Scenic Landscapes of Ireland

Fingal’s Cave is an iconic structure comprised of basalt rock, renowned for its distinctive symmetrical columns that soar out of the ocean. Famed for its naturally arched roof that creates eerie sounds from the echoes of the waves as they tumble against its walls, it was said to be Mendelssohn’s inspiration for the ‘Hebrides Overture’. According to legend, the giant Finn McCool built Fingal’s Cave as a place of refuge from his archenemy, Benandonner, and the road connects to the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland, both formed from the same ancient lava flow. In July, the cave is a popular place for wild swimming in its clear waters, so you may spot bathers from the decks of your ship snorkelling amongst the hexagonal columns. 

Bac Mòr, also known as Dutchman’s Cap due to its unique mushroom-like shape, is one of the most iconic of the Scottish Treshnish Isles. Sailing alongside this geological spectacle offers a unique perspective from the sea, as the striking appearance of this uninhabited island appears before your ship, creating a rugged silhouette against the skyline. During July and the summer months, you’ll be able to witness rich grasslands and an abundance of wildflowers on the island; as well as nesting puffins, guillemots, fulmars, and razorbills, as it has been designated as a Special Area of Conservation.

Pronounced Dunleary, Dún Laoghaire is located close to Dublin, with spectacular coastal walks and historical landmarks begging for exploration. A popular Victorian seaside town, you could take a stroll along the mile-long East Pier Walk, past the cast iron bandstand and admire the views across Dublin Bay, or explore People’s Park with its multitude of landscaped lawns and sweet-smelling flowers. Alternatively, you can discover the renowned James Joyce Tower and Museum, home to many of his letters, photographs, and rare first edition books, or enjoy a bracing dip in the Forty Foot, a traditional Irish bathing place at nearby Sandycove Beach.

Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way is renowned for the beauty of its rugged coast, spectacular cliffs and natural wonders. The 45 kilometre-long Lough Swilly slices between the peninsulas of Inishowen and Fanad in County Donegal, Lough Swilly is Ireland at its quintessential best, a wonderland of shimmering blue waters flanked by diverse countryside scenes of lush-green valleys, craggy coastlines, imposing cliffs and secluded pools, beaches and bays.

Tory Island is Ireland’s most northerly inhabited land, situated nine miles off Wild Atlantic Way on the northwest coast of County Donegal. The island has rugged sheer cliffs and vast grasslands, and the inhabitants here are keen to keep it as culturally and historically preserved as possible. The ‘King of Tory’ tradition dates back to the 6^th century, with the most recent king passing away in 2018, and at the time of his death, was the last remaining kingship in Ireland.

As your smaller ship sails along the rugged coast of County Donegal and the renowned Wild Atlantic Way, the hidden gem of Arranmore offers views of unspoiled landscapes, sandy beaches, dramatic sea caves, and craggy cliffs, making it the perfect setting for many species of bird life, including fulmars, shags, and seals, while the clear waters are home to dolphins, seals, and basking sharks. From your ships’ decks, it will be possible to see the Lighthouse, which served as a lookout post in the Second World War, and the Old Lighthouse steps, carved into the rock.

Killybegs promises a captivating blend of maritime history, nature, and exploration, and during July, you could enjoy a boat trip from the local harbour to discover the region’s rugged coastline or try your hand at sea fishing. The area surrounding Killybegs is renowned for its numerous hiking trails offering scenic views of Lough Eske, the Blue Stack Mountains, or the Slieve League cliffs, which are among the highest sea cliffs in Europe. On your return, you can experience warm Irish hospitality by sampling freshly caught seafood, including succulent prawns and the famed Donegal oysters, while listening to traditional Irish music in a local pub with a pint of the iconic ‘Black Stuff’, Guinness. Meanwhile, there will also be opportunities to discover the town’s maritime history and importance to the Irish fishing industry at the maritime and Heritage Centre.

Slieve League Cliffs are one of the Wild Atlantic Way's greatest secrets. Located in County Donegal, Ireland, the cliffs are among the highest in Europe and offer remarkable views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding landscape. Considered to be a site of great pilgrimage, the cliffs are home to ancient stone remnants scattered around the hillsides, thought to be from a time before Christianity arrived in Ireland, and also contain the ruins of a chapel from an early Christian monastic site.

Galway in summer makes for a joyous exploration of its cobbled streets, lined with colourful shop fronts and vibrant pubs that will often have live music playing at any time of the week. Referred to as ‘Ireland’s cultural heart’, the city thrives as a centre for culture and the arts with its university and many summer festivals. During your visit, you can immerse yourself in Galway’s history with a knowledgeable guide who will captivate you with stories of the city’s past and present. Close by, the ruggedly vertical Cliffs of Moher offer spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and Galway Bay.

The Cliffs of Moher sit alongside the unique landscape of the Burren on one side and the Wild Atlantic Ocean on the other. Rising out of the Atlantic and running along the coast of Clare for almost 8 miles, the cliffs were formed over 320 million years ago, and today form part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark. 30,000 pairs of seabirds nest at the cliffs during the breeding season, where the site is also home to rare wildflowers.