If you have been to Ireland before and have been meaning to return to explore in greater depth, or are yet to discover the appeal of what is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful countries in the world, then our circumnavigation offers the perfect opportunity. Culturally rich with amazingly gifted writers, poets, musicians and actors, and historically fascinating with a history stretching back some 10,000 years, Ireland has so much to discover. Join us aboard the 118-passenger MS Island Sky for this unique and comprehensive itinerary that promises to be a most enjoyable and informative experience.
During this circumnavigation of Ireland, we will learn much of Ireland’s forgotten past from the arrival of Christianity in the 5th century, followed by the Vikings and the Anglo Normans to the more recent and often troubled history. A republic and independent nation for barely 100 years it has witnessed enormous changes particularly in the last couple of decades. With a population of less than Yorkshire, it has achieved so much to be proud of and during our in-depth exploration we will aim not only to show its beauty but delve into its past to gain a better understanding of modern day Ireland.
For many the highlight will be our visits to some of Ireland’s grandest houses and gardens set amidst stunning and uniquely Irish landscapes. However, perhaps most of all it will be the charm and warmth of the people that make any trip to Ireland most memorable. As we set sail from Liverpool, a city steeped in Irish history, we can offer an enlightening and entertaining journey and given the joi de vivre of the Irish we can promise, it will not be boring.
Island Sky
The MS Island Sky is one of our two flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Hebridean Sky. Both vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them two of the finest small ships in the world.
Itinerary
Day 1 Liverpool, England.
Embark the MS Island Sky this afternoon. Transfers will be provided from Liverpool Lime Street Station at a fixed time. Alternatively car parking will be available at the port. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.
Day 2 Dun Laoghaire & Dublin, Ireland.
We start our exploration of Ireland in Dublin. From our berth in Dun Laoghaire a city tour will include Merrion and Fitzwilliam Squares and the famous ‘Doorways of Dublin’. We will also see the National Gallery, Dublin Castle and the city’s cathedrals. See the famous Guinness Brewery before ending at Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest college, founded in 1592, where we can wander through the grounds. This afternoon we travel south of the city to discover the magnificent gardens at Powerscourt. The gardens span 20 hectares and are a blend of formal gardens, sweeping terraces, statuary and ornamental lakes together with secret hollows, rambling walks, walled gardens and over 200 variations of trees and shrubs. The gardens were begun in the 18th century although most of what we see today dates from the 19th century.
Day 3 Waterford & Kilkenny.
From our berth in Waterford we will drive inland to the Medieval city of Kilkenny. The great building prowess of the Normans is very evident in the 11th and 12th century buildings bestowed on the city. Characterised by many beautifully restored buildings, the most splendid is Kilkenny Castle that was until recently a stronghold of the Butler family. The castle began life as a Norman fortress and gradually became more domesticated through the centuries. After exploring the interior including the gallery with portraits by Van Dyck and Lely we can wander in the surrounding 21 hectares of gardens. On the famous Medieval mile which leads from the castle to the city we will see the St Canices Round Tower, the 13th century St Mary’s Church and the enchanting Rothe Gardens. Return to the MS Island Sky for lunch and enjoy a leisurely afternoon to explore Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city, at your own pace. Maybe visit the excellent Medieval Museum, the Viking built Reginald’s Tower or the House of Waterford Crystal. Alternatively join a tour to Mount Congreve, a spectacular woodland garden on the banks of the River Suir. This seventy acre garden has a collection of over three thousand trees and shrubs. Enjoy time to walk the numerous paths bordered with giant hydrangeas and visit the vantage points with views over the landscape and meadows beyond.
Day 4 Kinsale & Cork.
Arrive in County Cork at the picturesque harbour town of Kinsale. As we sail into the town we pass the impressive fortifications of Charles Fort and James Fort which were built in the 17th century to protect against invading Spanish forces. However today Kinsale is renowned for its brightly coloured buildings and glorious harbour setting which you can explore at your own pace. Renowned as the gourmet capital of Ireland you may wish to take a break in one of the cafés, pubs or restaurants. From Kinsale we will also drive the short distance to Ireland’s second city of Cork for a leisurely walk around the compact 800 year old city. Experience the smells and sounds of the English Market which dates back to 1610, stroll the busy lanes of the 18th century Huguenot Quarter and wonder at the magnificent Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral.
Day 5 Garnish Island & Bantry.
We anchor this morning off the sheltered harbour of Bantry and drive to nearby Glengarrif where local boats will take us to Garnish Island. Here we visit the beautiful Ilnacullin Gardens where the sheltered position and Gulf Stream is favourable to the growth of ornamental plants, many normally only found in sub-tropical or Mediterranean climates. We return by local boats sailing past ‘Seal Island’, home to 250 common seals. After lunch on board we will walk to Bantry House, overlooking Bantry Bay. We will explore the house, one of the finest historic houses in Ireland along with the gardens.
Day 6 Skellig Islands & Valentia Island.
Over breakfast we will arrive off The Skelligs, tiny islands just off the magnificent coast of the Dingle Peninsula. Weather permitting, we will sail around these mystical islands with their early Christian history. Skellig Michael is a World Heritage Site and atop this rugged pyramid, that rises from the sea, are the ruins of a monastery. Meanwhile at Little Skellig the sky can on occasion turn white as some of the 20,000 pairs of breeding gannets leave their roosts. We will continue along the famous Kerry (Iveragh) peninsula and anchor at the port of Knightstown on Valentia Island. Spend the afternoon exploring the island, perhaps take a coastal walk, visit the tropical gardens at Glanleam or join an island drive including the Cromwell Point Lighthouse. Alternatively visit Derrynane House, the ancestral home of Daniel O’Connell, known as the ‘Liberator’ and a key player in the emancipation of Irish Catholics in the early 19th century.
Day 7 Galway.
From our berth in Galway we explore the beautiful region of Connemara. Here the National Park covers nearly 3000 hectares of scenic mountains, heaths and woodland and is home to herds of ponies. By driving along the ‘Wild Atlantic Way’ we will see beautiful coves, bays and traditional fishing villages where we will experience local culture in this Irish speaking part of the country. Also visit Kylemore Abbey which is set on a lake against a backdrop of the Connemara Mountains and home to Ireland’s only Benedictine order of nuns who have restored and cared for the Kylemore estate since 1920. Uniquely, only Victorian varieties of flowers and vegetables are grown in the walled garden which contains two distinct areas: the kitchen garden and the flower garden.
Day 8 Aran Islands.
Located just 30 miles from the Galway Coast are the Aran Islands. We spend the morning at the largest, Inishmore, and explore some of the early Christian sites. This island was a place of monastic study from the earliest Christian times. Also, see the dramatic stone fort of Dun Aonghusa, parts of which date back some 3000 years. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon cruising.
Day 9 County Donegal.
Spend the day in County Donegal where from our base in the village of Killybegs we have a choice of excursions. Choose to drive west to the Glencolmcille area, a Gaeltacht (Irish speaking) area steeped in culture and rich in folklore and music. One of the most scenic areas in Ireland, the drive through the countryside is outstanding. The Folk Museum which opened in 1967 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. Here we will learn about the history of the area and be treated to some traditional Irish music. We will offer a drive through the scenic landscapes of northern Donegal to Glenveagh National Park where we find the wonderful 19th century castle built on the shores of Lough Veagh. Surrounded by magnificent mountains, pristine lakes and native oak woods this is a magical place. After a tour of the castle we will explore the woodland gardens set in the starkly dramatic shadows of the Kinnaveagh, Dooish and Staghall Mountains. Alternatively visit the charming Salthill Gardens. Located some 200 yards from the sea, this old walled garden has been gradually transformed by Elizabeth Temple into something very special. Independent of trends, this delightful half hectare enclosure offers a feeling of privacy and mystery that is particular to old walled gardens. We will be entertained on board by local music this evening as we sail late tonight.
Day 10 Tory Island.
Located off the northwest coast of Ireland and home to 150 or so Gaelic speakers Tory Island is the most remote inhabited Irish island. Although only 14 miles offshore, it feels like many more and island life here is full of traditions. We will explore the island on foot before meeting some of the local community in the village hall and enjoy some of their legendary storytelling, music and dance. Tory Island is also famous for its migratory birds and we hope to hear the calls of the corncrake for which the island is known.
Day 11 Giant's Causeway & Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland.
From our anchorage in Portrush we will visit The Giant’s Causeway which became widely known from the 1700s as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’ and large numbers of visitors came to view this amazing array of basalt columns of which there are estimated to be around 40,000 in total. After a stop at Dunluce Castle, we return to the ship and sail to Rathlin Island. Located just a few miles from the North Antrim coast, Rathlin has been settled for more than 6000 years. Today, there are only 80 or so souls, whereas before the famine there were 1200 inhabitants. History is everywhere with historic buildings and ruins which we will explore with our local guides.
Day 12 Belfast.
Arrive in the Northern Irish capital where a morning city drive will include the Grand Opera House and the Albert Memorial before passing Queen's University and the Botanic Gardens. Our final stop is the Titanic Experience, located right beside the historic site of this world-famous ship's construction. Housed in an iconic, six-floor building, this state-of-the-art visitor experience tells the story of the Titanic, from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to her famous maiden voyage and tragic end. This afternoon is free to explore at our own pace or join a tour to the famous gardens at Mount Stewart which were planted in the 1920s by Edith, Lady Londonderry, and are of international importance. The magnificent series of outdoor ‘rooms’ and vibrant parterres contain many rare plants that thrive in the mild climate of the Ards Peninsula. There will be time to explore the opulent house which reveals a fascinating heritage and historic world-famous artefacts and artwork.
Day 13 Liverpool, England.
Disembark this morning. Transfers will be provided to Liverpool Lime Street Station at a fixed time.
Ship to Shore: Whilst we will be alongside in some ports, we will be at anchor in Kinsale, Bantry, Knightstown, the Aran Islands, Tory Island, Portrush & Rathlin Island. The vessel’s Zodiacs will be utilised to transport passengers ashore and for Zodiac cruising to explore the more remote places we will be visiting. The use of Zodiacs will be key to the operation of the itinerary shown. |
Dates and Prices
28 July to 9 August 2024 • 9 to 21 August 2024 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Magellan Deck Standard Suites | £6995 | £6695 |
Columbus Deck Superior Suites | £7195 | £6895 |
Marco Polo Deck Premium Suites | £7595 | £7295 |
Marco Polo Deck Corner Suites | £7995 | £7695 |
Erikson Deck Deluxe Balcony Suites | £8295 | £7995 |
Explorer Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | Fully Booked | Fully Booked |
Explorer Deck Island Suite | £9595 | £9295 |
Magellan Deck Standard for sole occupancy | £8995 | £8695 |
Columbus Deck Superior for sole occupancy | £9195 | £8895 |
Tour Reference Code: SCISK280724/SCISK080924
PRICE INCLUDES: 12 nights aboard the MS Island Sky on a full board basis • House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Ship to Shore: Whilst we will be alongside in some ports, we will be at anchor in Kinsale, Bantry, Knightstown, the Aran Islands, Tory Island, Portrush & Rathlin Island. The vessel’s Zodiacs will be utilised to transport passengers ashore and for Zodiac cruising to explore the more remote places we will be visiting. The use of Zodiacs will be key to the operation of the itinerary shown.
During this expedition you will be visiting out of the way destinations and will be accompanied by an expedition team. Landings and excursions will be made by Zodiac landing craft. The use of Zodiacs will be key to the operation of the itinerary as shown. If you have any queries pertaining to the use of Zodiacs or the level of fitness required for this voyage, please do not hesitate to ask one of our experienced travel consultants.
-
Deckplan
Island Sky
The MS Island Sky is one of our two flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Hebridean Sky. Both vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them two of the finest small ships in the world.
Travelling with You
-
Diarmuid Gavin
Diarmuid Gavin is an award-winning garden designer and broadcaster known for his distinctive and contemporary designs. After studying amenity horticulture at the Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin in Dublin, he established his own garden design business. After twice winning the Royal Dublin Society Gold medal for garden design during the nineties, he displayed at the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 1995 and 1996. His modern vibrant city garden in 1996 caused quite a stir, and led to a career in television where he developed an individual style in contemporary garden design. Diarmuid has worked for all the main broadcasters on both radio and television in the UK and Ireland. For 8 years, his main programme Homefront was broadcast by the BBC and he has also been presenter and garden designer on other programmes. He has danced on Strictly, cooked on Masterchef, ventured to the Arctic Circle in 71 Degrees North, answered questions on Mastermind, Pointless and House of Games and even presented an edition of Top of the Pops! He is the author of 13 books on gardening and garden design including two with Sir Terence Conran. Diarmuid lectures on garden design around the world and has served as an ambassador for the Prince of Wales Foundation for the Built Environment. In 2022 the United Nations appointed Diarmuid as an ambassador for their Food and Agriculture Organisation. He is currently creating a garden commissioned to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III and the Queen Consort.
Diarmuid Gavin will be on the following tour dates: 28 July to 9 August 2024 -
Gary Sheffield
Professor Gary Sheffield is one of the UK’s leading historians. He is Professor of War Studies at the University of Wolverhampton, and is renowned for successfully bridging the gap between academic and popular history. Gary has written many acclaimed books, including Forgotten Victory – the First World War: Myths and Realities, which was a best seller when first published in 2001 and again in 2014 when released as an e-book. Gary frequently appears on radio and television, and he writes for the national press, the BBC History Magazine, and History Today. He advises the UK government and the British Army on the Centenary Commemorations of the First World War. He as a Fellow of both the Royal Historical Society and the Royal Society of Arts, a Freeman of the City of London, and a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Curriers.
Educated at the University of Leeds (BA and MA) and King’s College London (PhD), Gary began his academic career at the Department of War Studies, Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, He then moved to King’s College London, where he awarded a Professorial Chair. In 2006 Gary was appointed to a Chair sat Birmingham University, moving to a newly-created Chair at the University of Wolverhampton in 2013. Gary Sheffield’s many books include The First World War in 100 Objects (2014); and a brief biography of the Duke of Wellington (2017). He is writing Civilian Armies: The Experience of British and Dominion Soldiers in the two World Wars. He is married to Vivienne, and they live in Oxfordshire. They have a daughter and a son, both now adults. He enjoys music, theatre, walking and cooking.Gary Sheffield will be on the following tour dates: 9 to 21 August 2024
Also of Interest
Summer in Ireland
A voyage from Liverpool to Dublin around the Emerald Isle aboard the MS Island Sky
Island Sky
Itinerary at a glance
- Liverpool / Cobh / Kinsale / Skellig Islands / Valentia Island / Galway / Aran Islands / Killybegs / Giant's Causeway / Derry / Belfast / Dublin
Wild Ireland
An in-depth discovery of Ireland’s wonders aboard the MS Island Sky
Island Sky
Itinerary at a glance
- Dublin / Baltimore / Sherkin Island / Bere Island / Skelling Islands / Valentia Island / Galway / Cliffs of Moher / Aran Islands / Killybegs / Tory Island / Rathlin Island / Larne / Belfast / Liverpool
Beyond the Wild Atlantic Way
A voyage around Ireland aboard the MS Island Sky
Island Sky
Itinerary at a glance
- Liverpool / Dublin / Warrenpoint / Belfast / Giant’s Causeway & Derry / Killybegs / Galway / Cliffs of Moher / Skellig Islands / Bere Island / Cape Clear Island / Mizen Head / Kinsale / Waterford / Kilkenny / Portsmouth
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000