The Emerald Isle:
Cruises to Ireland
Are you inspired by all of the raucous Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations? Cruises to the Emerald Isle are hugely popular but for those interested, what exactly is on offer?
From the historic cities of Cork and Dublin to barge cruises down the River Shannon – the wealth of what’s available is brilliant, but hardly surprising given the interest Ireland has for Brits and Americans alike.
We’ve rounded up some of our favourite itineraries below for those who want carry on the Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations – and finally take that holiday to Ireland.
British Isles, May 2014
Carnival’s king of sophistication, Cunard Line, will be sailing its British Isles cruises this May, and has included two stops in Ireland.
Departing from Southampton and heading east, the Queen Victoria will reach Edinburgh after a relaxing day at sea. From there the ship will call at Inverness, Kirkwall, Glasgow and Liverpool before heading to Dublin and Cork.
In Cork guests will be able to enjoy a drive around the city before heading out to the Jameson Experience – and given an opportunity to taste the famous whiskey in its natural habitat. Perfect.
Price for 13-night itinerary £1,499 per person
European Waterways – Shannon Princess
Classic Ireland Cruise
European Waterways has a seven-day itinerary taking guests from Glasson to Killaloe – along the River Shannon.
This is a great opportunity to see the Irish countryside, while taking a holiday at a relaxing pace.
The barge holds just 10 passengers making it perfect for private charters, and will call at Athlone, Shannonbridge, Terryglass, and Mountshannon.
Along the way guests will visit the oldest whiskey distillery in the world at Kilbeggan, ancient castles and the town of Tipperary – made famous by the British music halls.
Prices for seven-night itinerary from £2,750 per person
British Isles Passage, April 2014
Princess Cruises is offering an unbelievable deal with this repositioning cruise onboard the Emerald Princess.
The ship, which leaves Fort Lauderdale in April will sail across the Atlantic with calls at the Azores and Portugal, before reaching Ireland. All for an unbelievable price.
Princess will call at both Cobh and Dublin – the former for the historic Blarney Castle where passengers can kiss the famous Blarney Stone and be awarded with the gift of the gab according to legend.
Price for 15-day itinerary from £549
Highlands, Islands and Ireland, June 2014
Small ship specialist Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is offering a roundtrip from Dover that will call at Killybegs where guests can experience the tiny fishing town and enjoy the beauty of southwest Donegal.
The cruise is a great opportunity to see another side of Ireland – away from the major ports of Cobh and Dublin and spend a little bit of time on the North Atlantic coast.
A great experience.
Price for eight-night cruise £1,079 per person
Copenhagen to Southampton, August 2014
Ultra luxury cruise line Azamara Club Cruises is giving its guests the opportunity to sail from the Danish capital on to the British Isles and Ireland’s vibrant capital city: Dublin.
The line’s Azamara Journey won’t be leaving Ireland till midnight, giving ample opportunity to discover the city that has spawned literature greats like Oscar Wilde, James Joyce and William Butler Yeats.
From here visit the meandering streets, walk along the Liffey and grab a Guinness in an 800-year-old pub.
Price for 12-night itinerary is £5,518 for two people