Experience the best Ireland has to offer on this exhilarating voyage around this storied island. From the vibrant Irish capital of Dublin, we will experience some of Ireland’s most lively and exciting cities, as well as hidden offshore gems inaccessible to the casual traveller. From the rugged, windswept Aran Islands to the musical streets of Galway, the riverbanks of Cork to the bird colonies of Skellig, and from the storied stones of Antrim to the hearty welcome on Clare Island, this thrilling voyage beckons visitors to immerse themselves in the culture, nature, and heritage of the Emerald Isle. Fáilte!
- Ireland’s Atlantic edge: Skellig Michael, the Aran Islands, Clare Island and the Cliffs of Moher deliver Ireland at its most elemental — monastic isolation, seabird colonies, limestone landscapes, and open ocean exposure.
- Deep cultural continuity: Gaelic-speaking communities, ancient hillforts, pirate history, and living Celtic traditions from Galway to Valentia Island.
- Geological icons and coastal drama: Giant’s Causeway, Antrim Coast, Skellig pinnacles, and Ireland’s wild western seaboard compressed into a single circumnavigation.
Availability is always subject to confirmation. Please check with us before booking flights
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Our expedition begins in Dublin, the beating heart of Ireland. Hosting sites such as the famous Ha’penny Bridge and the spellbinding Book of Kells in Trinity College, the magnificent St Patrick’s Cathedral and the legendary Guinness Storehouse, visitors are spoiled for choice in the Irish capital. In the afternoon, settle into your cabin aboard Ocean Victory and toast your departure into the Irish Sea as we set a course for Cork.
In the morning we sail into the vast natural harbour of Cobh, gateway to Cork, Ireland’s second city. While famous sites such as Blarney Castle and her famous Stone are just a short drive away, Cork city centre is surprisingly compact and walkable, and trad tunes drift from the door of almost every pub. The best food in the city is indisputably found at the English Market, where some of Ireland’s best produce is sold and prepared -an absolute treat for any foodie!
Sitting on Valentia Island, Knightstown is the epitome of rural Ireland – lush, green and dripping with Gaelic charm. Join a hike to the nearby Valentia Island Lighthouse, or journey back through time and see the tetrapod footprints – a palaeontological marvel. In the afternoon we will cruise around the Skellig Islands, magnificent rock pinnacles once home to hermit monks, now a wildlife refuge populated by thousands of seabirds. Keep your binocular handy!
Early in the morning morning, we will pass the legendary Cliffs of Moher before arriving in Galway. While not the largest city in Ireland, Galway is indisputably the island’s cultural capital, sitting in the heart of the Gaeltacht on the windswept Atlantic coast. Immerse yourself in ancient Celtic culture and discover the ancient heritage of the wild west of Ireland.
Venturing off Ireland’s wild west coast, we find the windswept Aran Islands. Although small, the Aran Islands are probably the most famous of Irish Islands – barren limestone landscapes and ancient hillforts make up the mesmerising landscape, and the ancient Irish language is spoken almost universally – not to mention the islands’ world-famous knitwear! In the afternoon we sail to Clare Island, once home to legendary pirate queen Gráinne O’Malley – thankfully, the welcome here is considerably warmer today than in her time!
Sitting on the island’s northern coast, Portrush is one of Ireland’s premier seaside resort towns, sitting on the breath-taking Antrim Coast. Bizarre geological happenstance has created this spectacular coastline, home to landmarks such as Dunluce Castle (made famous by hit show Game of Thrones) and the storied stones of the Giant’s Causeway, indisputably the most famous geological site on the island of Ireland.
On the final day of our expedition, Ocean Victory sails back into Dublin harbour. After a hearty breakfast, bid farewell to the Officers and Crew and step back onto the stones of the Fair City with memories to last a lifetime.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Ocean Victory
| Vessel Type | Luxury X-Bow®-Infinity Class Vessel |
|---|---|
| Launched | 2020 |
| Cabins | 93 |
This stylish cruise ship, built specifically for small ship expeditions to the Polar Regions, features cutting edge technology mixed with great comfort.
With a total of 93 comfortable cabins for our guests, all with a view of the ocean, (and 90% with their own balcony), several restaurants, a wellness area, an Albatros Nordic Bar, an open deck dining facility, a modern lecture lounge, and other amenities, the vessel will also be environmentally-friendly onboard, with an implementation of the Green Initiative Program, ensuring both absolute comfort and sustainability for our guests.
Now, for the technical details:
With the highest Polar code 6 and Ice class 1A, Ocean Victory is the ideal vessel for small-ship cruising due to her sturdy construction and X-Bow®-Infinity class, which provides high stability in rough weather and allows for the smoothest movements on high waves, and a Solas 2012 classification which facilitates a safe return to port.
The vessel is part of a brand new generation of low-energy vessels, with 4 diesel engines and 2 electro engines, all controlled electronically to optimize speed and fuel consumption.
Restaurant & bar
Dinner always starts with delicious hot soups, cold cuts and crisp, fresh salads. Several choices of entrees are offered each evening, to accommodate different tastes and dietary requirements; always including a meat choice, fish choice and vegetarian choice.
After dinner, freshly prepared desserts, including ship-made ice cream or cakes are a great way to end a meal and satisfy any sweet tooth.
A selection of wines and beers is available to perfectly compliment your visit to our restaurant… and if you’re interested in relaxing during your time off from activities and landings, delight onboard Ocean Atlantic by raising your glass to the experience of a lifetime!
Our bar is fully equipped with a variety of cocktails, beers, non-alcoholic beverages and more, to quench your thirst and reward the explorer in you.
Deck plans are for illustrative purposes only – The actual ship and cabin layout may differ.
