Ireland cruise ports including Belfast, Dublin, Donegal, Galway, and the Aran Islands make a cruise through the Emerald Isle an experience that takes you deep into the culture of the country and far away from the ordinary.
Belfast
Belfast has found a new niche with travelers beyond the traditional pubs and Celtic music. A new crop of restaurants is spreading across the city as well as cutting edge art galleries and trendy neighborhoods. For a blend of the old and the new, head to East Belfast for historic plazas, sprawling parks, and trending eateries.
Dublin
The streets of Dublin have seen writers like James Joyce in the past but today, host an international flavor of nationalities from around the world. The National Gallery of Ireland, the Christ Church Cathedral, and the Dublin Castle are a few of the standout attractions that draw people to the city each year.
Skellig Michael
Skellig Michael is part of Ireland’s Skellig Islands, a rugged group of outcrops where ancient monasteries, puffins, and
Star Wars film locations bring hundreds of people a day to explore.
Aran Islands
The Aran Islands are three islands off the coast of Counties Galway and Clare. They are rich in Celtic history where locals still speak Irish Gaelic, ruins of churches dot the landscape, and tourism doesn’t overshadow the rich culture. The main island of Inishmore and the town of Kilronan have a stone fort set on clifftops overlooking the sea, harborside cafes, and bikes for hire to discover the interior of the island.
Connemara
The wilderness of Connemara is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Winding roads that go into scenic pastures that are perfect for biking, a coastline with hidden coves are great for kayaking, and mountains rising in the distance make Connemara a place to relax, away from the hustle of everyday life.
Donegal
Donegal is a lavish, wild area of Ireland where biking in the unhampered countryside and hiking to the beautiful Slieve League Cliffs takes you into the postcard-perfect scenery of Ireland. For a more relaxed day, explore the town of Donegal where shops and restaurants line the streets amid the Donegal Castle and ancient Friary Ruins.
Galway
Galway’s reputation as a cultural hotspot is known throughout Europe. Historic buildings hold hip restaurants and cafes while the Galaway Market in Church Lane has been the best place to shop in the city for centuries. Strolling along the Salthill Promenade along the bay is a fun way to see the coast- or you could rent a bike and enjoy a scenic ride by the lighthouse and seaside beaches.
Waterford
Ireland’s oldest city and the site where the famous Waterford Crystal is made, exploring Waterford is a stroll through history while discovering the present-day culture of the country. Touring the Waterford Crystal museum is only the beginning, as there is also Viking’s Triangle. Viking’s Triangle is home to Lismore Castle, the Bishop's Palace, and museums that delve into the history of the town, which dates back to the Vikings.
To find out more about Ireland cruises and the different places you can see and things that you can do, contact one of
Adventure Life’s travel experts.
