Circumnavigate “The Emerald Isle” in this comprehensive yet delightfully unexpected voyage along the Irish coast. Hike and Zodiac the Great Saltee Island and the spectacular Skellig Isles for incredible encounters with wildlife and amazing views of the Atlantic; discover an abandoned Celtic Christian village in Inishmurray and explore the rugged cliffs of Slieve League; visit Glenveagh National Park with a naturalist; kayak on Lough Swilly and around Rathlin Island; investigate the gorgeous and fabled geological formation of Giant’s Causeway; delight in the charms of Dingle where you can visit a local whiskey distillery; and enjoy a guided tour of the Dun Aenghus Fortress and a goat cheese farm among many other attractions.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Dublin, Ireland and embark National Geographic Orion. After lunch on deck, explore the Kilmainham Gaol (jail) for great insight into the course of Irish history during the centennial year of the Easter Rising. Sail south from Dublin as you begin your journey.
Set out for tiny Ballycotton in County Cork this morning for a walk around a working farm. Continue to Kinsale, a picturesque fishing town with a fascinating history: the Battle of Kinsale in 1601 marked the collapse of Gaelic power in Ireland. Take a guided walk with local scholars before free time to wander the quaint streets, galleries, and shops on your own. Tonight you are joined by National Geographic grantee Michelle Cronin, who has studied puffins and gannets in the Skelligs and ‘wrestled’ seals in the Blasket Islands.
Explore the dramatic Skellig Islands, where monastic ruins dating as far back as the sixth century perch high atop a rocky peak jutting out from the sea. Circle Skellig Michael in Zodiacs if weather permits, or, if you wish, hike to the top to view the beehive shaped stone huts. Spend the rest of the day in delightful Dingle: enjoy a walking tour, explore the archaeology and intriguing history of the area, visit a local distillery, or explore on your own. Shackleton aficionados should visit Tom Crean’s Pub; Crean accompanied “The Boss” on the Endurance in Antarctica.
Dingle is the largest Irish-speaking community in the southwest, and you have a chance to meet them: drop in on artists and craftspeople in their homes, or breathe in the salt air and beachcomb with a seaweed forager!
Wake up in the Aran Islands, a hub of Gaelic language and culture. On the main island of Inishmore, see the mystical ring fort of Dun Aengus, poised on steep cliffs above the crashing Atlantic, and pop in to the 18th-century stone Kilmurvey House for scones. Enjoy lunch while sailing to the Cliffs of Moher. If conditions permit, get a spectacular and rare perspective of the cliffs, gliding beneath them in a Zodiac.
The tranquil and starkly beautiful region of Connemara is a great place to wander—the ultimate fulfillment of travelers’ romantic dreams of Ireland. Hiking with your naturalists (gentle walks or energetic hikes) or cycling on the quiet back roads—many of which were built to provide employment during the Famine—is probably the best way to get to know the area. Perhaps launch a kayak or even try your hand at fly fishing. Gather for an authentic Irish dinner and a performance of traditional Irish music ashore.
Dock at the fishing harbor of Killybegs in County Donegal, a wild, windswept peninsula. Enjoy coastal walks and take in the rural life in this traditional Gaelic-speaking area. This afternoon photograph the spectacular Slieve League cliffs, the highest in Europe, or learn more about the historical heritage of the region at nearby Stone Age and early Christian sites. Or, hit the streets of the lively town of Donegal for some independent exploration.
Cycling is a great way to absorb the landscape. An optional cycling tour of the Glencolmcille region, riding over a high boggy plateau, through remote glens and along Atlantic bays to the colorful village of Ardara, with stops at the homes of traditional hand-knitters, and tweed weavers is available this afternoon.
Enter Northern Ireland today. Discover the wonders of County Antrim: visit a clifftop Gaelic castle, see the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge stretching between high seaside bluffs, call at Bushmills, the oldest distillery in the world, and explore the incredible hexagonal basalt columns at Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO site. Meander among the columns as a guide explains the myths and scientific theories behind this intriguing geology. This afternoon, visit Belfast and explore the Titanic Museum, and cap off the evening with a civic reception in this Northern Ireland capital.
Day 8: Dublin, Ireland | Disembark
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, disembark in Dublin and transfer to the airport for flights home.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$7,990
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Category 1
Cat 1 #316, 318-321. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 1 Single
Cat 1S #301, 322, 323. These solo cabins feature a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, except for #301 which has a double bed, writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a roomy shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 2
Cat 2 #302-312, 314, 315, 317. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized, and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 3
Cat 3 Suite with Window #401-412, 414-419. These suites feature a sitting area with a large window, a sofa–except slightly smaller #401 & #402–an armchair or two, writing/laptop desk, reading lamps, flat screen TV, & climate controls. Beds are configurable (call for details). Marble bathrooms include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 3 Single
Cat 3S Suite with Window #512. This solo suite features two beds and two large windows, plus two armchairs and small table, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls. The marble bathroom is generously sized and includes a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 4
Cat 4 Deluxe Suite with Window #511, 515. These two suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, with a chair and armchair and a two-cushion sofa facing an expansive window. Beds are configurable (call for details). Ample storage, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities.
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Category 5
Cat 5 Suite with French Balcony #501, 503-506, 508. These spacious suites feature open living areas and sliding glass doors opening to a shared French balcony. Beds are configurable (call for details.) A sitting area with arm chairs and a sofa, a writing/laptop desk, well-placed reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the decor.
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Category 6
Cat 6 Owner’s Suite with French Balcony #502, 507, 509*, 510. These large, elegant suites feature a French balcony, with the exception of #509 which has double windows. Each provides a separate living area with a sofa and two arm chairs, except for #502, which uniquely offers a 'soaking tub with a view' in addition to a shower stall and expansive vanity.
Notes
Single supplement varies by itinerary. A solo traveler matching program may be available but is subject to availability.
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
7 hours ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.