Ireland and Scotland: Saints, Saviours and Secrets

14 Days

Overview

Discover the saints, saviours, and everyday heroes who shaped Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland, from resilient village communities to influential city visionaries. Walk the streets once trod by Oscar Wilde, James Joyce and George Bernard Shaw exploring Dublin’s vibrant cultural scene. Journey on a pilgrimage from St Patrick’s grave and the nuns of Kylemore Abbey, to the rock of Cashel and Robert the Bruce. Uncover secrets of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, visit Edinburgh Castle, and delve into the city’s ghostly underground tunnels. Be inspired by political prisoners and freedom fighters, from Dublin’s Kilmainham Gaol to Scotland’s William Wallace Monument.

Welcome to Dublin. On arrival at Dublin airport make your way to the Arrivals Hall to meet your representative, followed by a transfer to the group hotel. This evening offers time to relax in preparation for your ‘day out in Dublin’ tomorrow. The group hotel has a popular restaurant and is close to plenty of corner pubs and cosy restaurants should you wish to ‘share a jar’ or try some local cuisine.

Dublin, the vibrant capital of Ireland, is a city brimming with energy and resilience. Once under British rule, Dublin has emerged with a distinct sense of identity, leading Ireland as a proud member of the European Union and reflecting its evolving role in modern Europe. The city has been home to some of the world’s most influential literary figures, including Oscar Wilde, James Joyce, W.B. Yeats, and George Bernard Shaw. Iconic landmarks such as Trinity College, home to the esteemed Book of Kells, highlight its storied past, while the city also serves as a hub of artistic and cultural expression, with global musicians like U2, whose impact resonates from their Dublin roots, having invigorated its creative scene. Dublin’s vibrant pub culture offers a lively social fabric, where traditional and contemporary influences merge to create a city to explore both day and night.

Choose your favourite of three experience this morning in Dublin before exploring independently in the afternoon and enjoying an authentic Irish dancing experience in the evening.

• Option 1 – Morning experience: Dublin Walking Tour
• Option 2 – Morning experience: The Dead Centre of Dublin
• Option 3 – Morning experience: The Lock Up – Kilmainham Gaol

Today, journey north to Belfast, with a significant stop in County Down to pay homage to Ireland’s most iconic patron, St Patrick. St Patrick was a teenager when he was captured and brought to Ireland as a slave. He is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland and is a central figure in Irish heritage. Your journey includes a brief stop at the site reputed to be St Patrick’s final resting place.

Your day in Belfast is filled with stories of the workers who toiled for 14 hours a day to build the world’s most glamorous ship, the Titanic, the employment it created, and the race to finish her. From the dockyards, your tour skips ahead to the days of ‘The Troubles’ as you are guided through Unionist and Nationalist neighbourhoods. The occasional security gate is a reminder that the island is still contested, but nowadays the city is split into seven virtual quarters, or cultural zones. Take a peek at Belfast’s ‘quarters’ before we board the Douglas Mawson.

Once on board, meet the team and crew and enjoy a Welcome Dinner as you set sail west along Northern Ireland’s rugged coastline.

Overnight sailing takes you to Northern Ireland, and the fascinating city of Londonderry~Derry. Simply known as Derry to the Nationalist (Catholic) population but still referred to as Londonderry by the Unionist (Protestant) population, this ‘border’ town has seen it all. The sectarian ‘Troubles’ of this predominantly Nationalist city may have blemished its reputation, but in recent years these tensions have eased, and although some suburbs retain their sense of division, strolling the streets is safe and the general population are happy to share stories of their stormy past and ambitious future.

Choose your favourite of the two following experiences.

• Option 1 – Half-day experience: Londonderry~Derry – Past, Present, Future
• Option 2 – Full-day experience: Dunluce Castle, Giant’s Causeway

The fishing village of Killybegs is the gateway to the rugged beauty of Slieve League Cliffs and the dramatic backdrop of Ireland’s own Table Mountain, Ben Bulben. Jutting out of Sligo’s northern edge, the peninsula of Mullaghmore pokes into the North Atlantic. Land and sea meet in confluence along the coast of County Sligo, a landscape of jagged mountain peaks that inspired the work of Nobel-winning poet William Butler Yeats.

Start the morning in Killybegs, where you can either explore the dramatic cliffs and enjoy the scenic cliffside walk or delve into sustainable whiskey production at the family-owned Adara Distillery. After returning to the ship for lunch, set sail south along the rugged coastline, heading towards the picturesque natural bay of Galway.

Choose your favourite of the two following experiences.

• Option 1 – Afternoon experience: Slieve League Cliffs
• Option 2 – Afternoon experience: Adara and the Adara Whiskey Distillery

Arriving at Galway, anchor in its natural bay and tender ashore. The Irish come here to walk Galway’s mile-long promenade and as tradition dictates, kick the walls end for good luck, enjoy fish and chips straight from the newspaper and, of course, ‘go on the gargle’ in its cosy pubs.

Join one of the morning, or full day experiences, to hear stories varying from poverty to excess, fame and fortune to famine and despair, before setting sail for a sunset over the Cliffs of Moher.

Choose your favourite of the three following experiences.

• Option 1 – Full Day Experience: The Burren Badlands and their Birds of Prey
• Option 2 – Full-day experience: Galway and the Poor Souls of ‘The Workhouse’
• Option 3 – Full-day experience: Kylemore Abbey

Traditionally a fishing port, Dingle Harbour is where you anchor and tender into town. Known for its rugged scenery, dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches, the surrounding promontory is the coastal heart of County Kerry, while Dingle itself has a bohemian flair and is famous for its hardware pubs where you can enjoy a brew and buy wares. Enjoy lunch onboard before tendering ashore to experience a slice of Ireland’s rural lifestyle, while viewing the wild side of the country and the Irish who call County Kerry home.

Choose your favourite of the three following experiences.

• Option 1 – Morning experience: The Saintly Sites of the Dingle Peninsula
• Option 2 – Morning experience: Life on the Land – Past and Present
• Option 3 – Full-day experience: Dingle Peninsula and Tralee

Arrive at Bantry Bay and tender to shore. The harbourside town of Bantry is the gateway to the touring route known as the Wild Atlantic Way. It is easy to see why Ireland’s colour of choice for everything is green, as you drive the famed Ring of Kerry, tread the trails of Whiddy Island or explore Bantry, surrounded by the lush grass-covered hills and dales of the Emerald Isle. For those choosing a morning excursion, Bantry itself is small enough for a comfortable stroll in the afternoon, with shops, cafes and, of course, plenty of pubs.

Choose your favourite of the three following experiences.

• Option 1 – Morning experience: Meet the Mayor of Whiddy Island
• Option 2 – Morning experience: The Beara Peninsula
• Option 3 – Full-day experience: Ring of Kerry

Shore excursions offer you the opportunity to ‘get the gift of the gab’ or follow those Irish who left their homeland for foreign shores. On return to the Douglas Mawson, enjoy lunch, while this afternoon you are in for a true Irish treat, when you discover the heart and soul of Irish whiskey with a private onboard tasting.

Choose your favourite of the three following experiences.

• Option 1 – Morning experience: The Queenstown story
• Option 2 – Morning experience: Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone
• Option 3 – Morning experience: The Colourful Coastal Enclave of Kinsale

Known as the city where culture meets the ‘craic’ (Irish for a good time), Waterford is a modern city with a layered history. Invaded by the Norsemen in 914 CE, Waterford became a Viking settlement, which is reflected in its people even today. A town for those who enjoy a good stroll, Waterford is easy on the eye, offers plenty to see and as its reputation suggests, is full of fun.

Choose your favourite of the three following experiences.

• Option 1 – Morning experience: Rock of Cashel
• Option 2 – Morning experience: Kilkenny Castle
• Option 3 – Morning experience: Guided visit to the House of Waterford

Sail into Douglas Harbour having enjoyed lunch on the ship, ready to explore the unique island of the Isle of Man. Its name, ‘Man’, is believed to be derived from ‘Manannán mac Lir’, a figure from Celtic mythology who was the god of the sea and the island’s legendary first ruler. In the 21st century, the island’s captivating blend of rugged coastline, medieval castles, and rolling hills is a self-governing British Crown dependency, offering an insight into island life under British rule. With its own parliament, Tynwald, claimed to be the oldest continuous parliamentary body in the world, the Isle of Man has a rich history, having been passed from the Celts to the Romans, to the Vikings, and finally to the British ‘Lords of Mann’. The Isle of Man is particularly famous for the annual TT (Tourist Trophy) motorcycle races. This exhilarating event attracts enthusiasts from around the globe and transforms the island into a hub of high-speed excitement. Although only 570 square kilometres in size, and with a population of 85,000, the Isle of Man’s eclectic history makes it a fascinating destination.

Choose your favourite of the two following experiences.

• Option 1 – Afternoon experience: Highlights of the Isle of Man
• Option 2 – Afternoon experience: More Than a Bike Race – the Isle of Man TT story

After breakfast, disembark the Douglas Mawson in Glasgow’s seaside suburb of Troon and start your journey from coast to coast, ending your drive in Edinburgh.

Head east to the William Wallace National Monument. Possibly the second most famous man to be ‘hung, drawn, and quartered’ after Guy Fawkes, Sir William Wallace was a knight who led the Scottish rebellion against Edward I of England.

Continuing on the ‘saviour theme’, visit Dunfermline Abbey, the final resting place of Robert the Bruce. This revered site honours the king who secured Scotland’s independence from England. Known for his pivotal role in the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, Bruce’s leadership restored Scottish sovereignty and re-established its monarchy. After his death, ‘the Bruce’ was buried here, with his grave symbolising his enduring legacy and the profound respect he still commands throughout Scotland.

Your evening is free to enjoy Edinburgh. This vibrant city boasts more pubs, restaurants and whisky-tasting venues than anywhere else in the United Kingdom, guaranteeing an eventful night out.

Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, is more than just a city of castles and royal connections; it is a place where the stories of saints and heroes who saved Scotland echo through its ancient streets. Perched dramatically on volcanic hills and dominated by the iconic Edinburgh Castle, the city has been a strategic stronghold for centuries. Renowned for its connections to Scottish heroes like Robert the Bruce, Mary Queen of Scots, and St Giles, the city holds secrets including hidden underground tunnels beneath the Royal Mile, and tales of ghostly apparitions that haunt the ancient vaults.

Today, visitors are encouraged to explore Edinburgh’s royal residences, museums and galleries to uncover these stories and witness firsthand the secrets that have shaped its unique identity. Edinburgh stands as a living testament to Scotland’s resilience and spirit, where the legacies of saints and national heroes merge with the city’s enduring royal heritage in a puzzle of history and legend.

Choose your favourite of the three following experiences.

• Option 1 – Morning experience: The Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle
• Option 2 – Morning experience: The Underground World of Edinburgh and Edinburgh Castle
• Option 3 – Morning experience: The Royal Yacht Britannia

After breakfast on Day 14, take your leave, carrying with you the vibrant tales of Ireland’s and Scotland’s saint’s, saviours and uncovered secrets. An airport transfer shared with your fellow explorers is included for your onward flight.