Ireland Cruise: The Luck of the Irish 12 Day Cruise

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12 days from

£10498 GBP pp

* Current p/p indicative rate.

Overview
Highlights
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Map
Ships

Highlights

  • Follow the footsteps of the Irish who left for foreign shores, at Dublin, Cork, Kinsale and Londonderry~Derry
  • Discover the rugged beauty of the Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, Slieve League Cliffs and Giant’s Causeway
  • Hear tales of Irelands past at Dingle’s famine cottages, Cobh’s museums, Blarney Castle, Belfast’s dockyards and on the streets of Dublin
  • Explore your Irish heritage at Dublin’s EPIC emigration museum, and learn tips on finding your ancestors from our onboard Irish genealogist

Highlights

  • Follow the footsteps of the Irish who left for foreign shores, at Dublin, Cork, Kinsale and Londonderry~Derry
  • Discover the rugged beauty of the Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, Slieve League Cliffs and Giant’s Causeway
  • Hear tales of Irelands past at Dingle’s famine cottages, Cobh’s museums, Blarney Castle, Belfast’s dockyards and on the streets of Dublin
  • Explore your Irish heritage at Dublin’s EPIC emigration museum, and learn tips on finding your ancestors from our onboard Irish genealogist
Capacity: 154, Type: Expedition
Feture image for Ireland Cruise: The Luck of the Irish 12 Day Cruise

Welcome to Aurora Expeditions’ The Luck of the Irish 

Pounded for eternity by its surrounding seas, Ireland’s rugged and wild coastline is best explored by ship. The country’s intimate size affords seafarers an in-depth exploration of both its coastal gems and inland treasures. We will search the cliffs, castles, backstreets and hollow tree trunks of Ireland and Northern Ireland, for stories of its saints, heroes, mythical creatures and convivial locals, as we immerse ourselves in the witty and wondrous world of Ireland’s greatest export: the Irish.

  • Follow the footsteps of the Irish who left for foreign shores, at Dublin, Cork, Kinsale and Londonderry~Derry
  • Discover the rugged beauty of the Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, Slieve League Cliffs and Giant’s Causeway
  • Hear tales of Irelands past at Dingle’s famine cottages, Cobh’s museums, Blarney Castle, Belfast’s dockyards and on the streets of Dublin
  • Explore your Irish heritage at Dublin’s EPIC emigration museum, and learn tips on finding your ancestors from our onboard Irish genealogist

Availability is always subject to confirmation. Please check with us before booking flights

16 June, 2027 to 27 June, 2027 on Douglas Mawson
Prices

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.

Aurora Stateroom Twin
£10498 GBP pp
Aurora Stateroom Twin
Deck: 3 Cabin size: 15.37m² - 15.97m² (165.4ft² - 171.9ft²) King bed Twin beds Private en-suite Porthole window Desk area Closet space Room-controlled thermostat Room safe 42" flat-screen TV Mini bar
Aurora Stateroom Superior
£11098 GBP pp
Aurora Stateroom Superior
Deck: 7 Cabin size: 13.97m² - 16.17m² (150.4ft² - 174.1ft²) King bed Twin beds Private en-suite French balcony Desk area Closet space Room-controlled thermostat Room safe 42" flat-screen TV Mini bar
Balcony Stateroom Category C
£11398 GBP pp
Balcony Stateroom Category C
Deck: 4 & 6 Cabin and balcony combined size: 21.07m² - 26.77m² (226.8ft² - 288.2ft²) King bed Twin beds Private en-suite Private balcony Full size window Desk area Closet space Room-controlled thermostat Room safe 42" flat-screen TV Mini bar
Balcony Stateroom Category B
£12048 GBP pp
Balcony Stateroom Category B
Deck: 4 & 6 Cabin and balcony combined size: 21.07m² - 26.77m² (226.8ft² - 288.2ft²) King bed Twin beds Private en-suite Private balcony Full size window Desk area Closet space Room-controlled thermostat Room safe 42" flat-screen TV Mini bar
Balcony Stateroom Category A
£12848 GBP pp
Balcony Stateroom Category A
Deck: 4 & 6 Cabin and balcony combined size: 21.07m² - 26.77m² (226.8ft² - 288.2ft²) King bed Twin beds Private en-suite Private balcony Full size window Desk area Closet space Room-controlled thermostat Room safe 42" flat-screen TV Mini bar
Aurora Stateroom Superior Single
£13448 GBP pp
Aurora Stateroom Superior Single
Deck: 3 & 7 Cabin size: 10.97m² - 15.18m² (118.1ft² - 163.4ft²) Twin beds Private en-suite Porthole window Closet space Room-controlled thermostat Room safe 42" flat-screen TV Mini bar
Balcony Stateroom Superior
£14098 GBP pp
Balcony Stateroom Superior
Deck: 4 & 6 Cabin and balcony combined size: 27.77m² - 36.27m² (298.9ft² - 390.4ft²) King bed Twin beds Private en-suite (wheelchair accessible) Private balcony Full size window Desk area Closet space Room-controlled thermostat Room safe 42" flat-screen TV Mini bar
Junior Suite
£16798 GBP pp
Junior Suite
Deck: 7 Cabin and balcony combined size: 41.47m² - 41.87m² (446.4ft² - 450.7ft²) King bed Twin beds Private en-suite Private balcony Full size window Separate lounge area Desk area Closet space Room-controlled thermostat Room safe 42" flat-screen TV Mini bar
Captain's Suite
£19148 GBP pp
Captain's Suite
Deck: 4 Cabin and balcony combined size: 45.22m² (486.7ft²) King bed Twin beds Private en-suite Private balcony Full size window Separate lounge area Desk area Closet space Room-controlled thermostat Room safe 42" flat-screen TV Mini bar
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Day 1 Arrive Dublin, Ireland

Welcome to Dublin. On arrival at Dublin airport make your way to the Arrivals Hall to meet our representative, followed by a transfer to our group hotel. At the hotel, visit our hospitality desk in the lobby to meet our team who will provide you with useful information regarding pre-embarkation procedures and about your time in Dublin. You will also receive cabin tags for your luggage. Please clearly label the tags with your name and your cabin number on the ship.

This evening offers time to relax in preparation for our ‘day out in Dublin’ tomorrow. Our group hotel has a popular restaurant and is close to plenty of corner pubs and cosy restaurants should you wish to ‘share a jar’ in true Irish style or try some local cuisine.

Accommodation: Dublin Hotel (or similar)

Day 2 Dublin

Dublin, the vibrant capital of Ireland, is a city brimming with energy and resilience. Once under British rule, Dublin has emerged with a distinct sense of identity, leading Ireland as a proud member of the European Union and reflecting its evolving role in modern Europe. The city has been home to some of the world’s most influential literary figures, including Oscar Wilde, James Joyce, W.B. Yeats, and George Bernard Shaw. Iconic landmarks such as Trinity College, home to the esteemed Book of Kells, highlight its storied past, while the city also serves as a hub of artistic and cultural expression, with global musicians like U2, whose impact resonates from their Dublin roots, having invigorated its creative scene. Dublin’s vibrant pub culture offers a lively social fabric, where traditional and contemporary influences merge to create a city to explore both day and night.

Choose your favourite ‘Your Choice’ experience for a morning full of all things Irish, with time to explore Dublin at your own pace this afternoon. Join us for an evening of Irish food and dancing, as we celebrate the start of our journey.

Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.

Option 1- Morning experience: Walking Dublin

Dublin’s compact character makes it an ideal one for a leisurely walking tour, with a stop for an Irish coffee of course! This morning, our local guides entertain us with tales of the city’s character-filled history. We will hear stories of Ireland’s emotional past through the eyes of its many artists, manic Lord Mayors and rebellious citizens whilst following the park-side alleys of Dublin’s ‘backyard’, St Stephens Green, to the grand Georgian buildings of Irelands’ first university, Trinity College. Founded by Queen Elizabeth I, the grounds of the college offer 40 acres of academic seclusion from the hustle and bustle of downtown Dublin. (Note: sequence may vary.)

Option 2 – Morning experience: The Spiritual Centre of Dublin

Join a locally guided tour of Glasnevin Cemetery, where the stories of 1.6 million souls are meticulously preserved. This historical Victorian cemetery, adorned with statues of shamrocks, high crosses, and harps, offers a window into Ireland’s rich past and psyche. Discover the final resting places of notable figures such as Michael Collins, a leader in the struggle for Irish independence, and Éamon de Valera, a key political figure and former president of Ireland. You may also visit the graves of Brendan Behan, the influential playwright, and Thomas Kinsella, a celebrated poet. Look out for final resting places of Countess Markievicz, a revolutionary and the first woman elected to the British Parliament, and Daniel O’Connell, the great emancipator. Glasnevin is a testament to Ireland’s deep-rooted belief in spirits and saints, reflecting the nation’s spiritual heritage. Each monument and grave not only tell the story of its occupant, but also offers insights into the Irish psyche, where reverence for historical figures and a connection to the spiritual world are intertwined.

Option 3 – Morning experience: The Guinness Story

The Guinness brewery opened on this spot over 250 years ago, when Arthur Guinness signed a 900-year lease – there’s only 650 years to go. We will see, hear and smell the secret ingredients as we travel through a series of vast machines, before our self-guided tour ends in the circular panoramic Gravity Bar, with its sweeping views across the city of Dublin. Here, we will enjoy a complimentary pint of ‘the black stuff’ while viewing Dublin from above. Choose to make your own way back to the hotel or catch a lift on our coach.

Accommodation: Dublin Hotel (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Welcome reception – dinner show

Day 3 Belfast, UK – Embark (Port: Belfast)

We depart Dublin for Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, arriving in the late morning. Belfast has endured more than its share of hardship—famines, disease, invasions, and economic strife have shaped a tough, resilient city. But it was the recent period known as The Troubles that defined its global image. Barbed wire, armed patrols, and bomb searches once deterred visitors. Today, however, Belfast is a city renewed—lighter, more open, and on the rise thanks to political progress and investment.

On arrival a short driving tour showcases stories of the workers who built Belfast and insights into both Unionist and Nationalist communities. Occasional security gates serve as reminders of a complex past, but the city now embraces seven vibrant ‘quarters’: Cathedral, Gaeltacht, Smithfield Market and Library, Linen, Market, and Queen’s.

There’s time to grab a bite to eat or browse Belfast’s centre before heading to the Titanic Quarter. It was here that thousands laboured to build the world’s most glamorous ship. The Titanic Experience, located on the original dockyard, brings this story to life, exploring the pride, pressure, and tragedy tied to the ship’s legacy. 

Having completed our tour, we make our way to the port of Belfast for embarkation.

After settling into your cabin and participating in the mandatory safety briefing, we meet our crew and Aurora Expeditions team at a Welcome Dinner to celebrate our voyage around the Emerald Isle.

Meals: Breakfast, Welcome dinner on board

Day 4 Londonderry~Derry, Northern Ireland UK (Port: Londonderry~Derry)

Our overnight sailing takes us to the fascinating city of Londonderry~Derry. Simply known as Derry to the Nationalist (Catholic) population but still referred to as Londonderry by the Unionist (Protestant) population, this ‘border’ town has seen it all. The sectarian ‘Troubles’ of this predominantly Nationalist city may have blemished its reputation, but in recent years these tensions have eased, and although some suburbs retain their sense of division, strolling the streets is safe and the general population are happy to share stories of their stormy past and ambitious future.

We meet the tidal mouth of the River Foyle at sunrise, arriving at Londonderry~Derry’s port mid-morning. Choose to ‘stay in town’ to hear the city’s fascinating story, or head north to the coast to follow fables of giants and failed dynasties at the Giant’s Causeway, before we sail west in the early evening for the Republic of Ireland and the cliffside gem of Killybegs.

Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.

Option 1 – Morning experience: Londonderry~Derry – Past, Present, Future

Our local guides interpret the story of Londonderry~Derry in this excursion, which is a combination of a walking and coach tour. Having lived through the tumultuous times of ‘The Troubles’ as the locals refer to it, their first-hand experiences immerse us in the era when a word to the wrong person, a stroll on the wrong side of the street, or a misplaced glance, could cost you your life. In recent years, the artists and youth of Londonderry~Derry have painted emotive murals on walls around the city. We pass several of these as our guides explain the city’s tumultuous past. Several monuments in the Bogside neighbourhood shed even more light on key events, such as the hunger strikes that marred the city. Explore the city centre further at your own pace or return to the ship for a relaxing lunch.

Option 2 – Half-day experience: Dunluce Castle, Giant’s Causeway

Heading north we find the northern shores of Northern Ireland and follow the coast to the Giant’s Causeway. This region is blessed with impressive natural scenery: vast valleys, glittering lakes and cliffs hoisted up from the Atlantic. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Giant’s Causeway consists of some 40,000 interlocking basalt columns lifted from the ocean by volcanic activity over 60 million years ago. Of course, according to legend, giants strode across columns over the sea from Scotland, creating what looks like a giant pathway of stepping-stones that start on land and disappear into the ocean. After lunch at a local restaurant, we follow the Scenic Causeway Road to Dunluce Castle. Once the headquarters of the MacDonnell clan, the castle fell victim to a violent storm and was abandoned. Its ruins and spectacular backdrop have been popular recently, after it was used as the Castle of Pyke in the famous series Game of Thrones.

Day 5 Killybegs and Slieve League Cliffs (Port: Killybegs)

The fishing village of Killybegs is gateway to the rugged beauty of Slieve League Cliffs and the dramatic backdrop of Ireland’s own Table Mountain, Ben Bulben. Jutting out of Sligo’s northern edge, the peninsula of Mullaghmore pokes into the North Atlantic. Land and sea meet in confluence along the coast of County Sligo, a landscape of jagged mountain peaks that inspired the work of Nobel-winning poet William Butler Yeats.

This morning, we arrive at the rugged harbour of Killybegs with time to explore the nearby cliffs and their cliffside walk or learn about sustainable whiskey distilling at the family owned and operated Ardara Distillery.

Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.

Option 1 – Morning experience: Slieve League Cliffs

Slieve League is Ireland’s ultimate sea cliff experience and a signature point on the Wild Atlantic Way. Believed to be Europe’s highest accessible sea cliffs, they rise 2,000 feet from the ocean below. The lookouts here offer unspoiled views of the Atlantic as it slams the coastline of Donegal. Slieve League boasts a raw landscape and challenging lifestyle for those who call County Sligo home. We meet some of these stoic characters at the Tí Linn café and craft shop for a hot drink and scones. The Slieve League Cliffs Centre supports local artisans by selling their handmade specialties including items from the Donegal Tweed company and Triona, a company located only a few miles away at Ardara.

Option 2 – Morning experience: Ardara and the Ardara Whiskey Distillery

For those who would prefer to hear about the most popular ‘spirits’ of the region, we visit the friendly folk of Ardara. One of the five designated heritage towns in County Donegal, Ardara has built itself a reputation as a village of craftsmen and women. The movement towards uniquely Irish goods is a growth market for the villages scattered throughout Ireland’s isolated peninsulas. It provides work for young people and whole families are typically involved in the production. Steeped in tradition the Ardara Distillery operations produce An Dúlamán Irish Maritime Gin and Sliabh Liag Whiskeys. Established by two ‘scatterlings’, James and Moira Doherty, who returned to the Sliabh Liag peninsula to build a legacy, the distillery employs 30 people in the village of 700. We tour the distillery to appreciate a sustainable, boutique side of Irish whiskey making. One inspired by the almost lost tradition for a smoky style of spirit, brought up to date with the best distillation know-how. We will learn about the history of Donegal’s distilling heritage and see skilled workers breathing new life into it. All tied together by a tasting of this unique brew.

Option 3 – Morning experience: Glencolmcille Folk Village 

Enjoy a scenic drive through Donegal’s wild and picturesque landscapes to Glencolmcille: a Gaeltacht region rich in folklore, music, and archaeological heritage. Here we visit the Glencolmcille Folk Village, founded in 1967 to honour Fr. James McDyer, a visionary priest who arrived in 1951 and inspired the community to embrace self-reliance and pride in their cultural roots. Explore replica thatched cottages from the 18th to 20th centuries, along with a schoolhouse, shebeen, and craft shop, enjoy tea and scones while traditional musicians perform, join in Irish language lessons and watch Donegal tweed spinning and weaving. This quaint museum vividly evokes a bygone era of resilience and tradition, making it a morning to remember.

Day 6 Galway (Tender Port: Galway)

The west coast seaside town of Galway plays host to Douglas Mawson today when we anchor in its bay and tender ashore. Attracting a year-round flow of local visitors, Galway has the vibe of a traditional Irish resort town with plenty of pubs, restaurants and shops selling traditional products. The Irish come here to walk its mile-long promenade and as tradition dictates, kick the walls end for good luck, enjoy fish and chips straight from the newspaper and, of course, ‘go on the gargle’ in its cosy pubs.

Today, enjoy the flexibility of our ‘Your Choice’ experiences, offering two distinct ways to explore. Choose a relaxing lake-based boat cruise, gliding through scenic waters or a driving and walking tour of Galway, where you’ll uncover the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. After your chosen adventure, you can linger in town or return to the ship for lunch. Our tender service will shuttle guests throughout the afternoon, giving you the freedom to explore Galway at your own pace.

As we set sail in the early evening, prepare for a breathtaking finale — panoramic views of the legendary Cliffs of Moher, rising dramatically from the Atlantic Ocean. Towering over the West Clare coast, the Cliffs of Moher are best seen in the early morning, and from the sea. Visually spectacular, they sit astride the striking landscape of the Burren on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. At a height of over 700 feet at O’Brien’s Tower, and following the coast for almost eight miles, these ancient cliffs were formed over 320 million years ago and today form part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark.

Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.

Option 1 – Morning experience: Getting to Know Galway

Experience the spirit of Galway on this guided city tour led by a local expert. This panoramic journey blends driving and walking to showcase the city’s most iconic landmarks and lesser-known treasures. We visit the Claddagh Ring Museum, where you’ll discover the origins of this traditional Irish symbol. According to legend, the first Claddagh ring was crafted by a Galway goldsmith who was captured by pirates and sold into slavery. He created the ring for his beloved back home, with its hands, heart, and crown representing friendship, love, and loyalty. Today, it holds deep meaning for generations of young Irish women. As our tour ends, enjoy free time to explore Galway at your own pace. Sample local food, browse shops for unique souvenirs, or wander the lively streets of Ireland’s favourite seaside town.

Option 2 – Morning Experience: Cruising the Connemara

Today’s journey takes us through the wild beauty of Connemara, as we drive from Galway to Lisloughrey along winding roads flanked by quiet lakes, peat bogs, and dramatic mountain views. This rugged landscape sets the tone for what’s to come.

At Lisloughrey, we board a scenic cruise on Lough Corrib, the largest lake in the Republic of Ireland, famously said to hold 365 islands, one for each day of the year. As we glide across its still waters, our guide tells tales of Viking raids, sunken castles, and ancient monastic sites bringing this uniquely Irish region to life. Rising from the treeline, you’ll spot sites like Ashford Castle, once a medieval fortress, later transformed into a Victorian estate by the Guinness family, and now one of Ireland’s most celebrated hotels, The Old Steamers Quay and Lord Ardilaun’s Obelisk.

Returning to Galway, in time for lunch, choose to tender to the ship, or linger longer in Irelands’ favourite seaside resort and use our tender shuttle to return to the ship at your leisure.

Day 7 Dingle (Tender Port: Dingle)

Once described by National Geographic Traveller as ‘the most beautiful place on earth’, Dingle is away from the general ‘tourist route’, affording us exclusive access to the wild west coast. Traditionally a fishing port, Dingle Harbour is where we anchor and tender into town. Known for its rugged scenery, dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches, the surrounding promontory is the coastal heart of County Kerry, while Dingle itself has a bohemian flair and is famous for its hardware pubs where you can enjoy a brew and buy wares at the same time!

Our ‘Your Choice’ experiences today showcase the relationship between the people and this rugged section of Ireland, before we follow its craggy coastline to Bantry.

Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.

Option 1 – Morning experience: Dingle Peninsula with the Blasket Centre

As the Atlantic carves the coast, we watch its waves from our clifftop drive to Slea Head. Our route weaves and twists as we follow the peninsula, with stops to take in its dramatic scenery as the road narrows, and we literally drive to the edge of the ocean. An unforgiving land, this peninsula attracted medieval monks, who lived in beehive-shaped, stone clocháns, which we visit at the Fahan Beehive. On the horizon we see the deserted Blasket Islands; an unenviable place to live. The islands were evacuated in 1953 due to a dwindling, ageing population, but the islanders’ stories live on, thanks to the Blasket Centre. This interactive museum tells tales of the islanders who survived in often unliveable conditions. We hear their stories, learn some ‘real Irish’ and marvel at their tenacity.

Option 2 – Morning experience: Life on the Land – Past and Present

We hear tales of ‘life on the land’ this morning as we visit ‘famine cottages’ and meet the shepherds and the sheep dogs of the Dingle Peninsula. Our scenic drive follows a route along the dramatic cliffs of the promontory, before heading inland to the farmlands of Dingle.

This land is sheep country. Generations of farmers have survived here through wild weather, outbreaks of disease and, of course, famine. The Kavanagh family is one of them. In the 19th century, the densely populated, western counties of Ireland were poverty stricken. The people in these areas were hugely dependent on the potato crop, and when the potato blight arrived in the 1840s, West Kerry experienced severe hardship. Neglected by the ruling classes, people endured horrific conditions, forcing many to emigrate, while those who remained, starved. We hear tales of extreme poverty and struggle for survival as we visit the family’s 19th-century cottages, which remain as they were during the great famine. The story of this land continues in a lighter vein as we enjoy a sheepdog demonstration. The shepherds’ ‘best friends’ take instructions in native Irish as they show off their skills and win our hearts with their cunning ability to herd even the most determined of sheep.

Day 8 Bantry (Tender Port: Bantry)

We arrive at Bantry Bay and tender to shore. The harbourside town of Bantry is the gateway to the touring route known as the Wild Atlantic Way. It is easy to see why Ireland’s colour of choice for everything is green, from its national sporting uniforms to its flag, as we drive the famed Ring of Kerry, tread the trails of Whiddy Island or explore the Beara Peninsula, surrounded by the lush grass-covered hills and dales of the Emerald Isle. For those

choosing a morning excursion, Bantry itself is small enough for a comfortable stroll in the afternoon, with artisan shops, friendly cafes and, of course, plenty of pubs to try a local brew.

Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.

Option 1 – Morning experience: Meet the Mayor of Whiddy Island

A 15-minute ferry crossing takes us to one of Ireland’s 80 islands – Whiddy Island, with a population of 30. A former World War I US Navy seaplane base known as Bantry Bay Station; Whiddy Island offers an insight into ‘island life in Ireland’. At just 3 x 1.5 miles in size, it is an island that is ideal for walking. It is famous for its red and purple hue provided in summer by an extensive planting of fuchsias and birdlife, as Whiddy is also home to kingfishers, little egrets and shags. But it is the story of its people that we have come to hear about, and we could not ask for a more local guide to show us around. He is the local publican, local postal worker, and he is locally known as the King of Whiddy Island. We learn about traditional baking and mussel farming and, of course, we wash it down at his pub with a local brew.

Option 2 – Half day experience: The Beara Peninsula

The Ring of Beara, located on Bantry’s neighbour, the Beara Peninsula, is one of the region’s top three scenic drives, known for its rugged and less touristy charm. This 85-mile route, including the renowned Beara Way, offers a journey through some of Ireland’s most striking landscapes. We encounter a dramatic coastline where the Atlantic Ocean crashes against steep cliffs, creating breathtaking views. The route is flanked by sharp-featured mountains and intricate rock formations, with exposed and contorted strata presenting a geologist’s dream. Scenic detours lead to hidden gems such as ancient stone circles, secluded beaches, and picturesque villages like Eyeries, known for its brightly painted houses. Time permitting, we visit the quaint village of Allihies, famous for its copper-mining history, offering stunning vistas of Beara’s lakes and valleys. With its wild beauty and diverse scenery, the Ring of Beara promises an unforgettable adventure for those seeking a truly authentic and rugged Irish experience.

Option 3 – Full-day experience: The Kingdom of Kerry

A day spent driving through the Kingdom of Kerry is the touchstone against which all other beauty spots in Ireland are measured. The Iveragh Peninsula is a magical place full of myths and legends. This landscape of sandstone hills, wooded valleys and pristine lakes has inspired poets and authors to pen many a lament. A photographer’s dream, the region is dotted with quaint towns and villages. Its lands have been carved into a series of mountain passes that whisper their story as we follow the trail of the Kingdom of Kerry

Day 9 Cork (Port: Cork)

Once a port town, always a port town, Cork sits proudly on an island in the middle of the Lee River. Surrounded by water, the city’s salty air tells the story of Irish emigration, with its historical harbour of Cobh and shores of Kinsale, famed as the port of boarding for the Irish who left for foreign lands. If your ancestors are Irish, there is a high chance they came through Cork. Today, the city has a flair for great gigs and modernised traditional dishes and is considered an Irish food mecca that is centred around its restored 18th-century English Market.

Our morning shore excursions offer you the opportunity to ‘get the gift of the gab’ or follow those Irish who left their homeland for foreign shores, with time to explore Cork independently this afternoon.

Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.

Option 1- Morning experience: Cobh & the Titanic Experience

We join a guided walking tour of Cobh, tracing the story of Irish emigration. Seeking a better life, or simply hoping to survive starvation, hundreds of thousands boarded their vessels bound for foreign lands at Cobh, formerly known as Queenstown. This included Annie Moore, a teenager who was the first immigrant to be processed at the newly opened Ellis Island in New York City. Our walking tour leads us to the Titanic Experience. On 11 April 1912, 123 passengers boarded the RMS Titanic in Queenstown (now Cobh), a bustling harbour town, bound for New York. Just days later, these individuals would face one of the most tragic maritime disasters in history. The Titanic Experience Cobh offers a poignant exploration of this fateful journey. Through knowledgeable guides and immersive audiovisual displays, visitors are transported back to that fateful April. The exhibition details the Titanic’s final days and the desperate struggle for survival after the ship struck an iceberg. Personal stories are highlighted, including those passengers who embarked from Cobh.

Option 2 – Morning experience: Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone

If every myth, legend and limerick associated with Blarney Castle’s indomitable ‘stone’ were true, the world would be asking it to solve all our problems. Where the stone came from and how its modern-day reputation was conceived is a matter of contention, but regardless, thousands of travellers come to kiss it every week, hoping to be bestowed with ‘the gift of eloquence’. Was it a witch who was saved from drowning that revealed its power?

Was it the Lord of Blarneys eloquent reply to the land title demands of Queen Elizabeth I? Was it the Goddess Cliodhna’s hinted reply to a love-lost Cormac McCarthy? Today, we hope to find out.

Option 3 – Morning experience: The Seaside Gem of Kinsale

We drive to the coast and the picture-perfect town of Kinsale, where we hear stories of naval battles, foreign invasions and shipwrecks. Once a garrison town embroiled with invading navies, Kinsale became the natural landfall for ships sailing from the continent and the Americas. It is in these waters where two of the world’s greatest ocean liners were last seen. In the early hours of 7 May 1915, the Cunard liner Lusitania was struck, only a mere 11 nautical miles off the coast of Kinsale, by a single torpedo shot from a German U-Boat. The people of Kinsale rallied to assist, but within 18 minutes she sank, with only 764 of the 1959 souls on board surviving. There is time to enjoy a stroll around this colourful coastal enclave before returning to Cork for lunch onboard, and time this afternoon to explore Cork independently.

Day 10 Waterford (Port: Waterford)

Known as the city where culture meets the ‘craic’ (that is Irish for a good time), Waterford is a modern city with a layered history. Invaded by the Norsemen in 914, Waterford became a Viking settlement, which is reflected in its people even today. It emerged from the Middle Ages as a trading port with the wealth from goods that came from as far away as Newfoundland, the profits of which funded the construction of the many Georgian Mansions that line the city’s streets. A town for those who enjoy a good stroll, Waterford is easy on the eye, offers plenty to see and as its reputation suggests, is full of fun.

Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.

Option 1 - Morning experience: Viking Waterford and the House of Waterford

It is not a coincidence that Waterford's city centre is known locally as the Viking Triangle. Those infamous invaders from across the North Sea settled here 1,100 years ago, bringing with them the wealth of their wares. Our introductory guided walk takes us past Reginald's Tower, the strongpoint of the medieval defensive walls that enclosed the city until the 18th century and the Medieval Museum whose building is also the only one on the island to incorporate two medieval chambers; the 1st century Choristers' Hall and 15th century Mayor's Wine Vault. After our walk we join a tour of the Waterford Crystal Factory – The House of Waterford. The House of Waterford is the factory of the famous glass creations named after their hometown. Opened in 1783, this fine-cut glass is exported worldwide and beloved in every Irish home. We will watch the master blowers, crystal cutters and engravers in action as we follow the story of the crystal masterpieces from the initial design right up to the final engraving.

Option 2- Full day experience: Kilkenny Castle

Kilkenny, often hailed as Ireland’s best-preserved medieval city, blends small-town charm with a lively urban energy. Once the seat of the medieval Irish parliament, it rivalled Dublin in influence—a legacy still visible in its grand Norman architecture and marble façades. At its heart stands Kilkenny Castle, continuously occupied for over 800 years and deeply entwined with the rise and fall of the Marshal and Butler families. The Butlers, who rose from Earls to Dukes, were known for high-profile marriages, including Winston Churchill’s cousin and American heiress Ellen Stager. By 1922, the castle was caught in political turmoil, occupied by Republicans and besieged by Free State forces. In 1967, the family sold it to the Kilkenny Castle Restoration Committee for just £50. Today, the castle stands as a symbol of shifting fortunes—a riches-to-rags tale that mirrors the city’s own dramatic history.

Day 11 Disembarkation Dublin (Port: Dun Laoghaire)

After breakfast, bid farewell to your crew and disembark in Dublin and head continue our genealogy theme with a visit to Dublin’s EPIC Emigration Museum. Adjacent to the Customs House Quay (CHQ) building’s restaurants, cafes and shops, this award-winning museum is a highlight of any visit to Dublin, and a convenient place to grab a bite to eat, do some souvenir shopping or trace your own Irish roots at EPICs Irish Family History Centre.

The museum’s self-guided tour allows us to meet one of Ireland’s greatest exports; its people. Discover what it means to hold Irish heritage, as you meet poets and presidents, singers and suffragettes. You will meet famous folk and families, from Ned Kelly to the Kennedys, as you follow your souvenir-passport to find out where they came from, why they left, and the differences they have made to our everyday lives.

Having explored the story of the Irish, we'll make our way to our hotel for our final night in Dublin.

Accommodation: Dublin Hotel (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast onboard

Day 12 Depart Dublin

After breakfast, we bid farewell to all the Irish who have shared their stories with us, past and present. An airport transfer shared with your fellow explorers is included for your onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast

Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change. 

Douglas Mawson
Douglas Mawson was launched in 2025.  Named after the legendary Australian geologist and explorer, this new small ship embodies Mawson’s pioneering spirit and is designed for global discov…

Douglas Mawson

Passenger Capacity: 154
Length 104.4 m
Launched 2025

Douglas Mawson was launched in 2025.  Named after the legendary Australian geologist and explorer, this new small ship embodies Mawson’s pioneering spirit and is designed for global discovery. Featuring the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW® and purpose-built with enhanced sustainability features, it takes a maximum 154 adventurers to the world’s wildest places in smooth, quiet comfort. It boasts our most extensive range of cabins yet, including a range of single cabins.

The Douglas Mawson features a host of amenities to help you connect with like-minded travellers and elevate your time onboard this floating base camp for adventure. After a long day of exploring, head to the back deck to swim in the heated outdoor swimming pool, find a sun bed to read on, or soak in one of two Jacuzzis. Work up a sweat in the gym before unwinding in the sauna, resolve to learn something new in the Citizen Science Centre, then enjoy a delicious meal with new and old friends in one of two restaurants. Or, with multiple observation areas throughout the ship, simply relax in comfort while you keep watch for wildlife or incredible landscapes unfold before you.

While enjoying the luxurious amenities onboard, you can rest assured that the aim is to get you off the ship to explore the natural environment as much as possible to enjoy some unique activities remains unchanged.

Newest Ulstein X-BOW®

The Douglas Mawson features the newest streamlined Ulstein X-BOW®, designed for global discovery. The revolutionary design cuts through the swell, offering unrivalled stability on ocean crossings and helping to reduce fuel consumption. It’s just one of the many sustainability features that helps make travel more responsible.

Heated Pool, Jacuzzis & Sauna

In between landings, enjoy access to the onboard gym or unwind in the sauna. Or head to the back deck to swim in the heated outdoor pool, enjoy a drink at the pool bar, or soak in one of two Jacuzzis, watching the world go by.

Leading Technology

The Douglas Mawson is at the cutting edge of nautical technology, fitted with industry-leading technology including world-class return-to-port equipment. The ship also features a medical clinic designed for use in remote areas.

Built for Adventure

The Douglas Mawson features Zodiac access points and an activities platform, making boarding the Zodiacs as quick, efficient and safe as possible, minimising wait times and getting you closer to the action for longer. In our mudroom you will have access to lockers to store gear & boots and rapid drying areas for clothing.

More Cabin Choices

The Douglas Mawson features 11 different types of cabins, including a range of spacious single berth cabins – all adorned with elegant Nordic interior design features.

Multiple Observation Areas

As you explore the ship you will find indoor lounge areas with floor-to ceiling windows, and multiple open decks with expansive 270-360 degree views. The Glass Atrium Lounge inside the bow is a fantastic place to sit and watch for wildlife – with a drink in hand. There is no shortage of spaces to take in the majesty of the incredible world outside!

Lecture Theatre

On all expeditions you will meet naturalists and local specialists, who offer presentations on their area of expertise to enhance your appreciation of the destination you are exploring.

Join the team in the lecture theatre for presentations covering a broad range of topics to suit every interest, from history and culture to biology and climate change. Regardless of the topic, they all have one thing in common: they all aim to engage, educate, entertain and turn you into an ambassador for the planet.

Citizen Science Center & Lounge

Learn more about the world and the unique destinations Aurora visits by visiting the onboard naturalist and Expedition Team in the world-class Citizen Science Center. You will be rewarded for your thirst for knowledge with one of the best views on the ship.

Library

With floor-to-ceiling windows, the library is a peaceful sanctuary where you can find non-fiction books to read up on the day’s destinations, use a public laptop to organise your photos or play board games with newfound friends.

Choose from our range of informative non-fiction titles, wildlife guidebooks, travel journals, novels and a selection of children’s books and board games.

Wildlife guides, books and binoculars can also be found on the observation lounge on Deck 7.

Mudroom

No need to take your wet expedition gear back to your cabin to dry. Keep your cabin warm and cosy by leaving your outer jackets and pants in the mudroom.

The mudroom is your launchpad for all shore excursions and activities. Here, you will have access to a locker when you can hang your gear up to dry, and store your boots between excursions.

Swimming Pool & Jacuzzis 

There are two Jacuzzis on the top outside deck which offer amazing views of the world outside, a heated outdoor pool surrounded by sun beds you can relax on after a long day of exploring, and a pool bar.

Gym & Sauna

During your voyage, enjoy complimentary access to the gym or visit our sauna, which we highly recommend after the Polar Plunge!

Restaurants

One of the most important parts of any expedition is the food! Whatever adventures the day holds, you will be fuelled-up with hearty meals and delicious morning/afternoon teas cooked by our onboard chefs.

Meals are a great time to soak up the expedition camaraderie in our open seating dining area. Share stories with your fellow travellers and ask our expedition team questions that may have come up during the day.

Tea, coffee and snacks are available 24 hours a day, and our chefs offer different menu options and courses for each meal. Enjoy the range of house wine, beers and soft drinks included with dinner after a long day in the wild.

We also invite you to join your captain and expedition team for informal Captain’s Farewell drinks, with complimentary beverages and cocktail appetisers, followed by a 3 course meal.

Bars & Lounges

Communal meeting areas have always played a major role in fostering the warm camaraderie on board our ships. They are the heart of the expedition, where people meet to share tales from the day, swap photos, keep an eye out for wildlife and watch the sun go down.

The bars and lounges on board are refined yet inviting places to gather, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views, and of course friendly bartenders to shoot the breeze with.

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12 days from £10498 GBP pp

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