Ireland and the Cornish Coast

A choice of included excursions are offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on just one of these excursions. It is not permitted to book more than one option, and in doing so will result in the automatic cancellation of additional excursions.

Sea shanties were once sung by sailors to maintain rhythm and boost high morale while working aboard ships. Despite their popularity fading over the years, sea shanties have always held a special place in folk music and are now being brought back to life. In today’s fast-paced world, they offer a moment of pause and reflection, bringing people together through rousing songs and traditional melodies. Listeners of all ages are drawn to their rich harmonies, moving melodies and storytelling lyrics. Thanks to Cornwall’s strong seafaring heritage, Fowey is the perfect place to enjoy some traditional sea shanty singing. There is no better venue to relax and enjoy these timeless songs than Fowey Church, set in the heart of the town.

Additional Information

Please note: You will be required to take the tender service over to Fowey town centre (Albert Pier), where there will be a walk of 250 yards to the church across flat pavement (500 yards in total). To access the church there is one step or a small ramp. Guests will be seated in the church. There are toilet facilities in the church which require six steps to access. Disabled toilet access will be available in a local pub which can be used before or after the event.

A choice of included excursions are offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on just one of these excursions. It is not permitted to book more than one option, and in doing so will result in the automatic cancellation of additional excursions.

Fowey is overflowing with medieval history, perched on the banks of a deep river. Its rich past is reflected in the town’s narrow, cobbled streets – lined with Victorian and Edwardian buildings which cascade towards the water’s edge. One of the reasons Fowey is such a picturesque place is thanks to the mid-section of the river – ready for you to explore during your 12-seat RIB tour. Whilst the river views unfold before you, your skipper will share stories of Fowey’s past and present industry, which has been mainly based on exporting goods of tin, copper and china clay, rather than fishing. Although the china clay trade has declined over the years, it is still exported from Fowey today and is an important material with many uses including the gloss on magazines, pharmaceuticals, engine housing, paints, and porcelain. As you travel further upriver, you will pass Daphine Du Maurier's former home and spot Wiseman’s Rock and the waters beyond – known as Wiseman’s Reach. Enjoy learning the story behind the rock’s name as you continue to discover Fowey from its finest vantage point along the river.

Additional Information

Please note: This tour will either start directly from the ship or from the Pilot’s pontoon, where you will need to negotiate 20 steps (with handrails). Each boat seats 12 passengers, all the boats have jockey seats, which requires guests to step over. Parts of this tour can be bumpy, please consider its suitability if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.

A choice of included excursions are offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on just one of these excursions. It is not permitted to book more than one option, and in doing so will result in the automatic cancellation of additional excursions.

Galway City, nestled at the base of Galway Bay, is a picturesque and lively city boasting an avant-garde culture. The city has many relics of its medieval past and has changed considerably over the years, featuring a contrast of new and ancient architecture. Thanks to the compact size of the city centre, a tour on foot here makes for an ideal way to explore the highlights.

In the company of your guide, set off from the pier to discover the history and culture of this vibrant medieval "City of the Tribes". From the 15th century onwards, there were 14 merchant families who effectively ran the town – known as the "Tribes of Galway". During this time, trade was booming and Galway became the principal Irish port for trade with Spain and France.

Your guide will captivate you with stories of Galway past and present as you walk the very streets where trade was and still is at the forefront. Pass by Eyre Square, The Town Walls, Lynch’s Castle, and Spanish Arch. There will also be time to pause and view the exterior of the largest medieval parish church in Ireland: St Nicholas Church, founded in 1320.

Enjoy the local scenery as you stroll through the cultural capital with time to explore independently or return to the pier with your guide once the guided walking tour has ended.

Additional Information

Please note: This tour involves up to two miles of walking, some over uneven ground. The tour is entirely on foot. There are no planned restroom stops during this excursion. At the end of the tour you can choose to walk back to the ship with your guide or remain in Galway. If you decide to remain in Galway, it is your responsibility to return to the ship in time for sailing.

A choice of included excursions are offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on just one of these excursions. It is not permitted to book more than one option, and in doing so will result in the automatic cancellation of additional excursions.

Start your tour with a drive into Galway’s city centre. On arrival, pass the famous Eyre Square, often described as the crown jewel of the city. From here, proceed for a photo stop at the Galway Cathedral, one of the largest, most dominating buildings in Galway and the largest stone-built church in Ireland. Erected on the site of a former city jail, the Cathedral features an imposing dome rising approximately 145-foot-high. Leaving the city behind, the tour continues along the coastline to the Gaeltact village of Spiddal, known for its traditional Irish crafts and strong Irish-language heritage. At the Spiddal Craft Village, enjoy some time at leisure to browse the workshops and studios – discovering handcrafted pottery, glass, jewellery, textiles, and art created by local artisans. Alternatively, you can unwind with a cup of coffee before taking the coach back to Galway.

Additional Information

Please note: This tour involves 100 yards of walking. Walking during free time at Spiddal Craft Village is at guests discretion. Some of the ground at the village is uneven and gravel.

A choice of included excursions are offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on just one of these excursions. It is not permitted to book more than one option, and in doing so will result in the automatic cancellation of additional excursions.

The Wild Atlantic Way is a 1,600-mile-long coastal route, one of the longest defined coastal routes in the world, stretching from the Inishowen Peninsula to the quaint town of Kinsale. During this scenic drive, you will cover a small but memorable fraction of the route, travelling through the villages of Kilcar and Carrick en route to Malin Beg. You will soon uncover why this part of Ireland has earned the named ‘wild’. The Atlantic Ocean, stretching as far as the eye can see, crashes into the land, carving a rugged and dramatic landscape. Hidden away on this route are some of Ireland’s golden, sandy beaches, while the coastline itself is formed from a blend of geological formations. From cave riddled limestone to complicated mixtures of igneous rocks, this natural combination shapes the scenery of County Donegal. After stopping at Malin Mór for a photo opportunity of the views, your return coach journey will stop at one of the local establishments for a warm creamy Irish coffee before returning to the port.

Additional Information

Please note: There is approximately 250 yards of walking and up to 15 steps during this tour. The order of sights may change.

A choice of included excursions are offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on just one of these excursions. It is not permitted to book more than one option, and in doing so will result in the automatic cancellation of additional excursions.

Donegal Town sits at the mouth of Donegal Bay in northwest Ireland, surrounded by the Blue Stack mountains offering a rugged beauty and dramatic backdrop. Donegal Town itself is of historical interest, once the seat of the O'Donnell family – chieftains of Tirconaill. In 1474, they brought Franciscan monks to Donegal, leading to the construction of the Franciscan Abbey. Your driver will drop you in Donegal town, where you will have two-and-a-half hours of free time to browse the shops or explore this compact city at your own pace before re-joining your coach for your return journey to port.

Additional Information

Please note: The drive to Donegal is 45 minutes and will be accompanied by a guide. During your free time in Donegal, walking is at your discretion, but this excursion has been graded moderate based on a good exploration. To use the restroom in a cafe a purchase may be required.

Enjoy a narrated drive through Cork, passing the city’s Georgian architecture along the way. It is a University City with a rich cultural scene that incorporates jazz, film, opera and theatre. Despite offering the many amenities of a large city, Cork has retained the traditional charm and friendliness of a country town.

During your tour you will see the spires of St Fin Barre’s Cathedral. Designed by William Burges and consecrated in 1870, the site of the cathedral has been a place of Christian worship since the seventh century. Continue past Cork City Hall which was destroyed in December 1920 by a fire started by the Black and Tans as retribution for republican attacks. It was replaced by the Jones and Kelly building of 1935, which was opened in 1936 by Eamon de Valera.

Journey past the Old Courthouse and 18th-century St Anne’s church, where the tower houses the renowned Bells of Shandon, before returning to your awaiting ship.

Additional Information

Please note: Sightseeing during this excursion is mainly from your tour vehicle. There will be no comfort stop made during this excursion.

A choice of included excursions is offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on your preferred excursion and note that it is not possible to book more than one included excursion in each port.

Pendennis Castle is a coastal fortress offering a panoramic view over Falmouth. At its heart lies the original 16th-century Device Fort, encircled by a ring of outer defences based on Elizabethan ramparts and later adapted through the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. This castle is considered one of the finest examples of a post-medieval defensive promontory fort in the country – showcasing a long history of different defensive approaches, and one of England’s best preserved coastal fortresses. A short unguided coach drive takes you here, where you can enjoy some time at leisure to explore this historic gem surrounded within acres of green space.

Additional Information

Please note: There is approximately 550 yards of essential walking required, and any additional walking is at your discretion. Walking will be over uneven, grassy, gravel ground and there may be some inclines. There is a spiral staircase in the castle to access the upper floor and keep.

A choice of included excursions is offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on your preferred excursion and note that it is not possible to book more than one included excursion in each port.

The National Maritime Museum provides a voyage of discovery as you explore the influence of the sea on Cornwall’s history and culture. After a short drive from your ship to the museum, a member of staff will welcome you inside and give you a taste of what to expect during your visit.

After your introduction, you are free to explore the museum independently. 15 galleries, located throughout five floors await – beginning in the Main Hall, where a flotilla of small boats will hang above your head. The exhibition also reveals the historical importance of Falmouth port, the world’s third-largest deep-water harbour. On the top floor, you can look forward to the Lookout Tower – providing you with a panoramic view over the harbour, docks and estuary.

There will also be time to enjoy a complimentary hot drink in a private area before you leave – either for some independent time in Falmouth town centre or to make your way to the shuttle bus service for your return to the awaiting ship.

Additional Information

Please note: There will be a walk of approximately 100 yards between your coach drop-off point and the museum entrance. Inside the museum, the amount of walking is at your discretion and a voucher will be given to you for your complimentary refreshment. The museum is fully accessible with all five levels serviced by a lift. Whilst your departure time from the ship is specified, your return time is at your discretion and a shuttle bus service will operate throughout the day.

A choice of included excursions is offered during your visit to this port – please select your place on your preferred excursion and note that it is not possible to book more than one included excursion in each port.

On this guided walking tour take the South West Coast Path to Pendennis Point, enjoying coastal views and the scenic Gyllyngvase beach. Departing from the quayside on foot, join the South West Coast Path as it winds through woodland around the headland towards Pendennis Point. This panoramic location of Pendennis Point offers sweeping views of the Carrick Roads and out to the open ocean and is also home to the historic Pendennis Castle.

Continuing around the headland, you will pass Castle Beach before venturing through the tranquil Gyllingdune Gardens. The upper section of the gardens is set out formally and is well cared for, being an exquisite vista during the spring and summer season.

After a few minutes stroll, you will head past the secret grotto and monolithic arch, through the rose garden and Princess Pavilion, before arriving at the seafront boasting views back to Pendennis Castle and across Gyllyngvase beach. Falmouth’s largest and most popular beach, ‘Gylly’ known to the locals, is a golden crescent of sand with vistas that stretch out along the South Cornwall coast.

Your walk comes to an end at Events Square where there’s time at leisure in the town, or head directly back to the ship via the port shuttle bus.

Additional Information

Please note: There is over three miles of walking required on this excursion. Some of the walking is over grassy, sandy and uneven terrain as well as 30 steps. Wear flat and comfortable shoes.

Inventively transformed from a disused china clay pit, the Eden Project emerged in 2001 with its two distinctive transparent ‘biomes’. The attractions high-tech honeycomb plastic domes form the world’s largest greenhouses and shelter a diversity of plants.

Spot giant, tropical water lilies, vast and surprisingly pungent titan arum which flowers every five to six years, the hallucinogenic ibogo, plus an array of Mediterranean and British flora. The entire site spans an area the size of 15 hectares and includes outdoor trails through gardens in addition to exhibits on crop cultivation, the flowerless garden, and plants in myths, medicine and industry.

Also head to the Visitors’ Centre, providing information about the construction and development of the ambitious Eden Project and the fragile yet fundamental relationship between people and plants. Once here, you are free to explore at your leisure.

Additional Information

Please note: You will be required to take the tender service over to Pilot's Pontoon where you will need to negotiate 20 steps (with handrails). The Eden Project covers a large area and considerable walking is required to appreciate it fully. You will have approximately five hours to explore the Eden Project at your leisure. A park-and-ride service runs between the coach park and the Visitors' Centre, and a ‘land train’ or easy zig-zag pathways lead from there to the biomes. There is usually a queue for the land train. The site is wheelchair-friendly and ramps are provided to make it easier to get around. We recommend that you wear walking shoes plus loose, layered clothing and a raincoat. It’s hot and humid inside the biomes. Refreshments are not included and therefore you may wish to request a packed lunch from the ship.

This excursion takes you to the northern coast of Cornwall and the fishing town of Padstow. Departing the quayside at Fowey, you will first head inland, travelling through Cornish countryside to reach the north coast, passing the patchwork fields for which Cornwall is famous for.

Your first stop is at Prideaux Place, set on a hillside above the town of Padstow and the River Camel estuary. The Prideaux family’s origins go back to the 11th century and the current owners ancestors built the first house in 1592. Remodelled twice since then, it is now a combination of traditional Elizabethan architecture and Victorian Gothic style.

Your guided tour takes in some of the rooms including the oak panelled dining room, great chamber hall and Grenville Room. Your guide will also introduce you to the history of the family including the pardons obtained on the restoration of the Monarchy in 1660 after the family had supported Cromwell. Departing Prideaux, there is a short drive to the fishing town of Padstow, with its fleet of trawlers, netters and crabbers, and colourful harbour surrounded by pastel-washed medieval houses.

Enjoy some free time here to explore the port's rich heritage. Perhaps seek out the hidden curiosities of the Town Trail or admire the maritime displays in Padstow Museum. From Padstow, head back to the southern coast of Cornwall and the ship in Fowey.

Additional Information

Please note: You will be required to take the tender service over to Pilot's Pontoon where you will need to negotiate 20 steps (with handrails). This excursion will involve walking approximately 500 yards at Prideaux Place. There is no lift and there are approximately 10 steps to negotiate. The pathways in the grounds are uneven in places with some gradients. Further walking at Prideaux Place and during your free time in Padstow is at your discretion. We recommend that you wear flat footwear.

In the heart of Devon is Dartmoor National Park, an area of great beauty and rugged grandeur.

Departing Fowey by coach, enjoy a drive north-east through the rolling farmlands to the town of Tavistock – a gateway to Dartmoor National Park. Tavistock is a market town, and the only town in Devon to hold world heritage status.

Here, you will stop for tea or coffee and scone, along with free time before continuing your scenic drive. During the route, the road climbs heavily through gorse and heather covered hillsides to Princetown; at 1,400 feet above sea level, it is the highest inhabited town in England. Still in use today, spot the infamous Dartmoor Prison, built in 1806 during the Napoleonic Wars.

You may even be lucky to enough to catch a glimpse of small herds of wild ponies which have lived on the moor since at least the tenth century. They are an integral part of the moorland landscape and help to give Dartmoor its unique character.

Enjoy a photo stop here before continuing your leisurely drive through natural scenery to return to the ship.

Additional Information

Please note: You will be required to take the tender service over to Pilot's Pontoon where you will need to negotiate 20 steps (with handrails). Walking during each of the stops is at your discretion, but this excursion is graded based on the assumption of a good exploration. Princetown has uneven and cobblestone terrain. There are five steps to access the refreshment venue.

Galway is the gateway to many natural wonders including the Burren. Travelling south through the towns of Oranmore and Kilcolgan, you will enter the Burren region at Kinvara. The Burren, named for the Gaelic word Boireann meaning rocky country, is an area of limestone rock that spans the imposing mountains and tranquil valleys with gentle streams. It has a deeply peaceful atmosphere, where a huge array of wildlife and flora, megalithic tombs and monuments that pre-date the Egyptian pyramids create a tapestry of colour and a magical aura that keep visitors coming back here.

At Ballyvaughan, you’ll visit the impressive Aillwee Caves – the most important caves in Ireland. The story of Aillwee began millions of years ago. It is a stunning creation of nature formed by the melting waters of a prehistoric Ice Age. The cave, carved out of limestone, cuts into the heart of the mountain and was once home to the European Bear, one whose bones still remain over 10,000 years later. It’s a wonderful subterranean treasure waiting for you to discover. Following your memorable visit to the caves, rejoin your tour vehicle for your return drive to your awaiting ship in Galway.

Additional Information

Please note: There will be up to one mile of walking at Ailwee Cave with some gradients, approximately 25 steps and slippery surfaces. Please consider the tours suitability if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.

Killary Fjord is Ireland’s only glacial fjord, and this excursion takes you by boat across the deep waters. Dramatically surrounded by mountains that rise steeply from the water’s edge, the fjord stretches 10 miles inland to the picturesque village of Leenane and forms a natural border between the counties of Galway and Mayo. Once aboard the ’Connemara Lady’, a comfortable all-weather catamaran offering uninterrupted views of the scenery, local seafarer Alex Goor will captain your voyage.

During the sailing you can relax with a Bailey’s coffee and learn how the fjord has become a centre of aquaculture as mussels are now farmed in the fjord’s clear waters. You can also enjoy spotting birds and wildlife during your 90-minute cruise – dolphins, seals and otters are often seen along this stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way. After disembarking your vessel it’s time for a two-course lunch at a nearby hotel.

After your lunch, rejoin your coach and travel to Cong. The village of Cong and surrounds were made famous when the Hollywood movie The Quiet Man was filmed on location, starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. Enjoy some free time to explore the quaint village before you rejoin your coach and guide for your return journey to port.

Additional Information

Please note: This excursion will involve up to 3½ hours of coach travel in total. Essential walking on this excursion is limited to a few hundred yards on flat terrain. However, the excursion has been graded as Moderate on the assumption of a good exploration during your free time. You will also be required to embark and disembark the boat unaided which may involve some steps. Indoor and outdoor seating is available and there are two sets of steps to access the outside seating area. Your lunch will include a main course and dessert with one glass of beer, wine or soft drink, followed by tea or coffee.

From the pier in Galway city you will set off through Oughterard and Maam Cross in the Connemara’s rugged landscape of contrasting scenery. Majestic mountains rise steeply from an earth of rock and boglands with many lakes and rivers, so it is no surprise that artists the world over have come to paint this landscape and its ever-changing light.

Before long you arrive at Kylemore Abbey and its Victorian Walled Garden. The Abbey was originally built in 1868 and is now the home to the Irish Benedictine Nuns. In the heart of the Connemara Mountains, the abbey is nestled at the base of Duchruach Mountain on the northern shore of Lough Pollacappul. You will soon see why it’s regarded as one of Ireland’s most romantic buildings. The Benedictine Nuns at Kylemore have always used the garden and held a very deep desire to restore it to its former glory. Restoration began in 1996 and today, the formal flower garden is fully restored. Every year the standard of gardening gets closer to Victorian perfection.

Next, you can look forward to lunch at the on-site Kylemore Kitchen. A buffet-style two-course lunch is offered here in a relaxed environment, served with a glass of wine or soft drink. Afterwards, return to your tour vehicle and relax as you travel through Recess, Derryneen and Spiddal. From the rugged Twelve Bens mountain range in the north through lake-rich Roundstone Bog to the golden beaches reaching out into the Atlantic Ocean, it’s obvious to see why Connemara is regarded as the real emerald of Ireland.

Additional Information

Please note: This excursion will involve up to four hours of scenic coach travel. Essential walking on this excursion is limited to a few hundred yards on flat terrain. However, the excursion has been graded as Moderate on the assumption of a good exploration during your free time. On arrival at the Abbey, you will receive a lunch voucher and you can visit the Kylemore Kitchen at your convenience.

Travelling around the bay, you will head south of Galway into County Clare to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher. This five-mile stretch of headland rises to a height of 650 feet above the thundering North Atlantic Ocean, where the nearest coastline west is that of Newfoundland and Labrador. On a clear day, the views from here are spectacular with the Aran Islands on the horizon as well as Galway Bay, O’Brien’s Tower and the Maam Turk Mountains.

To get there you travel through an ancient area called the Burren – a magical landscape of limestone pavement where clints and grykes form natural cobblestones creating a unique habitat for orchids and flora that do not usually grow in such proximity to each other. This ethereal and timeless part of the world is also the setting for Cora Harrison’s series of medieval mystery books.

At Moher, which means ruined fortress, you will get to walk along the clifftop above the sheer drop and ocean below. You will visit the excellent underground visitor centre where you can learn more about the history and wildlife of the cliffs, which are home of hundreds of cliff-nesting seabirds including puffins. You can also get a bird’s eye view of the cliffs with a virtual reality cliff face. When leaving Moher, you travel back through the vast and varied landscape to conclude your unforgettable visit.

Additional Information

Please note: The journey to and from the Cliffs will take approximately one hour and 45 minutes hours in each direction. There will be up to one mile of walking, which will involve some walking on a gradient and steps.

Standing at the top of the Slieve League Cliffs, you will perhaps understand why people once considered this the edge of the world, with nothing but Atlantic Ocean ahead.

On this tour, explore the cliffs’ rugged nature for yourself and learn about its stories at the family-run, award-winning visitor centre. Leaving Killybegs, drive through Kilcar and Carrick to the Ti Linn Café and Craft Shop, otherwise known as the Slieve League Cliffs Visitor Centre. Board the minibus which will take you to the Slieve League Cliffs’ viewing point.

At approximately 1,900 feet the cliffs are the highest in Europe and on a clear day, the views extend across to Sligo. After capturing the rugged landscape, make your way back to the Ti Linn Café for tea or coffee accompanied by scones. Furthermore, here you will have an opportunity to browse a range of local and national craft in the craft shop: from photographic work to knitwear. Also see the Ti Linn Art Gallery which displays work from both resident and visiting artists before returning to Killybegs Port.

Additional Information

Please note: This excursion involves a coach journey of approximately 45 minutes in each direction. Most of the walking is at your discretion, but there will be up to 500 yards of essential walking across flat terrain and at least five steps.

Enjoy a visit to Belleek Pottery, where the methods and techniques first developed by the craftsmen in the 19th century are still used today.

Following a video presentation, your guided tour begins at the casting, fettling and flowering shops. See how the craftsmen design, mould and shape the parian, creating tiny petals, stems and twigs by hand; and discover the secret which gives Belleek Parian China its distinctive pearly glow.

Afterwards, continue to the furnace area and painting rooms where the delicate colours of nature are artfully applied. There will be the opportunity to purchase a memento of your visit from the showroom before a scenic drive through the countryside takes you to Donegal Town.

Stop in Donegal for one-hours free time before returning to the port.

Additional Information

Please note: This tour involves up to one mile of walking and up to six steps. Further walking during your free time in Donegal is at your discretion. Flat walking shoes are recommended. The drive to Balleek Pottery is approximately one-and-a-quarter hours and the return journey from Donegal is 45 minutes.

From Killybegs you’ll take a short drive to the village of Ardara. Ardara, one of the five designated heritage towns in Donegal, is situated in the south-west of the county. The name Ard a’ Ratha means ‘high hill of the fort’ and comes from the earthen ring fort, which crowns the hill to the northeast of the town. Ardara has been long associated with the tweed and knitwear industries. From the 1870s, this trade became a cottage industry with home-spun and hand-dyed woollen and tweed items being created. The Ardara Heritage Centre, formally the town courthouse, profiles the development of the tweed industry. Several shops in the town still sell high-quality tweed and knitwear.

Your first stop is at the John Molloy Woollen Mills where you’ll see a demonstration and learn about the tweed industry. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a homemade scone while learning about the care that is taken when weaving the tweed. Rejoin your guide and continue to the Corner House Bar to learn the time-honoured tradition of baking bread with a demonstration given by one of the locals.

Afterwards, it’s time to experience something rather different. Perhaps not your average visitor experience, the Irish wake is nonetheless a huge part of old traditional Ireland. The wake, a glorious send-off for departed loved ones, is a prominent feature of Irish funeral traditions. It is seen less and less in modern Ireland and is now almost unknown in the cities. The wake conducted will re-enact the traditional Irish custom of celebrating the life that just passed, a “send-off” to the next life. Take part in the customary “sniffing of the snuff” and “tasting the poitín”. As the Irish have always loved a good party, the wake descends into a celebration of life, food, drink and music. You’ll be offered a drink of choice and treated to some local entertainment.

Then, take some time to discover the town of Ardara at leisure, before returning to your ship.

Additional Information

Please note: There is approximately 250 yards of essential walking plus further walking at your discretion during your free time in Ardara.

Drive through some of Donegal’s picturesque landscapes, stopping for refreshments at the tea rooms of Glencolmcille Folk Village, where local musicians will perform traditional Irish music. The region of Glencolmcille is rich in folklore and heritage, and your visit to the museum reveals an insight into a bygone era.

The Folk Museum opened in 1967 and 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. See the craft shop, schoolhouse and thatched cottages dating from 1750: the smells of damp and musk will remind you of a time before insulation and central heating. A range of activities may be taking place on the day. This part of Ireland has many associations with W B Yeats: the revolutionary and feminist Maud Gonne, who spent some time in a cottage near Glencolmcille, had a long relationship with the poet and turned down several proposals of marriage from him.

Additional Information

Please note: Walking at the Folk Village is largely at your discretion and you should expect to walk up to 500 yards in order to see the main exhibits. Some of the cottages have high threshold steps. The visit to the Folk Museum is free-flow, allowing you to explore at your own pace. This excursion involves a scenic coach journey of approximately 45 minutes in each direction.

Departing from Ringaskiddy, drive to Blarney, in the protective shadow of historic Blarney Castle. The castle was built in two sections and has a massive oblong Keep, with battlements that are typically Irish in form. Enjoy a visit to the castle, and, if you wish, kiss the famous Blarney Stone - to do this, you have to lean over backwards from the parapet walk of the battlements!

According to legend, the stone imparts the gift of eloquence (the gift of the gab) to all those who kiss it. From the top of the Castle you can take in the wonderful views of over 60 acres of sprawling parklands which include gardens, avenues, arboretums and waterways.

The estate boasts an impressive range of native wildlife. The woodlands, rivers and lake within the inner estate and also in the separate pockets of ground around the village area, provide support for many increasingly rare species including otters, red squirrels, barn owls, buzzards, kingfishers, trout and salmon. Blarney is also home to the old Blarney Woollen Mills, dating back to 1793 and now a craft and gift centre. Here, you can enjoy a cup of Irish coffee before returning to the port.

Additional Information

Please note: This tour involves essential walking of just under one mile, over mixed terrain. Those wishing to kiss the stone must ascend a spiral staircase with 110 narrow and uneven steps. This is a very popular tourist attraction, and there may be a long queue to kiss the stone. Walking during the free time is at your own discretion. Flat, closed-toe shoes are required if you wish to climb the steps up to the stone.

West Cork is blessed with some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery: the coast is rugged, with creeks, bays and coves, but just inland are gentle green hills and tranquil pastures where cows graze. This area was once thickly forested and inhabited by wolves, the last of which was killed in the early 18th century.

Your destination today, Clonakilty, is a lively market town at the top of a winding inlet and has been designated as West Cork’s Heritage Town by the Irish Tourist Board: a visit to the town soon shows why. You will feel at home here among the traditional shop fronts and hand-painted signs. The post office is housed in an old Presbyterian church and the library and council offices occupy a converted watermill with the river flowing beneath. Narrow streets and lanes open into elegant squares. It is a town of tall spires, towers and historic buildings - the brewery, mills and quayside warehouses stand as testament to a busy trading and industrial past.

Stop for an included cup of tea or coffee and scones in a local hotel, and afterwards have a little free time to browse in the shops or wander through the narrow streets before your scenic drive back to the port.

Additional Information

Please note: This is a largely panoramic tour with most of the sightseeing taking place from your tour vehicle. There is approximately 100 yards of essential walking required, although you will need to walk further if you wish to explore Clonakilty in depth during your free time.

Depart the pier and travel to Cork City for a short panoramic drive. This introduction to Ireland’s second city highlights Cork’s unique origins which began as an island in the swampy estuary of the River Lee, just upstream from Cork Harbour – one of the world’s largest natural harbours.

Today the River Lee flows through the city in two main channels, creating a network of bridges that give Cork its distinctive character. Along the way spot the spires of St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, the old Courthouse, City Hall, and the renowned Bells of Shandon. Leaving the city, travel east to the village of Midleton, where the famous Irish whiskey gets its name.

A visit to the Old Jameson Distillery in Midleton will take you into the heart of the Ireland’s whiskey-making tradition. You’ll enjoy a 60-minute guided tour of this restored 18th-century industrial complex, which includes a fully-operational waterwheel and a copper still with a capacity of 32,000 gallons – the largest in the world. After an audio-visual presentation to summarise the experience, there’s time for a tasting. During this, you are invited to relax in the atmosphere of a traditional Irish pub and sample Ireland’s finest whiskey.

Afterwards, why not visit the gift shop stocking everything from Jameson merchandise to Jameson cocktail making kits and cold brews? Following your visit, re-board your motor coach for your return drive to Ringaskiddy.

Additional Information

Please note: There is up to one mile of walking over mixed terrain and up to 10 steps. You will be standing for most of the visit to the distillery. The order of the sites may vary. We recommend that you wear flat footwear.

Discover the rugged landscape and the scenic waters of the Helford River by boat, with tree covered inland creeks and a wide range of bird species flying overhead. Departing the ship, take a short coach transfer to the Princes of Wales Pier to board your river cruise boat. Leaving Falmouth Harbour, pass Falmouth Docks, Pendennis and St Mawes Castles and St Anthony’s Lighthouse.

Then enter the Helford River: a popular, large estuary renowned for its scenery and marine ecology. By boat, explore the river and discover the inland creeks. The steep sides of the tree-covered creeks rise sharply from the water whilst the mud banks provide habitats for a wide range of bird species, including little egrets, grey herons, cormorants and various divers, grebes and ducks. Other points of interest on the cruise include Trebah beach (embarkation point for American troops on D Day), Manderley House (famed by the author Daphne Du Maurier, in her novel ‘Rebecca’), Helford Passage and Village, and a view of Daphne Du Maurier’s Frenchman’s Creek.

Afterwards, return to Falmouth Harbour and take the short coach transfer back to the ship.

Additional Information

Please note: The sightseeing boat has both inside and outside seating. Minimal walking is required but depending on the tide levels on the day, there may be up to 25 steps to board the boat. These steps can be slippery when wet and have no handrail. The Explore Ashore team on board can provide additional information regarding the expected boarding process on the day.

Cornwall is home to many world-famous gardens and this tour takes you to visit one of the most intriguing: The Lost Gardens of Heligan, a restored Victorian garden.

Leave Falmouth behind and travel through the Cornish countryside, passing the cathedral city of Truro and the town of St Austell before arriving at the Lost Gardens of Heligan, where you will have free time to explore the different areas of the garden and enjoy the lush vegetation. The gardens at Heligan Manor were one of the glories of Victorian Cornwall, almost completely self-sufficient, they included a number of farms, quarries, woods, brickworks, a flour mill, sawmill, brewery, and productive orchards and kitchen gardens.

However, after World War One the gardens fell into disuse and gradually became lost in the overgrowth, where they would remain for over 70 years. The Lost Gardens of Heligan project, Europe's largest garden restoration, has returned the gardens to their former glory and has been documented both in books and on national television. Over 200 acres of working Victorian gardens and pleasure grounds, together with a complex of walled gardens are the result of ten years of restoration. Heligan is a unique time capsule, a testament to the Victorian vision and ingenuity which first created this subtropical paradise.

Enjoy a walk in the jungle with its dense vegetation and exotic plants, take a stroll in the pleasure grounds of The Northern gardens, go in search of the Mud Maid, Grey Lady and Giant’s Head sculptures hidden within the woodlands and admire the colourful displays within the Flower Gardens. After your visit you will return directly to the ship at Falmouth.

Additional Information

Please note: The gardens cover an area of approximately 200 acres, and you will have around two-and-a-half hours to explore at your own pace. The amount of walking is at your own discretion. The gradients of the pathways to some areas are steep and involve uneven ground, wooden boardwalks and steps.

Discover Cornwall off the beaten track, beginning with a ferry ride to the beautiful Roseland Peninsula, an area of unspoiled natural beauty that has inspired numerous authors and artists and historic St Mawes and its castle.

Departing from the quayside in Falmouth, walk to the ferry departure point for your foot passenger crossing of the River Fal. After the 20-minute crossing, arrive in St Mawes, a charming harbour town with a well-preserved coastal fortress. St Mawes has had a range of notable visitors in the past, including several members of the Royal Family. From the ferry, stroll up the hill to visit St Mawes Castle – among the best-preserved of Henry VIII's coastal artillery fortresses and the most elaborately decorated of them all. Built between 1539 and 1545, the castle is part of a chain of forts to counter the threat of invasion, and guarded the important anchorage of Carrick Roads. After a short introduction from your guide, wander independently around its clover-leaf shape which was originally surrounded by octagonal defences and notice the embellishment of Latin inscriptions in praise of King Henry VIII and his son Edward VI.

Following your castle visit, stroll back into the town and enjoy some free time. This old fishing port is full of character, with narrow streets, old flower-bedecked cottages and small shops. You will be given a voucher to enjoy a delicious ‘99’ ice cream from the local fudge shop. Perhaps enjoy it whilst sitting beside the water, before returning to Falmouth on the ferry. On arrival back in Falmouth, return to the ship on foot.

Additional Information

Please note: This tour requires approximately three miles of essential walking. This includes a walk of a little over half a mile between Falmouth port and the ferry departure point and the same on the return. The walk to St Mawes Castle is on a gradient which becomes steeper as you approach the castle, please consider the tours suitability if you have any pre-existing medical conditions. A good level of physical fitness is required to participate in this excursion.

The guide will provide an introduction to the castle and then you will have a free-flow visit, the guide will remain on site for any questions. You may wish to bring a packed lunch from the ship or purchase refreshments during your free time. The timings of this tour may change.

Head away from Falmouth on a scenic journey into an area of Cornwall which you may recognise from Rosamunde Pilcher’s romantic novels and film adaptations.

Drive past the wide sweep of Mounts Bay to the village of Marazion, from where you can see the granite tidal island of St Michael’s Mount, crowned by its historic castle. Journey back through the countryside, through the harbour town of Penzance, on to Land’s End, the most westerly point of mainland Britain. Admire the dramatic scenery where cliffs plunge into the sea and the surf pounds the shore. The English Channel lies to the east and to the west is the Celtic Sea.

After taking in the view, continue your tour inland along the tin mining route, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Relics of the mining industry, such as chimney stacks and derelict engine houses, can still be seen along the winding roads, which are fringed by heather and green fields and dotted with historic stone cottages. Then head back to Falmouth and your ship.

Additional Information

Please note: There will be walking of approximately half a mile to fully explore Lands End, but much of this is at your discretion.