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Circumnavigation of Ireland

Circumnavigation of Ireland

From GBP £6,995

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Description

If you have been to Ireland before and have been meaning to return to explore in greater depth, or are yet to discover the appeal of what is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful countries in the world, then our circumnavigation offers the perfect opportunity. Culturally rich with amazingly gifted writers, poets, musicians and actors, and historically fascinating with a history stretching back some 10,000 years, Ireland has so much to discover. Join us aboard the 118-passenger MS Island Sky for this unique and comprehensive itinerary that promises to be a most enjoyable and informative experience.

During this circumnavigation of Ireland, we will learn much of Ireland’s forgotten past from the arrival of Christianity in the 5th century, followed by the Vikings and the Anglo Normans to the more recent and often troubled history. A republic and independent nation for barely 100 years it has witnessed enormous changes particularly in the last couple of decades. With a population of less than Yorkshire, it has achieved so much to be proud of and during our in-depth exploration we will aim not only to show its beauty but delve into its past to gain a better understanding of modern day Ireland.

For many the highlight will be our visits to some of Ireland’s grandest houses and gardens set amidst stunning and uniquely Irish landscapes. 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 and given the joi de vivre of the Irish we can promise, it will not be boring.

Trip Name
Circumnavigation of Ireland
Days
13
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. Alternatively car parking will be available at the port. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.
Day 2 - Day 2 Dun Laoghaire & Dublin, Ireland.
We start our exploration of Ireland in Dublin. From our berth in Dun Laoghaire a city tour will include Merrion and Fitzwilliam Squares and the famous ‘Doorways of Dublin’. We will also see the National Gallery, Dublin Castle and the city’s cathedrals. See the famous Guinness Brewery before ending at Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest college, founded in 1592, where we can wander through the grounds. This afternoon we travel south of the city to discover the magnificent gardens at Powerscourt. The gardens span 20 hectares and are a blend of formal gardens, sweeping terraces, statuary and ornamental lakes together with secret hollows, rambling walks, walled gardens and over 200 variations of trees and shrubs. The gardens were begun in the 18th century although most of what we see today dates from the 19th century.
Day 3 - Day 3 Waterford & Kilkenny.
From our berth in Waterford we will drive inland to the Medieval city of Kilkenny. The great building prowess of the Normans is very evident in the 11th and 12th century buildings bestowed on the city. Characterised by many beautifully restored buildings, the most splendid is Kilkenny Castle that was until recently a stronghold of the Butler family. The castle began life as a Norman fortress and gradually became more domesticated through the centuries. After exploring the interior including the gallery with portraits by Van Dyck and Lely we can wander in the surrounding 21 hectares of gardens. On the famous Medieval mile which leads from the castle to the city we will see the St Canices Round Tower, the 13th century St Mary’s Church and the enchanting Rothe Gardens. Return to the MS Island Sky for lunch and enjoy a leisurely afternoon to explore Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city, at your own pace. Maybe visit the excellent Medieval Museum, the Viking built Reginald’s Tower or the House of Waterford Crystal. Alternatively join a tour to Mount Congreve, a spectacular woodland garden on the banks of the River Suir. This privately owned, seventy acre garden has a collection of over three thousand trees and shrubs. Enjoy time to walk the numerous paths bordered with giant hydrangeas and visit the vantage points with views over the landscape and meadows beyond.
Day 4 - Day 4 Kinsale & Cork.
Arrive in County Cork at the picturesque harbour town of Kinsale. As we sail into the town 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. From Kinsale we will also drive the short distance to Ireland’s second city of Cork for a leisurely walk around the compact 800 year old city. Experience the smells and sounds of the English Market which dates back to 1610, stroll the busy lanes of the 18th century Huguenot Quarter and wonder at the magnificent Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral.
Day 5 - Day 5 Garnish Island & Bantry.
We anchor this morning off the sheltered harbour of Bantry and drive to nearby Glengarrif where local boats will take us to Garnish Island. Here we visit the beautiful Ilnacullin Gardens where the sheltered position and Gulf Stream is favourable to the growth of ornamental plants, many normally only found in sub-tropical or Mediterranean climates. We return by local boats sailing past ‘Seal Island’, home to 250 common seals. After lunch on board we will walk to Bantry House, overlooking Bantry Bay. We will explore the house, one of the finest historic houses in Ireland along with the gardens.
Day 6 - Day 6 Skellig Islands & Valentia Island.
Over breakfast we will arrive off 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. We will continue along 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 7 - Day 7 Galway.
From our berth in Galway we explore the beautiful region of Connemara. Here the National Park covers nearly 3000 hectares of scenic mountains, heaths and woodland and is home to herds of ponies. By driving 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. Also 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 8 - Day 8 Aran Islands.
Located just 30 miles from the Galway Coast are the Aran Islands. We spend the morning at 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 3000 years. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon cruising.
Day 9 - Day 9 County Donegal.
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 be treated to some traditional Irish music. We will offer a drive through the scenic landscapes of northern Donegal to Glenveagh National Park where we find the wonderful 19th century castle built on the shores of Lough Veagh. Surrounded by magnificent mountains, pristine lakes and native oak woods this is a magical place. After a tour of the castle we will explore the woodland gardens set in the starkly dramatic shadows of the Kinnaveagh, Dooish and Staghall Mountains. Alternatively visit the charming Salthill Gardens. Located some 200 yards from the sea, this old walled garden has been gradually transformed by Elizabeth Temple into something very special. Independent of trends, this delightful half hectare enclosure offers a feeling of privacy and mystery that is particular to old walled gardens. We will be entertained on board by local music this evening as we sail late tonight.
Day 10 - Day 10 Tory Island.
Located off the northwest coast of Ireland and home to 150 or so Gaelic speakers Tory Island is the most remote inhabited Irish island. Although only 14 miles offshore, it feels like many more and island life here is full of traditions. We will explore the island on foot before meeting some of the local community in the village hall and enjoy some of their legendary storytelling, music and dance. Tory Island is also famous for its migratory birds and we hope to hear the calls of the corncrake for which the island is known.
Day 11 - Day 11 Giant's Causeway & Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland.
From our anchorage in Portrush we will 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 and sail to Rathlin Island. Located just a few miles from the North Antrim coast, Rathlin has been settled for more than 6000 years. Today, there are only 80 or so souls, whereas before the famine there were 1200 inhabitants. History is everywhere with historic buildings and ruins which we will explore with our local guides.
Day 12 - Day 12 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 final 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 13 - Day 13 Liverpool, England.
Disembark this morning. Transfers will be provided to Liverpool Lime Street Station at a fixed time.
Day 14 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
28-07-202409-08-2024GBP £6,995Magellan Deck Standard Suite
28-07-202409-08-2024GBP £7,195Columbus Deck Superior Suite
28-07-202409-08-2024GBP £7,595Marco Polo Deck Premium Suite
28-07-202409-08-2024GBP £7,995Marco Polo Deck Corner Suite
28-07-202409-08-2024GBP £8,295Erikson Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite
28-07-202409-08-2024GBP £8,595Explorer Deck Owner's Balcony Suite
28-07-202409-08-2024GBP £8,995Magellan Deck Standard Single
28-07-202409-08-2024GBP £9,195Columbus Deck Superior Single
28-07-202409-08-2024GBP £9,595Explorer Deck Island Suite
09-08-202421-08-2024GBP £7,195Columbus Deck Superior Suite
09-08-202421-08-2024GBP £7,595Marco Polo Deck Premium Suite
09-08-202421-08-2024GBP £7,995Marco Polo Deck Corner Suite
09-08-202421-08-2024GBP £8,295Erikson Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite
09-08-202421-08-2024GBP £8,595Explorer Deck Owner's Balcony Suite
09-08-202421-08-2024GBP £8,995Magellan Deck Standard Single
09-08-202421-08-2024GBP £9,195Columbus Deck Superior Single
09-08-202421-08-2024GBP £9,595Explorer Deck Island Suite
09-08-202421-08-2024GBP £6,995Magellan Deck Standard Suite

Inclusions

    • Dun Laoghaire & Dublin, Ireland
    • Waterford & Kilkenny
    • Kinsale & Cork
    • Garnish Island & Bantry
    • Skellig Islands & Valentia Island
    • Galway
    • Aran Islands
    • County Donegal
    • Giant's Causeway & Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland

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