Reiseverlauf

Reiseverlauf abhängig von Wetter- und Eislage. Beschriebene Naturerlebnisse/Tiersichtungen sind mögliche Ereignisse auf den Expeditionen und nicht garantiert.

• Day 1 Arrive Dublin, Ireland

  Welcome to Dublin. On arrival at Dublin airport make your way to the Arrivals Hall to meet our representative, followed by a transfer to our group hotel. At the hotel, visit our hospitality desk in the lobby to meet our team who will provide you with useful information regarding pre-embarkation procedures and about your time in Dublin. You will also receive cabin tags for your luggage. Please clearly label the tags with your name and your cabin number on the ship. This evening offers time to relax in preparation for our ‘day out in Dublin’ tomorrow. Our group hotel has a popular restaurant and is close to plenty of corner pubs and cosy restaurants should you wish to ‘share a jar’ in true Irish style or try some local cuisine. Accommodation: Dublin Hotel (or similar).

• Day 2 Dublin

  Dublin, the vibrant capital of Ireland, is a city brimming with energy and resilience. Once under British rule, Dublin has emerged with a distinct sense of identity, leading Ireland as a proud member of the European Union and reflecting its evolving role in modern Europe. The city has been home to some of the world’s most influential literary figures, including Oscar Wilde, James Joyce, W.B. Yeats, and George Bernard Shaw. Iconic landmarks such as Trinity College, home to the esteemed Book of Kells, highlight its storied past, while the city also serves as a hub of artistic and cultural expression, with global musicians like U2, whose impact resonates from their Dublin roots, having invigorated its creative scene. Dublin’s vibrant pub culture offers a lively social fabric, where traditional and contemporary influences merge to create a city to explore both day and night. Choose your favourite ‘Your Choice’ experience for a morning full of all things Irish, with time to explore Dublin at your own pace this afternoon. Join us for an evening of Irish food and dancing, as we celebrate the start of our journey. Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.Option 1- Morning experience: Walking Dublin. Dublin’s compact character makes it an ideal one for a leisurely walking tour, with a stop for an Irish coffee of course! This morning, our local guides entertain us with tales of the city’s character-filled history. We will hear stories of Ireland’s emotional past through the eyes of its many artists, manic Lord Mayors and rebellious citizens whilst following the park-side alleys of Dublin’s ‘backyard’, St Stephens Green, to the grand Georgian buildings of Irelands’ first university, Trinity College. Founded by Queen Elizabeth I, the grounds of the college offer 40 acres of academic seclusion from the hustle and bustle of downtown Dublin. *Note: sequence may vary.Option 2 – Morning experience: The Spiritual Centre of Dublin. Join a locally guided tour of Glasnevin Cemetery, where the stories of 1.6 million souls are meticulously preserved. This historical Victorian cemetery, adorned with statues of shamrocks, high crosses, and harps, offers a window into Ireland’s rich past and psyche. Discover the final resting places of notable figures such as Michael Collins, a leader in the struggle for Irish independence, and Éamon de Valera, a key political figure and former president of Ireland. You may also visit the graves of Brendan Behan, the influential playwright, and Thomas Kinsella, a celebrated poet. Look out for final resting places of Countess Markievicz, a revolutionary and the first woman elected to the British Parliament, and Daniel O’Connell, the great emancipator. Glasnevin is a testament to Ireland’s deep-rooted belief in spirits and saints, reflecting the nation’s spiritual heritage. Each monument and grave not only tell the story of its occupant, but also offers insights into the Irish psyche, where reverence for historical figures and a connection to the spiritual world are intertwined.Option 3 – Morning experience: The Guinness Story. The Guinness brewery opened on this spot over 250 years ago, when Arthur Guinness signed a 900-year lease – there’s only 650 years to go. We will see, hear and smell the secret ingredients as we travel through a series of vast machines, before our self-guided tour ends in the circular panoramic Gravity Bar, with its sweeping views across the city of Dublin. Here, we will enjoy a complimentary pint of ‘the black stuff’ while viewing Dublin from above. Choose to make your own way back to the hotel or catch a lift on our coach.Accommodation: Dublin Hotel (or similar). Meals: Breakfast, Welcome reception – dinner show.

• Day 3 Belfast, UK – Embark (Port: Belfast)

  We depart Dublin for Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, arriving in the late morning. Belfast has endured more than its share of hardship—famines, disease, invasions, and economic strife have shaped a tough, resilient city. But it was the recent period known as The Troubles that defined its global image. Barbed wire, armed patrols, and bomb searches once deterred visitors. Today, however, Belfast is a city renewed—lighter, more open, and on the rise thanks to political progress and investment. On arrival a short driving tour showcases stories of the workers who built Belfast and insights into both Unionist and Nationalist communities. Occasional security gates serve as reminders of a complex past, but the city now embraces seven vibrant ‘quarters’: Cathedral, Gaeltacht, Smithfield Market and Library, Linen, Market, and Queen’s. There’s time to grab a bite to eat or browse Belfast’s centre before heading to the Titanic Quarter. It was here that thousands laboured to build the world’s most glamorous ship. The Titanic Experience, located on the original dockyard, brings this story to life, exploring the pride, pressure, and tragedy tied to the ship’s legacy. Having completed our tour, we make our way to the port of Belfast for embarkation. After settling into your cabin and participating in the mandatory safety briefing, we meet our crew and Aurora Expeditions team at a Welcome Dinner to celebrate our voyage around the Emerald Isle. Meals: Breakfast, Welcome dinner on board.

• Day 4 Londonderry~Derry, Northern Ireland UK (Port: Londonderry~Derry)

  Our overnight sailing takes us to the fascinating city of Londonderry~Derry. Simply known as Derry to the Nationalist (Catholic) population but still referred to as Londonderry by the Unionist (Protestant) population, this ‘border’ town has seen it all. The sectarian ‘Troubles’ of this predominantly Nationalist city may have blemished its reputation, but in recent years these tensions have eased, and although some suburbs retain their sense of division, strolling the streets is safe and the general population are happy to share stories of their stormy past and ambitious future. We meet the tidal mouth of the River Foyle at sunrise, arriving at Londonderry~Derry’s port mid-morning. Choose to ‘stay in town’ to hear the city’s fascinating story, or head north to the coast to follow fables of giants and failed dynasties at the Giant’s Causeway, before we sail west in the early evening for the Republic of Ireland and the cliffside gem of Killybegs. Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences. Option 1 – Morning experience: Londonderry~Derry – Past, Present, Future. Our local guides interpret the story of Londonderry~Derry in this excursion, which is a combination of a walking and coach tour. Having lived through the tumultuous times of ‘The Troubles’ as the locals refer to it, their first-hand experiences immerse us in the era when a word to the wrong person, a stroll on the wrong side of the street, or a misplaced glance, could cost you your life. In recent years, the artists and youth of Londonderry~Derry have painted emotive murals on walls around the city. We pass several of these as our guides explain the city’s tumultuous past. Several monuments in the Bogside neighbourhood shed even more light on key events, such as the hunger strikes that marred the city. Explore the city centre further at your own pace or return to the ship for a relaxing lunch. Option 2 – Half-day experience: Dunluce Castle, Giant’s Causeway. Heading north we find the northern shores of Northern Ireland and follow the coast to the Giant’s Causeway. This region is blessed with impressive natural scenery: vast valleys, glittering lakes and cliffs hoisted up from the Atlantic. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Giant’s Causeway consists of some 40,000 interlocking basalt columns lifted from the ocean by volcanic activity over 60 million years ago. Of course, according to legend, giants strode across columns over the sea from Scotland, creating what looks like a giant pathway of stepping-stones that start on land and disappear into the ocean. After lunch at a local restaurant, we follow the Scenic Causeway Road to Dunluce Castle. Once the headquarters of the MacDonnell clan, the castle fell victim to a violent storm and was abandoned. Its ruins and spectacular backdrop have been popular recently, after it was used as the Castle of Pyke in the famous series Game of Thrones.

• Day 5 Killybegs and Slieve League Cliffs (Port: Killybegs)

  The fishing village of Killybegs is gateway to the rugged beauty of Slieve League Cliffs and the dramatic backdrop of Ireland’s own Table Mountain, Ben Bulben. Jutting out of Sligo’s northern edge, the peninsula of Mullaghmore pokes into the North Atlantic. Land and sea meet in confluence along the coast of County Sligo, a landscape of jagged mountain peaks that inspired the work of Nobel-winning poet William Butler Yeats. This morning, we arrive at the rugged harbour of Killybegs with time to explore the nearby cliffs and their cliffside walk or learn about sustainable whiskey distilling at the family owned and operated Ardara Distillery. Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences. Option 1 – Morning experience: Slieve League Cliffs. Slieve League is Ireland’s ultimate sea cliff experience and a signature point on the Wild Atlantic Way. Believed to be Europe’s highest accessible sea cliffs, they rise 2,000 feet from the ocean below. The lookouts here offer unspoiled views of the Atlantic as it slams the coastline of Donegal. Slieve League boasts a raw landscape and challenging lifestyle for those who call County Sligo home. We meet some of these stoic characters at the Tí Linn café and craft shop for a hot drink and scones. The Slieve League Cliffs Centre supports local artisans by selling their handmade specialties including items from the Donegal Tweed company and Triona, a company located only a few miles away at Ardara. Option 2 – Morning experience: Ardara and the Ardara Whiskey Distillery. For those who would prefer to hear about the most popular ‘spirits’ of the region, we visit the friendly folk of Ardara. One of the five designated heritage towns in County Donegal, Ardara has built itself a reputation as a village of craftsmen and women. The movement towards uniquely Irish goods is a growth market for the villages scattered throughout Ireland’s isolated peninsulas. It provides work for young people and whole families are typically involved in the production. Steeped in tradition the Ardara Distillery operations produce An Dúlamán Irish Maritime Gin and Sliabh Liag Whiskeys. Established by two ‘scatterlings’, James and Moira Doherty, who returned to the Sliabh Liag peninsula to build a legacy, the distillery employs 30 people in the village of 700. We tour the distillery to appreciate a sustainable, boutique side of Irish whiskey making. One inspired by the almost lost tradition for a smoky style of spirit, brought up to date with the best distillation know-how. We will learn about the history of Donegal’s distilling heritage and see skilled workers breathing new life into it. All tied together by a tasting of this unique brew.

• Day 6 Galway (Tender Port: Galway)

  The west coast seaside town of Galway plays host to Douglas Mawson today when we anchor in its bay and tender ashore. Attracting a year-round flow of local visitors, Galway has the vibe of a traditional Irish resort town with plenty of pubs, restaurants and shops selling traditional products. The Irish come here to walk its mile-long promenade and as tradition dictates, kick the walls end for good luck, enjoy fish and chips straight from the newspaper and, of course, ‘go on the gargle’ in its cosy pubs. Today, enjoy the flexibility of our ‘Your Choice’ experiences, offering two distinct ways to explore. Choose a relaxing lake-based boat cruise, gliding through scenic waters or a driving and walking tour of Galway, where you’ll uncover the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. After your chosen adventure, you can linger in town or return to the ship for lunch. Our tender service will shuttle guests throughout the afternoon, giving you the freedom to explore Galway at your own pace. As we set sail in the early evening, prepare for a breathtaking finale — panoramic views of the legendary Cliffs of Moher, rising dramatically from the Atlantic Ocean. Towering over the West Clare coast, the Cliffs of Moher are best seen in the early morning, and from the sea. Visually spectacular, they sit astride the striking landscape of the Burren on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. At a height of over 700 feet at O’Brien’s Tower, and following the coast for almost eight miles, these ancient cliffs were formed over 320 million years ago and today form part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark. Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences. Option 1 – Morning experience: Getting to Know Galway. Experience the spirit of Galway on this guided city tour led by a local expert. This panoramic journey blends driving and walking to showcase the city’s most iconic landmarks and lesser-known treasures. We visit the Claddagh Ring Museum, where you’ll discover the origins of this traditional Irish symbol. According to legend, the first Claddagh ring was crafted by a Galway goldsmith who was captured by pirates and sold into slavery. He created the ring for his beloved back home, with its hands, heart, and crown representing friendship, love, and loyalty. Today, it holds deep meaning for generations of young Irish women. As our tour ends, enjoy free time to explore Galway at your own pace. Sample local food, browse shops for unique souvenirs, or wander the lively streets of Ireland’s favourite seaside town. Option 2 – Morning Experience: Cruising the Connemara. Today’s journey takes us through the wild beauty of Connemara, as we drive from Galway to Lisloughrey along winding roads flanked by quiet lakes, peat bogs, and dramatic mountain views. This rugged landscape sets the tone for what’s to come. At Lisloughrey, we board a scenic cruise on Lough Corrib, the largest lake in the Republic of Ireland, famously said to hold 365 islands, one for each day of the year. As we glide across its still waters, our guide tells tales of Viking raids, sunken castles, and ancient monastic sites bringing this uniquely Irish region to life. Rising from the treeline, you’ll spot sites like Ashford Castle, once a medieval fortress, later transformed into a Victorian estate by the Guinness family, and now one of Ireland’s most celebrated hotels, The Old Steamers Quay and Lord Ardilaun’s Obelisk. Returning to Galway, in time for lunch, choose to tender to the ship, or linger longer in Ireland’s favourite seaside resort and use our tender shuttle to return to the ship at your leisure.

• Day 7 Dingle (Tender Port: Dingle)

  Once described by National Geographic Traveller as ‘the most beautiful place on earth’, Dingle is away from the general ‘tourist route’, affording us exclusive access to the wild west coast. Traditionally a fishing port, Dingle Harbour is where we anchor and tender into town. Known for its rugged scenery, dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches, the surrounding promontory is the coastal heart of County Kerry, while Dingle itself has a bohemian flair and is famous for its hardware pubs where you can enjoy a brew and buy wares at the same time. Our ‘Your Choice’ experiences today showcase the relationship between the people and this rugged section of Ireland, before we follow its craggy coastline to Bantry. Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.Option 1 – Morning experience: Dingle Peninsula with the Blasket Centre. As the Atlantic carves the coast, we watch its waves from our clifftop drive to Slea Head. Our route weaves and twists as we follow the peninsula, with stops to take in its dramatic scenery as the road narrows, and we literally drive to the edge of the ocean. An unforgiving land, this peninsula attracted medieval monks, who lived in beehive-shaped, stone clocháns, which we visit at the Fahan Beehive. On the horizon we see the deserted Blasket Islands; an unenviable place to live. The islands were evacuated in 1953 due to a dwindling, ageing population, but the islanders’ stories live on, thanks to the Blasket Centre. This interactive museum tells tales of the islanders who survived in often unliveable conditions. We hear their stories, learn some ‘real Irish’ and marvel at their tenacity.Option 2 – Morning experience: Life on the Land – Past and Present. We hear tales of ‘life on the land’ this morning as we visit ‘famine cottages’ and meet the shepherds and the sheep dogs of the Dingle Peninsula. Our scenic drive follows a route along the dramatic cliffs of the promontory, before heading inland to the farmlands of Dingle. This land is sheep country. Generations of farmers have survived here through wild weather, outbreaks of disease and, of course, famine. The Kavanagh family is one of them. In the 19th century, the densely populated, western counties of Ireland were poverty stricken. The people in these areas were hugely dependent on the potato crop, and when the potato blight arrived in the 1840s, West Kerry experienced severe hardship. Neglected by the ruling classes, people endured horrific conditions, forcing many to emigrate, while those who remained, starved. We hear tales of extreme poverty and struggle for survival as we visit the family’s 19th-century cottages, which remain as they were during the great famine. The story of this land continues in a lighter vein as we enjoy a sheepdog demonstration. The shepherds’ ‘best friends’ take instructions in native Irish as they show off their skills and win our hearts with their cunning ability to herd even the most determined of sheep.

• Day 8 Ring of Kerry and Bantry (Tender Port: Bantry)

  We arrive at Bantry Bay and tender to shore. The harbourside town of Bantry is the gateway to the touring route known as the Wild Atlantic Way. It is easy to see why Ireland’s colour of choice for everything is green, from its national sporting uniforms to its flag, as we drive the famed Ring of Kerry, tread the trails of Whiddy Island or explore the Beara Peninsula, surrounded by the lush grass-covered hills and dales of the Emerald Isle. For those choosing a morning excursion, Bantry itself is small enough for a comfortable stroll in the afternoon, with artisan shops, friendly cafes and, of course, plenty of pubs to try a local brew. Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences. Option 1 – Morning experience: Meet the Mayor of Whiddy Island. A 15-minute ferry crossing takes us to one of Ireland’s 80 islands – Whiddy Island, with a population of 30. A former World War I US Navy seaplane base known as Bantry Bay Station; Whiddy Island offers an insight into ‘island life in Ireland’. At just 3 x 1.5 miles in size, it is an island that is ideal for walking. It is famous for its red and purple hue provided in summer by an extensive planting of fuchsias and birdlife, as Whiddy is also home to kingfishers, little egrets and shags. But it is the story of its people that we have come to hear about, and we could not ask for a more local guide to show us around. He is the local publican, local postal worker, and he is locally known as the King of Whiddy Island. We learn about traditional baking and mussel farming and, of course, we wash it down at his pub with a local brew. Option 2 – Morning experience: The Beara Peninsula. The Ring of Beara, located on Bantry’s neighbour, the Beara Peninsula, is one of the region’s top three scenic drives, known for its rugged and less touristy charm. This 85-mile route, including the renowned Beara Way, offers a journey through some of Ireland’s most striking landscapes. We encounter a dramatic coastline where the Atlantic Ocean crashes against steep cliffs, creating breathtaking views. The route is flanked by sharp-featured mountains and intricate rock formations, with exposed and contorted strata presenting a geologist’s dream. Scenic detours lead to hidden gems such as ancient stone circles, secluded beaches, and picturesque villages like Eyeries, known for its brightly painted houses. Time permitting, we visit the quaint village of Allihies, famous for its copper-mining history, offering stunning vistas of Beara’s lakes and valleys. With its wild beauty and diverse scenery, the Ring of Beara promises an unforgettable adventure for those seeking a truly authentic and rugged Irish experience. Option 3 – Full-day experience: Ring of Kerry. Although this is not a real ring, its presence is gold for the local economy, as a day spent driving the Ring of Kerry is the touchstone against which all other beauty spots in Ireland are measured. The Iveragh Peninsula is a magical place full of myths and legends. This landscape of sandstone hills, wooded valleys and pristine lakes has inspired poets and authors to pen many a lament. A photographer’s dream, the region is dotted with quaint towns and villages. Its lands have been carved into a series of mountain passes that whisper their story as we follow the trail of the Ring of Kerry.

• Day 9 Cork (Port: Cork)

  Once a port town, always a port town, Cork sits proudly on an island in the middle of the Lee River. Surrounded by water, the city’s salty air tells the story of Irish emigration, with its historical harbour of Cobh and shores of Kinsale, famed as the port of boarding for the Irish who left for foreign lands. If your ancestors are Irish, there is a high chance they came through Cork. Today, the city has a flair for great gigs and modernised traditional dishes and is considered an Irish food mecca that is centred around its restored 18th-century English Market. Our morning shore excursions offer you the opportunity to ‘get the gift of the gab’ or follow those Irish who left their homeland for foreign shores, with time to explore Cork independently this afternoon. Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.Option 1- Morning experience: Cobh & the Titanic Experience. We join a guided walking tour of Cobh, tracing the story of Irish emigration. Seeking a better life, or simply hoping to survive starvation, hundreds of thousands boarded their vessels bound for foreign lands at Cobh, formerly known as Queenstown. This included Annie Moore, a teenager who was the first immigrant to be processed at the newly opened Ellis Island in New York City. Our walking tour leads us to the Titanic Experience. On 11 April 1912, 123 passengers boarded the RMS Titanic in Queenstown (now Cobh), a bustling harbour town, bound for New York. Just days later, these individuals would face one of the most tragic maritime disasters in history. The Titanic Experience Cobh offers a poignant exploration of this fateful journey. Through knowledgeable guides and immersive audiovisual displays, visitors are transported back to that fateful April. The exhibition details the Titanic’s final days and the desperate struggle for survival after the ship struck an iceberg. Personal stories are highlighted, including those passengers who embarked from Cobh.Option 2 – Morning experience: Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone. If every myth, legend and limerick associated with Blarney Castle’s indomitable ‘stone’ were true, the world would be asking it to solve all our problems. Where the stone came from and how its modern-day reputation was conceived is a matter of contention, but regardless, thousands of travellers come to kiss it every week, hoping to be bestowed with ‘the gift of eloquence’. Was it a witch who was saved from drowning that revealed its power? Was it the Lord of Blarneys eloquent reply to the land title demands of Queen Elizabeth I? Was it the Goddess Cliodhna’s hinted reply to a love-lost Cormac McCarthy? Today, we hope to find out.Option 3 – Morning experience: The Seaside Gem of Kinsale. We drive to the coast and the picture-perfect town of Kinsale, where we hear stories of naval battles, foreign invasions and shipwrecks. Once a garrison town embroiled with invading navies, Kinsale became the natural landfall for ships sailing from the continent and the Americas. It is in these waters where two of the world’s greatest ocean liners were last seen. In the early hours of 7 May 1915, the Cunard liner Lusitania was struck, only a mere 11 nautical miles off the coast of Kinsale, by a single torpedo shot from a German U-Boat. The people of Kinsale rallied to assist, but within 18 minutes she sank, with only 764 of the 1959 souls on board surviving. There is time to enjoy a stroll around this colourful coastal enclave before returning to Cork for lunch onboard, and time this afternoon to explore Cork independently.

• Day 10 Waterford – Disembarkation (Port: Waterford)

  After breakfast, bid farewell to your crew and disembark in Waterford, with time to explore the city centre at your own pace. Known as the city where culture meets the ‘craic’ (Irish for a good time), Waterford is a modern city with a layered history. Invaded by the Norsemen in 914, Waterford became a Viking settlement, which is reflected in its people even today. It emerged from the Middle Ages as a trading port with the wealth from goods that came from as far away as Newfoundland, the profits of which funded the construction of the many Georgian Mansions that line the city’s streets. Mid-morning, we’ll transfer to Dublin, where we continue our genealogy theme with a visit to Dublin’s EPIC Emigration Museum. Adjacent to the Customs House Quay (CHQ) building’s restaurants, cafes and shops, this award-winning museum is a highlight of any visit to Dublin, and a convenient place to grab a bite to eat, do some souvenir shopping or trace your own Irish roots at EPIC's Irish Family History Centre. The museum’s self-guided tour allows us to meet one of Ireland’s greatest exports; its people. Discover what it means to hold Irish heritage, as you meet poets and presidents, singers and suffragettes. You will meet famous folk and families, from Ned Kelly to the Kennedys, as you follow your souvenir-passport to find out where they came from, why they left, and the differences they have made to our everyday lives. Having explored the story of the Irish, we transfer to our hotel for our final night in Dublin. Accommodation: Dublin Hotel (or similar). Meals: Breakfast onboard.

• Day 11 Depart Dublin

  After breakfast, we bid farewell to all the Irish who have shared their stories with us, past and present. An airport transfer shared with your fellow explorers is included for your onward flight. Meals: Breakfast.