Day 1

All Aboard in Dublin!
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.

Day 2

Cobh (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!

Day 3

Knightstown and the Skelligs
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!

Day 4

Galway
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.

Day 5

Kilronan, Aran Islands, and Clare Island
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!

Day 6

Portrush, Antrim Coast
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.

Day 7

Dublin, Disembarkation
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.

Day 1

All Aboard in Dublin!
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 Antrim.



Day 2

Portrush, Antrim Coast
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. In the afternoon, we will visit nearby Rathlin Island, home to some of Ireland’s largest seabird colonies.


Day 3

Tobermory, Isle of Mull
Easily one of Britain’s most picturesque towns, Tobermory is the ‘capital’ of the Isle of Mull and positively oozes Scottishness, from the Tobermory Distillery on the harbourfront to the golden eagles which frequent the crags above town. Colourful buildings line the harbour, a mix of cosy cafes, welcoming pubs and boutique galleries selling gorgeous local artworks. Situated between the Sound of Mull and the island’s rugged interior, Tobermory is the ideal jumping-off point to explore this island gem.

Day 4

St Kilda
Britain’s remotest archipelago, St Kilda is Britain’s only dual UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed for both its human and natural wonders. We drop anchor in the bay overlooking the Village – a unique settlement often compared to Macchu Picchu, entirely built from stone by the islanders who once called this island home. Windswept, rugged and difficult to farm, the locals of St Kilda left for less difficult lands in 1930, leaving the island to the vast colonies of seabirds and tiny ancient Soay sheep which were once the islanders’ main source of food.


Day 5

Kirkwall, Orkney
The capital and largest town of the Orkney Islands, Kirkwall’s narrow streets beckon visitors to explore the town’s deep Scottish and Norse heritage. Highlights include the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral and the Highland Park distillery – Scotland’s northernmost whisky producer. However the islands’ history stretches back much further to the Neolithic. Sites such as Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar are among the best preserved on Earth, bearing witness to 5,000 years of history; these are inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Neolithic Heart of Orkney.


Day 6

Invergordon
Sitting in the calm Firth of Cromarty, Invergordon is a port town serving the North Sea oil industry and the nearby city of Inverness. The are is synonymous with the famous nearby Loch Ness, and of course its legendary monster. Make sure to bring your binoculars for a day of exploring these mythical lands!


Day 7

Aberdeen, Scotland – Disembarkation
On the final day of our expedition, Ocean Victory arrives in the heart of the Granite City. After a fond farewell to the Officers and Crew, step onto the granite stones of Scotland’s most important port city, the ideal place to head back home with treasured Scottish memories, or as a jumping off point to explore the wonders of the Scottish Highlands.