This unique 8-day European Arctic cruise explores the intriguing diversity of Ireland's wild islands. Take in the land's rich history with visits to crofting communities, quaint villages, castles & Neolithic sites. Marvel at marine life such as whales, dolphins and seals and watch some of the world's largest seabird colonies.
Highlights
Visit the stunning Cliffs of Moher, a UNESCO Global Geopark
Watch for a variety of seabirds—puffins, gannets, guillemots & kittiwakes
Discover the Ballinskelligs Priory an important archaeological monument
Explore Dún Aengus Fort and the heritage village at Glencolmcille
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Check in to the hotel, with the rest of the day at leisure to explore Dublin on your own. Gather at the hotel this evening for a welcome reception and dinner.
Take a drive through scenic countryside to Waterford for a visit to the renowned House of Waterford Crystal where you may watch master craftsmen at work. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to Cork and embark the Greg Mortimer.
The Ballinskelligs Priory was founded in the 12th century by monks who moved to the mainland from Skellig Michael after numerous Viking attacks. A number of buildings still remain, including a church, tower house, parts of the cloister, a large domestic hall, and cemetery, most of which dates from the 15th century. On a clear day, views across the bay are simply spectacular.
The dramatic Cliffs of Moher soar to over 700 feet above the crashing Atlantic and offer some of Ireland’s most stunning scenery. These rugged cliffs are part of a UNESCO Global Geopark and serve as an important nesting site for over 20 species of seabirds, including guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, and Atlantic puffins. Step ashore for walks through this magical landscape, where wildflower-studded meadows give way to wind-whipped clifftops with amazing views of the surf-pounded coast.
This morning, arrive at Inishmore, largest of the three Aran Islands, and an outpost of Gaelic culture, where Irish-speaking residents live in traditional stone cottages. Tour the 5th-century Dún Aengus Fort, a prehistoric stone fort dramatically situated at the edge of 300-foot cliffs, the Heritage Museum, and several monastic sites. Permission pending, cruise through Killary Fjord, which extends 10 miles from the Atlantic to the quaint village of Leenane. Keep an eye out for resident bird species such as ringed plovers, mute and whooper swans, tufted ducks, and barnacle geese.
Today, set out to explore scenic Clew Bay, dotted with 365 low-lying islands—limestone drumlins formed during the last Ice Age. Join naturalists for a walk-in Ballycory National Park, which boasts one of the largest Atlantic blanket bog systems in Europe, keeping an eye out for Greenland white-fronted geese, peregrine falcons, and corncrakes. This evening, cruise among the windswept islands along the jagged Connemara Coast, an area once described as, “a place of savage beauty” by Oscar Wilde.
Today, visit Malin Head, the most northerly point of the island of Ireland. Here you will find a variety of waterfowl as well as a watchtower built during the Napoleonic Wars and a signal station built-in 1902. Continue to Glencolmcille to view a thatched-roof replica of a rural Irish village with cottages from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries, a reconstructed schoolhouse, and a tiny pub.
Day 8: Portrush | Disembark | Belfast
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Disembark in Portrush and travel overland to the World Heritage Site of Giant’s Causeway. This three-mile section of coastline is a geological masterpiece—some 40,000 closely-packed hexagonal columns of varying heights line the coast and descend like a staircase into the sea. After lunch, continue to Belfast and check in to the Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast for dinner and overnight.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$6,990
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Category 1
Category 1 suites average 170 - 245 square feet and have a porthole.
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Category 2
Category 2 suites average 225 - 336 square feet including a private balcony.
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Category 3
Category 3 suites average 225 - 336 square feet including a private balcony.
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Category 4
Category 4 suites average 225 - 336 square feet including a private balcony.
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Category 5
Category 5 suites average 328 - 435 square feet including a private balcony.
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Suite
Suites are 418 square feet including a lounge, bedroom, and private balcony.
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Owner's Suite
The owner’s suite is 478 square feet including a lounge, bedroom, and private balcony.
Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 169 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 169 reviews on
1 day ago
Friendly and professional interactions. Answered my questions and followed up on initial contact.
Tim Elliott
2 days ago
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
3 days ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
3 days ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
4 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.