historically fascinating with a past stretching back some 10,000 years, Ireland is a small isle with enormous character and much to discover, and during our nine night voyage we aim to show you its beauty and delve into its past to gain a better understanding of modern day Ireland.
Exploring in the summer, the gardens we visit including those at Mount Stewart will be at their most appealing and the countryside will be beautiful and inviting. Other highlights of our cruise will be spending time in the picturesque harbour town of Kinsale, cruising around the mystical Skellig Islands, visiting Kylemore Abbey in its stunning setting in the Connemara Mountains, exploring the magnificent scenery of County Donegal and unearthing the myths and legends of the Giant’s Causeway.
However, perhaps most of all it will be the charm and warmth of the people that make any trip to Ireland most memorable. As we set sail from Liverpool, a city steeped in Irish history, we can offer an enlightening and entertaining journey sailing past and visiting some of the most enchanting scenery in the world and given the joi de vivre of the Irish we can promise, it will not be boring.

Trip Name
Summer in Ireland - A voyage from Liverpool to Dublin
Days
10
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Small Ship Length: 90 metres Passenger Capacity: 116  Built / refurbished: 1992 / 2010 / 2017 Sister ship to Hebridean Sky. Island Sky and Hebridean Sky are truly sisters. Built in the same Italian Shipyard, both boast spacious, well-appointed suites, stylish common areas, and redundant core technology that allows them to operate smoothly, even under the most challenging of conditions. Both ships are all-suite, all-inclusive small expedition vessels with touches of elegance throughout. The Island Sky is scheduled for additional upgrades in 2017, including the addition of tinted sliding glass doors to all cabins on the Promenade Deck. Services: World-Class Cuisine Complimentary Wine or Beer with Dinner Live Entertainment Complimentary Coffee/Tea station Voyage Photographer On-board MD and Facilities Dedicated Passenger Service Manager Pre-voyage hotel night Complimentary Expedition Jacket Facilities: Elevator serving all passenger decks Upgraded WIFI Internet Library with computers Panoramic Top Deck Observation Platform Bar/Lounge with Live Entertainment Lounge with Audiovisual Facilities DVD Movie Library Tinted sliding glass doors in all cabins on the Promenade Deck World-Class Cuisine: Great expeditions require great food! Our team of world-class chefs offer breakfast, lunch and dinner menus that change daily. They have boat-loads of creativity, so you are sure to experience a variety of remarkable cuisine throughout your voyage. Accommodations: All Suites Feature: Exterior views Your choice of queen-sized or two twin-sized beds Sitting area with sofa and side chair Flat Screen TV with DVD/CD player Telephone Independent temperature controls Mini-Bar Marble-appointed bathroom with fine toiletries Hair dryer 220 square feet or more Sofa can be converted to bed for third person PLEASE NOTE - DECK PLANS CAN VARY.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Liverpool, England.
Embark the MS Island Sky this afternoon. Transfers will be provided from Liverpool Lime Street Station at a fixed time. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail in the early evening.
Day 2 - Day 2 Cobh, Ireland.
After a morning at sea we will arrive into the Republic of Ireland at lunchtime. From our berth in Cobh, we will take a walking tour of this pretty town with a rich history. It was here that the Titanic made its last call for passengers before setting sail on its fateful journey to New York. The town has had a long maritime tradition and many of the old port buildings have been preserved including the offices of the White Star and Cunard Lines. Walking through the town its history will be revealed by your guide. There will also be a visit to the Titanic Experience, a museum housed in the White Star Line building. From here you can return to the ship or continue exploring Cobh at your own leisure. We will set sail for Kinsale late this evening allowing for the opportunity to spend some further time ashore after dinner.
Day 3 - Day 3 Kinsale.
As we sail into the picturesque harbour town of Kinsale we pass the impressive fortifications of Charles Fort and James Fort which were built in the 17th century to protect against invading Spanish forces. However, today Kinsale is renowned for its brightly coloured buildings and glorious harbour setting which you can explore at your own pace. Renowned as the gourmet capital of Ireland you may wish to take a break in one of the cafés, pubs or restaurants after our morning walking tour. This afternoon we will drive through the delightful countryside and coastal roads to explore the charming and colourful town of Clonakilty, filled with historic buildings, hand painted signs and warm welcomes.
Day 4 - Day 4 Skellig Islands & Valentia Island.
Over breakfast we will arrive at the Skelligs, tiny islands just off the magnificent coast of the Dingle Peninsula. Weather permitting, we will sail around these mystical islands with their early Christian history. Skellig Michael is a World Heritage Site and atop this rugged pyramid, that rises from the sea, are the ruins of a monastery. Meanwhile at Little Skellig the sky can on occasion turn white as some of the 20,000 pairs of breeding gannets leave their roosts. Later sail to the famous Kerry (Iveragh) peninsula and anchor at the port of Knightstown on Valentia Island. Spend the afternoon exploring the island, perhaps take a coastal walk, visit the tropical gardens at Glanleam or join an island drive including the Cromwell Point Lighthouse. Alternatively visit Derrynane House, the ancestral home of Daniel O’Connell, known as the ‘Liberator’ and a key player in the emancipation of Irish Catholics in the early 19th century.
Day 5 - Day 5 Galway.
From Galway we explore the beautiful region of Connemara. Here the National Park covers nearly 3,000 hectares of scenic mountains, heaths and woodland and is home to herds of ponies. During our drive along the ‘Wild Atlantic Way’ we will see beautiful coves, bays and traditional fishing villages where we will experience local culture in this Irish speaking part of the country. Visit Kylemore Abbey which is set on a lake against a backdrop of the Connemara Mountains and home to Ireland’s only Benedictine order of nuns who have restored and cared for the Kylemore estate since 1920. Uniquely, only Victorian varieties of flowers and vegetables are grown in the walled garden which contains two distinct areas: the kitchen garden and the flower garden.
Day 6 - Day 6 Aran Islands.
Spend the morning at the Aran Islands. We will call into the largest, Inishmore, and explore some of the early Christian sites. This island was a place of monastic study from the earliest Christian times. Also, see the dramatic stone fort of Dun Aonghusa, parts of which date back some 3,000 years. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon at sea sailing north to County Donegal.
Day 7 - Day 7 Killybegs.
We spend the day in County Donegal where from our base in the village of Killybegs we have a choice of excursions. Choose to drive west to the Glencolmcille area, a Gaeltacht (Irish speaking) area steeped in culture and rich in folklore and music. One of the most scenic areas in Ireland, the drive through the countryside is outstanding. The Folk Museum which opened in 1967 is a monument to Father James McDyer who came to the village in 1952 and set about infusing the local people with a spirit of self-reliance and pride in their heritage. Here we will learn about the history of the area and will enjoy some traditional Irish music. We will also offer a walk through the Bluestack Mountains. This circular 3.5 kilometre walk offers the striking beauty and peacefulness of the mountains and spectacular views. In the afternoon we stroll through Donegal town, which was invaded by Vikings in the 8th century and used as their port, giving its Gaelic name Dun na nGall, ‘Fort of the Foreigners’. The walking tour will take in the town’s history including the Castle, the ruined Franciscan friary as well as the ‘The Diamond’ or centre of town where markets were held until 1967.
Day 8 - Day 8 Giant’s Causeway & Derry, Northern Ireland.
Our first call in Northern Ireland is Lisahally from where we visit the Giant’s Causeway which became widely known from the 1700s as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’ and large numbers of visitors came to view this amazing array of basalt columns of which there are estimated to be around 40,000 in total. After a stop at Dunluce Castle, we return to the ship for lunch. This afternoon we will explore Derry, a vibrant city steeped in history. Walking the walls, built over 400 years ago, you can see the city’s history all around you. During the tour we will visit St Columb Cathedral which has stood on its prominent site inside the city walls since 1633 as well as the Tower Museum which charts the city’s history.
Day 9 - Day 9 Belfast.
Arrive in the Northern Irish capital where a morning city drive will include the Grand Opera House and the Albert Memorial before passing Queen’s University and the Botanic Gardens. Our first stop is the Titanic Experience, located right beside the historic site of this world-famous ship’s construction. Housed in an iconic, six-floor building, this state-of-the-art visitor experience tells the story of the Titanic, from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to her famous maiden voyage and tragic end. This afternoon is free to explore at our own pace or join a tour to the famous gardens at Mount Stewart which were planted in the 1920s by Edith, Lady Londonderry, and are of international importance. The magnificent series of outdoor ‘rooms’ and vibrant parterres contain many rare plants that thrive in the mild climate of the Ards Peninsula. There will be time to explore the opulent house which reveals a fascinating heritage and historic world-famous artefacts and artwork.
Day 10 - Day 10 Dublin to London, Manchester or Edinburgh.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to Dublin airport for our scheduled flight.
Day 11 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
27-07-202505-08-2025GBP £6,195Magellan Deck Standard Suite
27-07-202505-08-2025GBP £6,395Columbus Deck Superior Suite
27-07-202505-08-2025GBP £6,595Marco Polo Deck Premium Suite
27-07-202505-08-2025GBP £6,895Marco Polo Deck Corner Suite
27-07-202505-08-2025GBP £7,095Magellan Deck Standard Single
27-07-202505-08-2025GBP £7,295Columbus Deck Superior Single
27-07-202505-08-2025GBP £7,795Erikson Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite
27-07-202505-08-2025GBP £7,995Explorer Deck Owner's Balcony Suite
27-07-202505-08-2025GBP £8,495Explorer Deck Island Suite

Inclusions

    • Skellig Islands: Explore the mystical Skellig Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient Christian ruins and Little Skellig's massive gannet colony.
    • Giant’s Causeway: Visit this natural wonder in Northern Ireland, famed for its hexagonal basalt columns, followed by a tour of historic Derry with its well-preserved city walls.
    • Titanic Experience, Belfast: Discover the story of the Titanic, from its construction in Belfast to its ill-fated maiden voyage, at this immersive museum located near the shipyard where it was built.

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