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The cliffs of Moher.

Hidden Ireland: Loughs and Isles Off the Beaten Path

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard National Geographic Orion
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Circumnavigate “The Emerald Isle” in this comprehensive yet delightfully unexpected voyage along the Irish coast. Hike and Zodiac the Great Saltee Island and the spectacular Skellig Isles for incredible encounters with wildlife and amazing views of the Atlantic; discover an abandoned Celtic Christian village in Inishmurray and explore the rugged cliffs of Slieve League; visit Glenveagh National Park with a naturalist; kayak on Lough Swilly and around Rathlin Island; investigate the gorgeous and fabled geological formation of Giant’s Causeway; delight in the charms of Dingle where you can visit a local whiskey distillery; and enjoy a guided tour of the Dun Aenghus Fortress and a goat cheese farm among many other attractions.
Sheep walking on the road in the British countryside.Medieval castles line Ireland's coastSkellig Michael boasts some of the most beautiful views in all of IrelandThe unique rock formations of Giant's CausewayThe cliffs of Moher.
Activities
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Dublin, Ireland | Embark

Arrive in Dublin, Ireland and embark National Geographic Orion. After lunch on deck, explore the Kilmainham Gaol (jail) for great insight into the course of Irish history during the centennial year of the Easter Rising. Sail south from Dublin as you begin your journey.

Day 2: Ballycotton | Kinsale

Set out for tiny Ballycotton in County Cork this morning for a walk around a working farm. Continue to Kinsale, a picturesque fishing town with a fascinating history: the Battle of Kinsale in 1601 marked the collapse of Gaelic power in Ireland. Take a guided walk with local scholars before free time to wander the quaint streets, galleries, and shops on your own. Tonight you are joined by National Geographic grantee Michelle Cronin, who has studied puffins and gannets in the Skelligs and ‘wrestled’ seals in the Blasket Islands.

Day 3: Skellig Michael | Dingle

Explore the dramatic Skellig Islands, where monastic ruins dating as far back as the sixth century perch high atop a rocky peak jutting out from the sea. Circle Skellig Michael in Zodiacs if weather permits, or, if you wish, hike to the top to view the beehive shaped stone huts. Spend the rest of the day in delightful Dingle: enjoy a walking tour, explore the archaeology and intriguing history of the area, visit a local distillery, or explore on your own. Shackleton aficionados should visit Tom Crean’s Pub; Crean accompanied “The Boss” on the Endurance in Antarctica.

Dingle is the largest Irish-speaking community in the southwest, and you have a chance to meet them: drop in on artists and craftspeople in their homes, or breathe in the salt air and beachcomb with a seaweed forager!

Day 4: Aran Islands | Cliffs of Moher

Wake up in the Aran Islands, a hub of Gaelic language and culture. On the main island of Inishmore, see the mystical ring fort of Dun Aengus, poised on steep cliffs above the crashing Atlantic, and pop in to the 18th-century stone Kilmurvey House for scones. Enjoy lunch while sailing to the Cliffs of Moher. If conditions permit, get a spectacular and rare perspective of the cliffs, gliding beneath them in a Zodiac.

Day 5: Connemara

The tranquil and starkly beautiful region of Connemara is a great place to wander—the ultimate fulfillment of travelers’ romantic dreams of Ireland. Hiking with your naturalists (gentle walks or energetic hikes) or cycling on the quiet back roads—many of which were built to provide employment during the Famine—is probably the best way to get to know the area. Perhaps launch a kayak or even try your hand at fly fishing. Gather for an authentic Irish dinner and a performance of traditional Irish music ashore.

Day 6: Donegal

Dock at the fishing harbor of Killybegs in County Donegal, a wild, windswept peninsula. Enjoy coastal walks and take in the rural life in this traditional Gaelic-speaking area. This afternoon photograph the spectacular Slieve League cliffs, the highest in Europe, or learn more about the historical heritage of the region at nearby Stone Age and early Christian sites. Or, hit the streets of the lively town of Donegal for some independent exploration.

Cycling is a great way to absorb the landscape. An optional cycling tour of the Glencolmcille region, riding over a high boggy plateau, through remote glens and along Atlantic bays to the colorful village of Ardara, with stops at the homes of traditional hand-knitters, and tweed weavers is available this afternoon.

Day 7: Northern Ireland

Enter Northern Ireland today.  Discover the wonders of County Antrim: visit a clifftop Gaelic castle, see the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge stretching between high seaside bluffs, call at Bushmills, the oldest distillery in the world, and explore the incredible hexagonal basalt columns at Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO site. Meander among the columns as a guide explains the myths and scientific theories behind this intriguing geology.  This afternoon, visit Belfast and explore the Titanic Museum, and cap off the evening with a civic reception in this Northern Ireland capital. 

Day 8: Dublin, Ireland | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast, disembark in Dublin and transfer to the airport for flights home.

Ship/Hotel

National Geographic Orion

Keep in shape in the exercise room aboard the National Geographic Orion
The National Geographic Orion is sleek and at your service
The lovely National Geographic Orion

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Ireland Luxury Cruises.
National Geographic Orion's Category 1 Cabin.
Category 1
Cat 1 #316, 318-321. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
Your  Category B Stateroom on the National Geographic Orion
Category 1 Single
Cat 1S #301, 322, 323. These solo cabins feature a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, except for #301 which has a double bed, writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a roomy shower stall with a glass door.
A Category A Stateroom on the National Geographic Orion
Category 2
Cat 2 #302-312, 314, 315, 317. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized, and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
A lovely category 3 suite on the National Geographic Oion
Category 3
Cat 3 Suite with Window #401-412, 414-419. These suites feature a sitting area with a large window, a sofa–except slightly smaller #401 & #402–an armchair or two, writing/laptop desk, reading lamps, flat screen TV, & climate controls. Beds are configurable (call for details). Marble bathrooms include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
National Geographic Orion's Category 3 Cabin.
Category 3 Single
Cat 3S Suite with Window #512. This solo suite features two beds and two large windows, plus two armchairs and small table, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls. The marble bathroom is generously sized and includes a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
National Geographic Orion's Category 4 Cabin.
Category 4
Cat 4 Deluxe Suite with Window #511, 515. These two suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, with a chair and armchair and a two-cushion sofa facing an expansive window. Beds are configurable (call for details). Ample storage, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities.
National Geographic Orion's Category 5 Cabin.
Category 5
Cat 5 Suite with French Balcony #501, 503-506, 508. These spacious suites feature open living areas and sliding glass doors opening to a shared French balcony. Beds are configurable (call for details.) A sitting area with arm chairs and a sofa, a writing/laptop desk, well-placed reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the decor.
National Geographic Orion's Category 6 Cabin.
Category 6
Cat 6 Owner’s Suite with French Balcony #502, 507, 509*, 510. These large, elegant suites feature a French balcony, with the exception of #509 which has double windows. Each provides a separate living area with a sofa and two arm chairs, except for #502, which uniquely offers a 'soaking tub with a view' in addition to a shower stall and expansive vanity.

Notes

Single supplement varies by itinerary. A solo traveler matching program may be available but is subject to availability.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 7 Dinners

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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

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