Saints, Saviors & Secrets: Ireland & Scotland Cruise

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.

You can choose from a selection of morning excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details), with time to explore Dublin this afternoon before gathering for a welcome event this evening. On the Walking Dublin tour, hear stories of Ireland’s emotional past while visiting iconic sites like St Stephens Green, Trinity College and the historic Huguenot cemetery. On the Dead Center of Dublin tour, visit the Glasnevin Cemetery for the final resting place of notable Irish figures. And on the Lock Up – Kilmainham Gaol excursion, visit the historical prison now serving as a museum.

Today, journey north to Belfast, with a significant stop in County Down to pay homage to Ireland’s most iconic patron, St Patrick. Originally hailing from Wales, St Patrick was a teenager when he was captured and brought to Ireland as a slave. Known as the Apostle of Ireland, he is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland and is a central figure in Irish heritage. Your journey includes a brief stop at the site reputed to be St Patrick’s final resting place. Here, alongside the remains of two other revered saints, St Brigid and St Columba, pause to reflect on their enduring legacies. This sacred site not only honors the memory of St Patrick, but also celebrates the profound spiritual heritage that he, along with St Brigid and St Columba, bestowed upon Ireland.

It is fair to say Belfast has had its share of turbulent times. Famines, disease, invasions and recessions paint a picture of a tough town, but it is in the city’s more recent times, known aptly as ‘The Troubles’, which tarred it with the brush of division. Images of barbed wire, armed soldiers and constant searches for bombs kept tourists away. Today, thanks to open political dialogue and foreign investment, Belfast has a new air about it. It appears lighter somehow, as if a heavy burden has been lifted from its shoulders.

Your day in Belfast is filled with stories of the workers who toiled for 14 hours a day to build the world’s most glamorous ship, the Titanic, the employment it created, and the race to finish her. Had they taken their time, would things have been different for the Titanic? Located on the site where the ship was built, the dockyard’s Titanic Experience may answer a few of your questions. From the dockyards, your tour skips ahead to the days of ‘The Troubles’ as you are guided through Unionist and Nationalist neighborhoods. The occasional security gate is a reminder that the island is still contested, but nowadays the city is split into seven virtual quarters, or cultural zones—Cathedral Quarter, Titanic Quarter, the Gaeltacht Quarter, Smithfield Market and Library Quarter, Linen Quarter, Market Quarter and Queen’s Quarter—rather than walled ones. Peek at Belfast’s quarters before boarding the ship.

Once on board, meet your team and crew and enjoy a welcome dinner as you set sail west along Northern Ireland’s rugged coastline.

An overnight sailing takes you to Northern Ireland and the fascinating city of Londonderry. 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. Come alongside on the river Foyle, the now open, natural border between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

You can choose from a selection of half-day or full-day shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). The half-day option is Londonderry-Derry—Past, Present, Future for a combo walking and coach bus tour of the city’s troubled past. For a full-day experience, visit Dunluce Castle & Giant’s Causeway for the region’s most famous natural attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take in the interlocking basalt columns that create steps into the ocean, then visit the castle of MacDonnell clan famed, portrayed as the Castle of Pyke in Game of Thrones.

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. Start the morning in Killybegs, where you can either explore the dramatic cliffs and enjoy the scenic cliffside walk or delve into sustainable whiskey production at the family-owned Adara Distillery. After returning to the ship for lunch, set sail south along the rugged coastline, heading towards the picturesque natural bay of Galway.

You can choose from a selection of afternoon shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). Choose the Slieve League Cliffs for Ireland’s ultimate sea cliff experience plus time in town. Or opt for the Adara Whiskey Distillery visit for weaving demonstrations and a tour of the facility and a tasting of their famous whiskey or gin.

Arriving at Galway, anchor in its natural bay and tender ashore. This popular west coast seaside town of Galway attracts a steady flow of local visitors. The Irish come here to walk its mile-long promenade and as tradition dictates, kick the wall’s end for good luck, enjoy fish and chips straight from the newspaper and, of course, ‘go on the gargle’ in its cozy pubs. Join a morning or full day experience to hear stories varying from poverty to excess, fame and fortune to famine and despair, before setting sail for a sunset over the Cliffs of Moher.

You can choose from a selection of full-day shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). On the Burren Badlands & Birds of Prey discover ancient limestone cliffs, caves & fossils, plus charming villages; also visit the Birds of Prey Center to take in eagles, owls, vultures and hawks, before free time in Galway. Or visit the Workhouse Museum for a guided exploration of Galway City followed by a tour of its museum exposing its historic countryside forced labor institutions. Another option is visiting the Benedictine nuns of Kylemore Abbey, with historic photos, audiovisual displays and artifacts, plus the meticulously kept Victorian walled garden.

Once described by National Geographic Traveler as ‘the most beautiful place on earth,’ Dingle is away from the general tourist route, affording exclusive access to the wild west coast. Traditionally a fishing port, Dingle Harbor is where you’ll 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. Enjoy lunch on board before tendering ashore to experience a slice of Ireland’s rural lifestyle, while viewing the wild side of the country and the Irish who call County Kerry home.

You can choose from a selection of morning or full-day shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). For the morning, choose the Life on the Land tour to farmlands to meet shepherds and sheep dogs plus visit 19th-century cottages, or take in the Saintly Sites of the Dingle Peninsula to explore the most westerly point in Europe, a 12th-century church and various Christian heritage sites. For a full-day excursion, explore the Dingle Peninsula & Tralee for a clifftop drive and visit to beehive-shaped, monk-built homes and an interactive museum, plus the quaint streets of Tralee.

Sail late afternoon, to bask in the last rays of sunlight as we slow to pass the Skellig Islands. Off the coast of County Kerry, two rocky pinnacles rise from the Atlantic Ocean. The Skellig Islands are world-renowned for their ornithological and archaeological significance. Skellig Michael is the site of a well-preserved monastic outpost of the Early Christian period and is now designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Little Skellig is equally renowned in matters of ornithology. As the home of 27,000 pairs of gannets, it is the second largest colony of such seabirds in the world.

Some 1,400 years ago a congregation of monks were searching for a place to practice their religion in complete solitude and isolation. Determined to build a monastery on these remote islands, generation after generation of monks hand-carved 600 stone steps with the simplest tools to build a hilltop monastery nearly 600 feet (180m) above the pounding waves. The survival of the terraces, oratories and six corbel stone beehive huts are to this day a testament to their skill and dedication. The archaeological remains show the dramatically spartan conditions in which the monks lived; however, after enduring several Viking raids, the monks eventually left the island in the 13th century. The site has subsequently become a place of Christian pilgrimage.

Note: The Office of Public Works (OPW) manages the Skelligs, and they no longer allow cruise ship passengers to land on Skellig Michael. Visitor numbers to Skellig Michael in recent years have reached the maximum permitted by UNESCO and any violation of UNESCO criteria will affect the future UNESCO status of the island. From the elevated height of your vessel, enjoy a cruise of the islands before reaching Dingle Bay and tendering ashore.

Arrive at Bantry Bay and tender to shore. The harborside town of Bantry is the gateway to the touring route known as the Wild Atlantic Way. It is easy to see why Ireland’s color of choice for everything is green, from its national sporting uniforms to its flag, as you 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.

You can choose from a selection of morning or full-day shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). For a morning option, Meet the Mayor of Whiddy Island for a tour of the small island (reached via 15-minute ferry ride) and notes on traditional baking and mussel farming, plus a pint; or visit the Beara Peninsula for a scenic drive (with possible stops, time permitting) along rugged, less busy coastline. Or choose the full-day Ring of Kerry tour for postcard-perfect photography, quaint towns, wooded valleys, pristine lakes and mountain passes.

Your 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.

You can choose from a selection of morning shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). On the Queenstown Story excursion, take a walking tour of Cobh (formerly known as Queenstown) and visit the Cobh Heritage Center’s Queenstown Story exhibition. Or choose the Blarney Castle & Stone tour to kiss the Blarney Stone, learn of its history and receive the gift of gab. Lastly, consider the Colorful Coastal Enclave of Kinsale option, to visit the picture-perfect coastal town and learn of its naval historic importance.

Return to the ship and enjoy lunch, while this afternoon you are in for a true Irish treat, when you’ll discover the heart and soul of Irish whiskey with a private onboard tasting. A local expert expounds their passion behind every drop as you immerse in a world of rich heritage, craftsmanship and unforgettable stories all pertaining to this amber treasure.

Known as the city where culture meets the ‘craic’ (that is 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. A town for those who enjoy a good stroll, Waterford is easy on the eye, offers plenty to see and as its reputation suggests, is full of fun.

You can choose from a selection of morning shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). On the Rock of Cashel tour, visit one of Ireland’s most saintly sites and take in St Patrick’s cross. Or visit Kilkenny Castle for a preserved medieval city with marble-clad facades and a castle with a great rags-to-riches story. The last option is a guided visit to the House of Waterford to explore the famed crystal factory and its glassworks.

Enjoy a morning excursion before returning to the ship for lunch. This afternoon, a shuttle coach provided will transfer you into/out of town should you wish to explore Waterford independently.

Sail into Douglas harbor, having enjoyed lunch on the ship, ready to explore the unique island of the Isle of Man. In the heart of the Irish Sea sits the tax-free haven of the Isle of Man, an island steeped in ancient mythology. Its name, Man, is believed to be derived from Manannán mac Lir, a figure from Celtic mythology who was the god of the sea and the island’s legendary first ruler. In the 21st century, the island’s captivating blend of rugged coastline, medieval castles and rolling hills is a self-governing British Crown dependency, offering an insight into island life under British rule. With its own parliament, Tynwald, claimed to be the oldest continuous parliamentary body in the world, the Isle of Man has a rich history, having been passed from the Celts to the Romans, to the Vikings and finally to the British Lords of Mann. Self-governing since 1866, when it was granted limited home rule due to its unique cultural identity and historical ties, the Isle of Man is particularly famous for the annual TT (Tourist Trophy) motorcycle races. This exhilarating event attracts enthusiasts from around the globe and transforms the island into a hub of high-speed excitement. Although only 220 square miles (570 sq km) in size, and with a population of 85,000, the Isle of Man’s eclectic history makes it a fascinating destination.

You can choose from a selection ofafternoon shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). On the Highlights of the Isle of Man tour, visit top attractions the Castle Rushen and the Manx Museum for artifacts and symbols of the island’s strategic importance during the medieval period. Or learn about More Than a Bike Race – the Isle of Man TT Story for notes on the island’s eccentric annual motorcycle races, including a course tour and visit to the Isle of Man Motor Museum.

After breakfast, disembark the ship in Glasgow’s seaside suburb of Troon and start your overland journey from coast to coast, ending your drive in Edinburgh.

Head east to the William Wallace National Monument. Possibly the second most famous man to be ‘hung, drawn and quartered’ after Guy Fawkes, Sir William Wallace was a knight who led the Scottish rebellion against Edward I of England. In 1297, he killed the English sheriff at Lanark, igniting a full-blown revolt. Wallace’s notable victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge severely weakened English control but on returning to Scotland from France in 1303, he found that Robert the Bruce and John Comyn had made truces with Edward I. Excluded from these terms, Wallace was captured near Glasgow. Despite denying charges of treason, claiming he never swore allegiance to the English king, Wallace was executed, becoming a lasting symbol of Scottish patriotism and resistance.

Continuing the savior theme, visit Dunfermline Abbey, the final resting place of Robert the Bruce. This revered site honors the king who secured Scotland’s independence from England. Known for his pivotal role in the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, Bruce’s leadership restored Scottish sovereignty and re-established its monarchy. After his death, ‘the Bruce’ was buried here, with his grave symbolizing his enduring legacy and the profound respect he still commands throughout Scotland.

Your evening is free to enjoy Edinburgh. This vibrant city boasts more pubs, restaurants and whisky-tasting venues than anywhere else in the United Kingdom, guaranteeing an eventful night out.

Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, is more than just a city of castles and royal connections; it is a place where the stories of saints and heroes who saved Scotland echo through its ancient streets. Perched dramatically on volcanic hills and dominated by the iconic Edinburgh Castle, the city has been a strategic stronghold for centuries. Renowned for its connections to Scottish heroes like Robert the Bruce, Mary Queen of Scots, who took up residence at Holyrood Palace as a widow at 18 years of age; and St Giles, the patron saint of Edinburgh; the city holds secrets including hidden underground tunnels beneath the Royal Mile, and tales of ghostly apparitions that haunt the ancient vaults.

Beyond its imposing fortifications, Edinburgh was a center of political intrigue, and a gathering place where clan leaders negotiated, celebrated, and sometimes clashed, leading to dangerous liaisons and hidden nooks and crannies scattered throughout the city. Today, visitors are encouraged to explore Edinburgh’s royal residences, museums and galleries to uncover these stories and witness firsthand the secrets that have shaped its unique identity. Edinburgh stands as a living testament to Scotland’s resilience and spirit, where the legacies of saints and national heroes merge with the city’s enduring royal heritage in a puzzle of history and legend.

Your excursions this morning showcase a myriad of classic sites, gifting you an afternoon to enjoy the city independently, before gathering this evening for a farewell event of Scottish proportions.

You can choose from a selection of afternoon shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). Tour the Royal Mile & Edinburgh Castle for a UNESCO World Heritage Site including St Giles’ Cathedral, Parliament Square and the storied John Knox House, plus see the castle’s collection of the oldest Crown jewels in Britain. Or choose to tour the Underground World of Edinburgh & Edinburgh Castle to experience the city’s famed subterranean spaces and see the castle’s collection of the oldest Crown jewels in Britain. Last option is an audio-guided tour of the decks of the Royal Yacht Britannia, one of the world’s most famous ships with many royal functions and residencies.

After breakfast, take your leave, carrying with you the vibrant tales of Ireland’s and Scotland’s saint’s, saviors and uncovered secrets. An airport transfer shared with your fellow explorers is included for your onward flight.