Ireland’s Coastal Gems

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.

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.

Northern Ireland’s cultural capital, Belfast, is a haven for literature, art, music and theatre. The city also has a rich seafaring history and it was here that the RMS Titanic was built. This panoramic tour provides an introduction to the city with commentary on the main sights, such as the Grand Opera House, the Albert Memorial Clock and Queen’s University, where the Botanic Gardens are located.

Pause to photograph Belfast City Hall on Donegall Square, at the heart of the city. Construction was completed in 1906 to celebrate Belfast’s city status granted by Queen Victoria in 1888. This landmark Renaissance-style building has a lengthy façade of Portland stone and houses a whispering gallery and numerous paintings and statues.

Continue your tour past the city’s famous murals depicting Northern Ireland’s complicated political history and see the Crumlin Road Court House and Crumlin Jail, the only remaining Victorian era prison in Northern Ireland.

Additional Information

Please note: This is a coach-based excursion with most of the sightseeing taking place from your vehicle. Any walking at short photo stops will be at your discretion. There will be no comfort stops 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..

Embark on a walking tour of Belfast, a city rich in history and culture. This guided walk will lead you through iconic landmarks, historic sites and lively districts. Spot sights such as the City Hall, an architectural gem located in Donegall Square. Marvel at the Baroque Revival style of the building, which dates to 1906. Take a stroll through the Titanic Memorial Garden and learn about Belfast’s ship building heritage. Stroll through the Cathedral Quarter to St Anne's Cathedral, also known as Belfast Cathedral. Admire the mosaics and stained-glass windows while absorbing the atmosphere of this spiritual landmark. Also take in views of the Albert Clock, Belfast’s own "leaning tower", situated in Queen's Square. Built in memory of Prince Albert, this Gothic-style clock tower is a striking feature of the city’s skyline.

Along the River Lagan, you will notice the Big Fish, a ceramic mosaic sculpture that celebrates the city's rebirth and rich history. Each tile tells a part of Belfast's story, making it a popular piece of public art.

Conclude your walking tour at Victoria Square – a premier shopping and leisure complex. The highlight here is the Dome, offering 360-degree views of Belfast from its glass observatory. Take the elevator to the top and enjoy panoramic vistas of the city, including landmarks you have visited on the tour. It is an ideal spot to capture photographs and reflect on your journey through Belfast.

After your tour, take some free time to explore the city or perhaps browse the many shops located in the area.

Additional Information

Please note: This tour involves approximately two miles of walking over flat and cobbled ground. The order of visits to sites may vary. The Dome can close suddenly on warmer days due to health and safety reasons; this is judged on a day-to-day basis. Guests will take a bus to and from the port into the city centre.

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.

Ideal for independent explorers, this excursion lets you discover Londonderry at your own pace. Locally known as Derry — meaning “oak grove” — the city traces its origins to the settlement of Doire, founded in the year 546 by Saint Colmcille on the site of today’s Long Tower Church.

Departing the pier in Greencastle, your tour will begin with a drive along the west bank of Lough Foyle, taking you to the second city of Northern Ireland. You will cross the Foyle Bridge, a span bridge built in 1984, to the east bank known as The Waterside. Here you will stop at the ‘Top of the Hill’ offering a viewpoint of the city and surrounding region.

Crossing the Craigavon Bridge — an 18th-century double-decker structure — you’ll arrive in the ancient walled city. Derry is the only remaining fully walled city in the United Kingdom, with its historic walls still intact. Spanning one mile in circumference, they completely encircle the original town. Each stretch of these sturdy walls carries its own tale and offers different views of Derry’s rejuvenated city centre.

After an introduction from your guide, you will be dropped off at a central location for free time. Perhaps take a stroll along the historic walls, head to the shops or enjoy refreshments in one of the city’s traditional pubs.

Additional Information

Please note: You will have two-and-a-half hours of free time. Walking during this excursion is entirely at your discretion but has been graded based on good exploration. Expect cobblestones, hills and flat terrain. The drive to Derry is approximately 45 minutes.

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.

Derry is the only completely walled city in Ireland, with its historic walls — approximately one mile in circumference — forming a walkway around the inner city and offering a unique vantage point over the original town layout. Following a coach transfer from the port, you will stop to photograph St Columb’s Cathedral. Built in the early 17th century, this Gothic cathedral features an elegant spire and a ring of 13 bells.

The tour then continues on foot along the city walls with your guide capturing the city as you explore. After your guided walk of the walls, enjoy some time at leisure to explore Derry before returning to the port by coach.

Additional Information

Please note: The drive to Londonderry is approximately 45 minutes. There is up to one mile of walking, over some cobblestones and up to six steps. Any walking during free time is at your discretion.

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.

Discover the best of Derry from the comfort of your vehicle on this panoramic drive. This tour offers views of the city’s iconic skyline, historic landmarks and riverside scenery, providing an ideal introduction to one of Ireland’s most culturally rich destinations.

Your journey begins with the transfer to Derry from the port. Arriving in the heart of the city near Guildhall Square, discover the historic 17th-century city walls, following a circular route past key gates and viewpoints that reveal the character of the old town. Then, cross the Craigavon Bridge, enjoying panoramas along the River Foyle as you head into the Waterside.

The drive then loops towards the Peace Bridge — opened in 2011, it spans the River Foyle, designed to physically and symbolically link Derry’s traditionally divided Cityside and Waterside communities. The bridge has become a memorable symbol of reconciliation and unity.

From the riverside, make your way into the historic Bogside, one of the city’s most culturally significant neighbourhoods. Here you travel along Rossville Street, home to the famous Bogside Murals — often called the “People’s Gallery.” These large-scale artworks depict key moments in Derry’s civil rights history and provide a powerful visual narrative of the community’s past.

Just beyond the murals, drive past the iconic Free Derry Corner, one of the city’s most photographed landmarks and a reminder of the area’s resilience and identity. Having explored this powerful historic district by coach, you will return to Greencastle.

Additional Information

Please note: This tour is coach based with the sightseeing taking place from your vehicle. The drive to Derry takes 45 minutes each way.

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.

Enjoy time to explore Bantry House and its gardens at your own pace. As the ancestral home of the Earls of Bantry, it is still privately lived in today by their descendants, the Shelswell-White family. Setting off from the ship with a guide, walk to Bantry House and Gardens.

On arrival, enjoy time at leisure to explore. Set in surroundings overlooking Bantry Bay, the house hosts a vast collection of tapestries and other works of art gathered by the second Earl of Bantry during his travels in various parts of Europe. The gardens today were shaped by the travels of the second Earl of Bantry. He and his wife, Mary, journeyed with notebooks and sketchbooks in hand — now preserved in the archive at University College Cork — drawing inspiration from the grand palazzos of continental Europe.

Their vision transformed the modest house into something far more impressive, while the surrounding land was laid out into seven terraces, with the house positioned on the third. A parterre facing south, surrounding a wisteria circle which surrounds a fountain was also created. From here, rise the famous hundred steps, a monumental staircase built of local stone, set amidst azaleas and rhododendron.

Return to the ship on foot with your guide.

Additional Information

Please note: The walk from the ship to Bantry House is approximately 700 yards, approximately 10 minutes each way. You will walk in small groups along a pathway next to a main road from the marina to the gate entrance for the house. You will have to cross a road without traffic lights so caution must be taken. Walking is at your discretion during your visit to the house and gardens; however, we have graded the tour based on good exploration. There are 120 steps throughout the house. The visit to the house and gardens is self-guided.

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.

Enjoy time to explore Bantry House and its gardens at your own pace. As the ancestral home of the Earls of Bantry, it is still privately lived in today by their descendants, the Shelswell-White family.

After a short transfer, enjoy time at leisure to explore. Set in surroundings overlooking Bantry Bay, the house hosts a vast collection of tapestries and other works of art gathered by the second Earl of Bantry during his travels in various parts of Europe. The gardens today were shaped by the travels of the second Earl of Bantry. He and his wife, Mary, journeyed with notebooks and sketchbooks in hand — now preserved in the archive at University College Cork — drawing inspiration from the grand palazzos of continental Europe.

Their vision transformed the modest house into something far more impressive, while the surrounding land was laid out into seven terraces, with the house positioned on the third. A parterre facing south, surrounding a wisteria circle which surrounds a fountain was also created. From here, rise the famous hundred steps, a monumental staircase built of local stone, set amidst azaleas and rhododendron.

After your independent exploration, return to the ship via minibus.

Additional Information

Please note: This tour includes a short transfer from the ship to the house. Walking is at your discretion during your visit to the house and gardens; however, we had graded the tour based on good exploration. There are 120 steps throughout the house. The gardens are partially accessible, but not entirely. The visit to the house and gardens is self-guided and at your own leisure.

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.

Independently explore the small, colourful town of Kenmare at your own pace, one of the key highlights along the famous Ring of Kerry. Nestled between Kenmare Bay and the mountains, this heritage town is known for its painted shopfronts, artisan boutiques and cosy cafes. Stroll through its animated streets, browse local craft shops, or simply soak up the town’s atmosphere.

Before Kenmare’s colourful streets and lively pubs, the land was home to ancient settlers, who left behind of the Ireland’s largest stone circles. Today, you can still see the Kenmare Stone Circle dating back to the Bronze Age; the circle consists of 15 large stones arranged around a central boulder and is located just a short walk from the town centre.

After free time to explore Kenmares town at leisure, return to Bantry.

Additional Information

Please note: The drive to and from Kenmare is approximately one hour. You will have one hour of free time during your visit to Kenmare Village where walking is at your discretion, this tour is graded based on good exploration.

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.

Gougane Barra is a picturesque valley in County Cork which you will have the chance to explore on this relaxed tour. Departing from Bantry, drive along the main road to Ballylickey and head north, following the remote route via Kealkill. Gougane Barra is nestled within dramatic mountain scenery, where brooding cliffs rise above the dark, still waters of the lake. At its centre lies a tiny island, linked to the mainland by an artificial causeway. This peaceful spot was once the hermitage of St Finbarr, the patron saint of Cork. Although nothing remains today of the hermitage, there is an eighteenth-century church where an annual pilgrimage is held each September.

Arriving at Gougane Barra, you will have 45 minutes of free time to visit and photograph the tiny island church of St Finbarr's Oratory. After, relax on the return coach drive to Bantry port.

Additional Information

Please note: Walking during the visit to Gouganne Barra Island is at your discretion, if you would like to visit the Island church they will need to walk approximately 500 yards, oven uneven ground. Restrooms are available in local bars and restaurants, but a purchase may be required.

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.

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 set 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 two-hour 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.

Embark on a return transfer to Cork City with an introduction from your local guide on route. On arrival in the city centre, you will have approximately three hours to browse the shops and explore the city at your own pace. Cork is a University City with a unique character, a city of Jazz, Film, Opera and Theatre. However, as well as offering the many amenities of a large city, it still manages to retain the pleasant charm and friendliness of a country town. Perhaps visit the English Market, which has been here since 1788 and is full of culinary delights. Or you may choose to explore the Cork City Gaol which is more like a castle than a penitentiary, with its grand Gothic and classical architecture. It is impossible to miss St Fin Barre's Cathedral, a French Neo-Gothic masterpiece set on the south bank of the River Lee. After your free time, rejoin your coach for your return journey to port.

Additional Information

Please note: Walking is at your discretion, but this excursion has been graded as moderate based on a good exploration in Cork.

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.

From Belfast’s port, drive through County Antrim and make a short photo-stop at the viewpoint overlooking Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, which spans a chasm roughly 80 feet deep. Then continue to the world-famous Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 40,000 irregular basalt columns here are thought to have resulted from volcanic activity, but they have also been the subject of many intriguing legends. One of the most popular is that a giant, Finn MacCool, constructed the causeway as a path to his true love, Oonagh.

On arrival at the Causeway visitor centre, you will be given an audio guide system which provides a commentary during your independent exploration. The unique rock formations have stood for millions of years as a natural rampart against the ferocity of the Atlantic storms, and the rugged symmetry of the columns never fail to intrigue and inspire. As you travel back to Belfast, admire unspoilt coastal scenery and make a short stop by Dunluce Castle. Perched on the edge of a steep crag and dating back to the 13th century, the castle ruins offer an opportunity for dramatic photographs.

Additional Information

Please note: Walking on the Giant’s Causeway itself is strenuous and can be slippery, but is at your discretion. Lunch or refreshments are not included during this excursion and it may operate over the usual lunch service times on board your ship, so we recommend bringing a drink and snack with you. There is a walk of just over half a mile in each direction between the coach parking area and the causeway with a steep gradient. A shuttle bus service is in operation but this is a public bus which cannot be booked in advance. This service will cost £1.00 or €1.20 each way, payable to the driver. Regrettably we cannot guarantee a place on the shuttle bus and there may be high demand during peak times.

This full-day excursion visits two of Northern Ireland’s most popular visitor attractions: the Titanic Museum and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Giants Causeway. Begin with a visit to the purpose-built Titanic Belfast Museum which opened in April 2012, nearly one hundred years to the day since the disaster. It contains nine galleries offering a deep insight into the tragedy of this event through scale models, interpretative materials and an included immersive ride through the Titanic under construction. Stories of passengers, crew and the heroes of the day are told in a modern and unique way, and you will have approximately two hours here to browse the museum at your own pace.

After, rejoin your tour vehicle and guide for your journey to the Giants Causeway, travelling along the inland route from the City of Belfast to the North Coast of Antrim. On arrival, browse the visitors centre which explains how the causeway’s 40,000 basalt stones were formed. Stories about the area’s rich mythology, history, geology, flora and fauna will paint the Causeway in your mind before you make your way to the stones themselves. You will be given an audio guide system which provides commentary during your independent exploration. For centuries, visitors have marvelled at its mystery and beauty. The unique rock formations have, for millions of years, stood as a natural rampart against the unbridled ferocity of the Atlantic storms. After admiring the rugged symmetry of the columns, return to your tour vehicle for the journey back to Belfast Port.

Additional Information

Please note: There will be approximately two miles of walking including approximately three-quarters of a mile at Titanic Belfast, with periods of standing. At the Giant’s Causeway, there is a walk of just over half a mile in each direction to access the causeway with a steep gradient. A shuttle bus service is in operation, but this is a public bus which cannot be booked in advance. This service will cost £1.00 or €1.20 each way, payable to the driver. Regrettably, we cannot guarantee a place on the shuttle bus and there may be high demand during peak times. Walking on the Giant’s Causeway itself is strenuous and can be slippery but is at your discretion. Lunch or refreshments are not included during this excursion, but you can choose to bring a packed lunch from the ship or purchase refreshments at either location.

Delve into the rich history of Britain and Ireland on this visit to the Royal Palace of Hillsborough, where many pivotal moments and diplomatic efforts have taken place.

Leaving Belfast, travel south to the village of Hillsborough, which has won many awards in the ‘Ulster in Bloom’ competition. Step inside Hillsborough Palace, the official Northern Ireland residence of the Royal family and visiting dignitaries. Hillsborough has played an important role in the Peace Process in Northern Ireland since the 1980s.

A guided tour of the palace will acquaint you with tales of the Hill family – who held the title of Marquess of Devonshire – and of the Governors of Northern Ireland. Learn more about Hillsborough’s role in recent Northern Irish history and see its furnishings and works of art.

Afterwards, you will have time to stroll in the gardens which stretch across 100 acres, before returning to your ship.

Additional Information

Please note: Expect to walk up to half a mile, partly over uneven ground, with approximately ten steps inside the palace. Walking in the gardens is at your discretion. Weatherproof clothing is recommended. Hillsborough may be closed at short notice owing to state visits or private events.

Explore the award-winning Titanic Museum during your visit to Belfast, the city where the ship was designed, built and launched. Your excursion starts with a panoramic tour that will introduce you to the many varied features of Northern Ireland’s largest city. Built with 19th-century industrial wealth, many fine Victorian buildings still grace the city as reminders of its prosperous past. Your guide will point out sights such as the Grand Opera House and Albert Clock as you wind your way through the city. You will also drive past Belfast City Hall - a building with a long façade of Portland stone - which dominates Donegall Square. In the grounds you can see a marble statue by Sir Thomas Brock that commemorates the sinking in 1912 of the RMS Titanic.

From here, continue to Titanic Belfast. Opened in April 2012, this dramatic new building tells the story of the ill-fated Belfast-built liner. Its nine galleries incorporate a variety of interpretative materials and media including CGI, film, audio and scale models. Begin your visit in the building’s giant atrium surrounded by the four ‘hull’ shaped sections which house the exhibition. The stories of passengers, crew and the heroes of the day are told in a modern and unique way. The tour concludes with a ‘virtual visit’ to the wreck at her resting place on the floor of the North Atlantic, before returning to your Saga ship.

Additional Information

Please note: This excursion involves walking a minimum of three-quarters of a mile, with periods of standing during the tour of Titanic Belfast: this building, however, is easily accessible with ramps, escalators and lifts to all levels. This excursion follows some of the same route covered on the Belfast City Highlights excursion and therefore we do not recommend that you book both. Titanic Belfast is a popular attraction which will likely be busy with visitors of all ages.

Belfast’s long and often turbulent history is well documented. This excursion delves into the past events before introducing you to a more light-hearted side to the city; showcasing the music, dance and famous ‘craic’.

Begin with a panoramic drive through Belfast, passing the landmarks that have played their part in the city‘s development. Enjoy commentary from your local guide on sights such as the Grand Opera House, the Albert Memorial, City Hall and Queen‘s University. Your drive will also take you past the alternative sights of Belfast including the political wall murals.

Following your introduction to the city, stop in a local establishment where you will be served a refreshing drink. Spend the next hour in the company of world champion Irish dancers and musicians. Try your hand at 'sean-nós' and céilí dancing as your entertainers sing and play some local melodies and street songs that would have been heard in the shipyards, mills and markets of old. With dancing, stories, songs and music played with harp, uilleann pipes, bodhrán, guitar, flute, fiddle, concertina and whistles, there is something special for everyone in this unique cultural experience.

Afterwards, rejoin your tour vehicle for the return journey to Belfast Port.

Additional Information

Please note: Depending on the venue visited on the day, there will be up to 400 yards of walking which may involve some uneven ground. Inside the venue there may be up to 20 steps to access the performance area. Seating is provided during the performance. One drink is provided per guest, but further drinks can be purchased.

Explore the grounds at Glenveagh National Park and Castle in County Donegal, with its ornamental landscapes made up of mountains, lakes, glens, native oak woods, and a picturesque castle. Created in the late 19th and 20th centuries, the Irish gardens blend Victorian formality with natural rugged beauty. You will be able to wander through terraced lawns, vibrant flower borders and exotic plant collections sheltered by cleverly designed microclimates. Together, these carefully crafted spaces offer a picturesque complement to the wilderness that encircles the castle.

This excursion offers you plenty of time to explore the gardens and to take in the beauty of Glenveagh castle’s exterior, followed by time at leisure to explore independently.

Additional Information

Please note: Walking during this excursion is at your discretion, however we have graded this excursion based on good exploration. You will spend two hours in the gardens, an inside visit to the castle is not included. The drive to and from Glenveagh takes approximately one-and-a-half hours, each way. We recommend that you wear flat walking shoes.

Begin your full day adventure with a drive alongside Lough Foyle before crossing the Foyle bridge and continuing in a north-easterly direction towards the Antrim Coast. Before long you will arrive at the famous Giant’s Causeway. The 40,000 irregular basalt columns here are thought to have resulted from volcanic activity, but they have also been the subject of many intriguing legends.

One of the most popular is that a giant, Finn MacCool, constructed the causeway as a path to his true love, Oonagh. The unique rock formations have stood for millions of years as a natural rampart against the ferocity of the Atlantic storms, and the rugged symmetry of the columns never fail to intrigue and inspire.

Enjoy free time here to explore at your leisure. Stroll down to the causeway and enjoy the coastal view, before returning to the visitor centre, which provides an interesting insight into the mythology and geology of the site.

Returning to your coach, see the Antrim Coastal scenery before making a short stop at Dunluce Castle. Perched on the edge of a steep crag and dating back to the 13th century, the castle ruins provide an opportunity for dramatic photographs.

Additional Information

Please note: This excursion will involve a drive of approximately two hours in each direction. This excursion does not include lunch or refreshments, but you can choose to bring a packed lunch from the ship or purchase refreshments at the visitor centre. There is a walk of approximately 1000 yards in each direction between the coach parking area and the causeway with a steep gradient. A shuttle bus service is in operation but this is a public bus which cannot be booked in advance. This service will cost £1.00 or €1.20 each way, payable to the driver. Regrettably we cannot guarantee a place on the shuttle bus and there may be high demand during peak times. Walking on the Giant’s Causeway itself is strenuous and can be slippery but is at your discretion.

Inishowen, the hidden jewel of the Ireland’s northwest, is almost entirely surrounded by sea. Tapering towards Ireland's most northerly point at Malin Head, the Inishowen Peninsula is a rugged and wild region of mountains, lakes and loughs. The landscape is dotted with small towns and villages along the peninsula, providing a secluded atmosphere. This lengthy stretch of land juts into the Atlantic Ocean between Lough Swilly to the west and Lough Foyle to the east, marking Ireland’s northernmost tip. Sandy beaches line the shores of the loughs and the Atlantic Ocean, framed by sheer cliffs. Inland, are some of Ireland’s most noteworthy mountains, with the 2,019-foot Slieve Snacht dominating the centre of the peninsula.

This excursion takes you on a scenic drive of the peninsula, traversing a ring of seascapes, mountains, valleys, and woodlands. You will stop at Doagh Famine Village for refreshments and to visit the Famine Village, created to allow visitors a first-hand account of hardships endured during Ireland’s Great Potato Famine. The village also features a wake room, a hedge school and thatched cottages. During your return drive, a short stop will be made at the Grianan of Aileach which provides fine views of the surrounding landscapes.

Additional Information

Please note: At Doagh Famine Village, expect to walk approximately half a mile with some uneven surfaces along the way. Seating is available for those who do not wish to explore the site. At Grianan of Aileach, to reach the best views there is an optional walk of approximately 400 yards on a steady gradient and over uneven surfaces. However, you can also choose to enjoy the view from the parking area.

Garnish Island (the near island) or Ilnacullin (island of holly) is a splendid island garden set across 37 acres. A short coach drive from Bantry will bring you to Glengarriff, where you will board a small ferry to reach the gardens. It’s a short 10-minute journey, but the surrounding waters are teeming with wildlife, including seals which frequent the rocks on the southern shore. Because of the islands sheltered location and the warming oceanic influence of the Gulf Stream, the climate is almost subtropical, and is favourable to the growth of ornamental plants from across the world.

The island was transformed from a wild blustery isle of uniform green into an artificial Italian idyll almost 100 years ago by Harold Peto for John Bryce, who later bequeathed it to the Irish nation. The vivid colours of Rhododendrons and Azaleas reach their peak during May and June, whilst the hundreds of cultivars of climbing plants, herbaceous perennials and choice shrubs dominate the midsummer period from June to August. Autumn colour, particularly on the heather bank, is rich during the autumn months of September and October. The centrepiece is the Italian Garden, with its formal colonnaded terraces and pools. This garden is exotic and breathtaking but above all a place of serene beauty.

You will have time to explore the gardens at your leisure. The ferry will then bring you back to Glengarriff where there will be time for a stroll in the village before your return coach journey to Bantry.

Additional Information

Please note: Although walking is at your discretion, you will need to walk at least one mile to fully explore the gardens. There will be some uneven surfaces and steps throughout the gardens and you will need to board the small ferry independently.

Nestled between peninsulas in Bantry Bay, Whiddy Island has a strategic position in a deep water harbour. The island boasts a rich naval history, during World War One, seaplanes from a US navy base on Whiddy patrolled Fastnet Rock. More recently, the island has served as a Gulf Oil terminal for berthing supertankers. It was here, in 1979, that the French tanker Betelgeuse exploded – one of the biggest maritime disasters in Irish history.

Today Whiddy Island is a place where walkers can enjoy a landscape steeped in history and – in the summer months – blessed with red and purple fuchsia. It’s a haven for nature too, especially birds. Today your local guide, Tim, who is also the local publican, postman and all round hospitality King for Whiddy Island, will greet you with a warm welcome into his pub located just off the shoreline. Here you will have the opportunity to sample locally farmed mussels. You’ll also enjoy a baking demonstration, followed by time to sit back and taste the results, accompanied by a refreshing drink.

Return to Bantry Bay via ferry.

Additional Information

Please note: Walking during this excursion is limited to approximately 200 yards. However, you will need to embark and disembark the small ferry independently. There are also two steps to negotiate on the island.

Spend a full day discovering the beauty of one of Ireland’s most celebrated scenic routes, the Ring of Kerry. Begin by travelling the winding roads of West Cork, passing the village of Glengarriff and on through the Caha Mountains and tunnel to Kenmare, a heritage town nestling on the shore of Kenmare Bay. From Kenmare, turn north to Moll’s Gap and on to Killarney. A short stop will be made at Ladies View, probably the best place in which to photograph the scenic Lakes of Killarney.

The charming landscape surrounding Killarney also features wooded vales, rolling sandstone hills and rich green pastures. Monarchs, poets, artists, writers and composers have visited and been inspired by the unique and unsurpassed beauty of the region. There will be a short stop for free time in Killarney before your scenic drive continues. The road that winds around the Iveragh Peninsula is known as The Ring of Kerry and it is arguably one of Ireland’s most magical places. The drive takes you past mountains, valleys, lakes and the mighty Atlantic Ocean, passing the towns of Killorglin, Glenbeigh, and Cahirciveen. There will be a short stop in Waterville before completing the Ring of Kerry through Sneem to Kenmare.

A final stop will be made in Kenmare for some free time. Founded in 1670, the unique charm of Kenmare remains unchanged. Following your visit, depart for the return journey to Bantry.

Additional Information

Please note: To complete the full Ring of Kerry loop, this excursion will involve long periods of scenic coach travel, totalling approximately six hours. During each stop, walking is entirely at your own discretion. Lunch and refreshments are not provided and therefore you may wish to order a packed lunch from the ship, or purchase these during your free time.

This small group excursion ventures by RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) to Whiddy Island from Bantry Bay and promises to be an unforgettable experience. Join your local skipper on the pier and walk to the embarkation point. There will be a brief introduction before setting off on your RIB adventure.

Your skipper will point out the homes of various wildlife and birds that frequent the area during the seasons. Stop at the lobster and crab fishing pots before heading to the mussel lines dotted around the bay. The mussel farms are an important part of life in Bantry with many local trawlers and fishermen harvesting the mussels throughout the season. You may have the opportunity to chat to one of the local fishermen along the way.

Your RIB will stop at Whiddy Island for you to enjoy a sharing bowl of freshly cooked Bantry Bay mussels, served with homemade Irish bread and a glass of Guinness. After your visit to Whiddy, return on your private RIB to the mainland.

Additional Information

Please note: You are required to get in and out of the RIB boat, these types of boats have jockey seats, which requires you to step over in order to sit. This tour will be bumpy, please consider its suitability if you have any pre-existing medical conditions. There is approximately 200 yards of walking, over some inclines and steps. We recommend that you wear warm, waterproof clothing and footwear. This tour may be cancelled at short notice in the event of adverse weather or sea conditions.

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.

Departing from Cobh, 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 enjoy a delicious 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.

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.

Covering 104 acres, Spike Island sits in the heart of Cork Harbour. It holds a significant place in Irish history having served as a military fortress and a notorious prison. Prepare to be transported back in time as you navigate through centuries of Irish history with your local guide.

Leave the pier on foot with your guide and board a boat for the journey to Spike Island. On arrival, begin your guided tour highlighting the island’s main features, followed by free time. This behind-the-scenes tour takes you to areas that are off limit to the general public. Explore the Spike Island tunnels and an abandoned prison with a visit to the Captain’s Bar, where for over 200 years, fort commanders marked the end of the week here with their soldiers or prison officers. Follow in their footsteps and enjoy a toast with Spike Island Rum.

After your guided tour, enjoy some time to explore at leisure before returning to Cobh via boat. Returning to Cobh, you can make your way back to the ship or remain in Cobh independently.

Additional Information

Please note: There is approximately one mile of walking, over inclines, declines and some steps. You will walk from the pier to the ferry location and walk while on the island. We recommend that you wear flat walking shoes. There are both inside and outside seats available on the boats.