Including 2 Gala Dinners
Scheduled flights are included in the cruise tariff from selected UK airports to Glasgow at the start of the cruise and from Cork to selected UK airports at the end of the cruise.
Relax at sea on our first day en route south to Dublin. Ashore in Eire's vibrant capital, taste the richness of Irish culture from Dublin Castle, long a symbol of English dominion and now a State palace, to the exceptional National Museum of Ireland, with free time to explore.
At the Waterford Crystal Museum admire the superlative craftsmanship of the world's finest crystal, produced in the city for over 200 years. Step into the ruggedly romantic landscape of Clear Island tranquil home to wildflowers and abundant birdlife. The attractive port of Castletownbere offers pleasant walks in the afternoon, with the promise of fresh local oysters and a Guinness.
Visit Bantry House, ancestral seat of the White family, formerly Earls of Bantry, since 1739, in its superb location above Bantry Bay, to view the eclectic European art and furnishing collections of the 2nd Earl. Seven miles off Kerry, the beehive clochans on the rocky pinnacle of Skellig Michael are testimony to the dogged stoicism of the first Christian communities whose history is revealed on Valentia Island.
Join the walkers from picturesque Schull or explore at leisure with the strollers, enjoying a traditional Irish lunch. After a refreshing guided walk at historic Kinsale, enter the dynamic heart of Cork, European City of Culture in 2005, set by one of the world's largest natural harbours. An evening cocktail reception at the Maritime Museum at Cobh is the perfect Irish farewell.
