If you have been to Ireland before and have been meaning to return or are yet to discover the appeal of what is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful countries in the world, then our summer voyage aboard the MS Island Sky offers the perfect opportunity.
Culturally rich with amazingly gifted writers, poets, musicians and actors, and historically fascinating with a past stretching back some 10,000 years, Ireland is a small isle with enormous character and much to discover, and during our nine night voyage we aim to show you its beauty and delve into its past to gain a better understanding of modern day Ireland.
Exploring in the summer, the gardens we visit including those at Mount Stewart will be at their most appealing and the countryside will be beautiful and inviting. Other highlights of our cruise will be spending time in the picturesque harbour town of Kinsale, cruising around the mystical Skellig Islands, visiting Kylemore Abbey in its stunning setting in the Connemara Mountains, exploring the magnificent scenery of County Donegal and unearthing the myths and legends of the Giant’s Causeway.
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 sailing past and visiting some of the most enchanting scenery in the world 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. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail in the early evening.
Day 2 Cobh, Ireland.
After a morning at sea we will arrive into the Republic of Ireland at lunchtime. From our berth in Cobh, we will take a walking tour of this pretty town with a rich history. It was here that the Titanic made its last call for passengers before setting sail on its fateful journey to New York. The town has had a long maritime tradition and many of the old port buildings have been preserved including the offices of the White Star and Cunard Lines. Walking through the town its history will be revealed by your guide. There will also be a visit to the Titanic Experience, a museum housed in the White Star Line building. From here you can return to the ship or continue exploring Cobh at your own leisure. We will set sail for Kinsale late this evening allowing for the opportunity to spend some further time ashore after dinner.
Day 3 Kinsale.
As we sail into the picturesque harbour town of Kinsale 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 after our morning walking tour. This afternoon we will drive through the delightful countryside and coastal roads to explore the charming and colourful town of Clonakilty, filled with historic buildings, hand painted signs and warm welcomes.
Day 4 Skellig Islands & Valentia Island.
Over breakfast we will arrive at 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. Later sail to 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 5 Galway.
From Galway we explore the beautiful region of Connemara. Here the National Park covers nearly 3,000 hectares of scenic mountains, heaths and woodland and is home to herds of ponies. During our drive 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. 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 6 Aran Islands.
Spend the morning at the Aran Islands. We will call into 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 3,000 years. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon at sea sailing north to County Donegal.
Day 7 Killybegs.
We 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 will enjoy some traditional Irish music. We will also offer a walk through the Bluestack Mountains. This circular 3.5 kilometre walk offers the striking beauty and peacefulness of the mountains and spectacular views. In the afternoon we stroll through Donegal town, which was invaded by Vikings in the 8th century and used as their port, giving its Gaelic name Dun na nGall, ‘Fort of the Foreigners’. The walking tour will take in the town’s history including the Castle, the ruined Franciscan friary as well as the ‘The Diamond’ or centre of town where markets were held until 1967.
Day 8 Giant’s Causeway & Derry, Northern Ireland.
Our first call in Northern Ireland is Lisahally from where we 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 for lunch. This afternoon we will explore Derry, a vibrant city steeped in history. Walking the walls, built over 400 years ago, you can see the city’s history all around you. During the tour we will visit St Columb Cathedral which has stood on its prominent site inside the city walls since 1633 as well as the Tower Museum which charts the city’s history.
Day 9 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 first 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 10 Dublin to London, Manchester or Edinburgh.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to Dublin airport for our scheduled flight.
Ship to Shore: Whilst we will be alongside in most ports, we will be at anchor in Kinsale, Knightstown and Inishmore where the vessel’s Zodiacs will be utilised to transport passengers ashore.
Dates and Prices
27 July to 5 August 2025 | ||
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Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Magellan Deck Standard Suites | £6195 | £5895 |
Columbus Deck Superior Suites | £6395 | £6095 |
Marco Polo Deck Premium Suites | £6595 | £6295 |
Marco Polo Deck Corner Suites | £6895 | £6595 |
Erikson Deck Deluxe Balcony Suites | £7795 | £7495 |
Explorer Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | £7995 | £7695 |
Explorer Deck Island Suite | £8495 | £8195 |
Magellan Deck Standard for sole occupancy | £7095 | £6795 |
Columbus Deck Superior for sole occupancy | £7295 | £6995 |
Tour Reference Code: SCISK270725
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel from Dublin to London, Manchester or Edinburgh • Nine 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 most ports, we will be at anchor in Kinsale, Knightstown and Inishmore where the vessel’s Zodiacs will be utilised to transport passengers ashore.
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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.
Skys Video Tour
Travelling with You
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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.
Tour Extensions
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If you would like to spend some time in Dublin after disembarking the MS Island Sky, we are offering a two night extension including a half day city tour of Dublin and a morning tour of Powerscourt Gardens.
The Itinerary
Day 1 Dublin, Ireland.
Disembark after breakfast and join a morning city tour of Dublin which 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. After lunch we transfer to our hotel and have the remainder of the day and evening at leisure. (B, L)
Day 2 Dublin.
This morning 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. Return to the hotel for a free afternoon and evening. (B, L)
Day 3 Dublin to London, Manchester or Edinburgh.
Check out this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight. (B)
The Davenport
The Davenport is where history and heritage blend with modern luxury. Located in the heart of Georgian Dublin, the hotel is steps away from Merrion Square and well located for exploring the city. The spacious and elegant bedrooms feature comfortable King size or twin beds along with marble bathrooms, a seating area and ample storage. The rooms also come with all the standard amenities including tea and coffee making facilities, air-conditioning, television, Wi-Fi and toiletries. The hotel has two restaurants, the intimate 1863 Lounge and The Lady Jane where breakfast will be served.
Prices per person based on double occupancy
5 to 7 August 2025 Category Price Twin £995 Single £1295 Price Includes: Two nights accommodation at The Davenport, meals as indicated (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch), drinks with included meals, Noble Caledonia Tour Manager, shore excursions, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Also of Interest
Britain & Ireland Odyssey
A voyage from Portsmouth to Aberdeeen aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
Hebridean Sky
Itinerary at a glance
- Portsmouth / Guernsey / Tresco / St Martin’s / Cape Clear / Mizen Head / Skellig Islands / Killybegs / Iona / Lunga / St Kilda / Stac Lee / Scrabster / Aberdeen
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
Voyage to the Emerald Isle
An in-depth exploration of Ireland’s wonders aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
Hebridean Sky
Itinerary at a glance
- Oban / Giant’s Causeway / Derry / Killybegs / Aran Islands / Galway / Valentia Island / Skellig Islands / Bere Island / Waterford / Kilkenny / Isles of Scilly / Portsmouth
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000