Touring Scenic Ireland

Situated at the entrance of Cork Harbour, Spike Island is one of the most important sites in Irish history. Originally a Monastic settlement in the 7th century, the island became – thanks to its ideal strategic location – and important site for defence and imprisonment, and is now often referred to as ‘Ireland’s Alcatraz’.

It’s dominated by the 18th century Fort Mitchel, which at the time of opening was the largest prison in the world, with capacity for over 2300 prisoners. While you won’t get to head ashore on your scenic cruise by the island – which now is also a protected haven for various species of flora and fauna – to explore the fort itself, you’re sure to think back to the times when the prisoners were taken to face their punishment across the very same waters you’re sailing.

The charming seaside town of Cobh, situated in Cork harbour, has served as a route in and out of Ireland for centuries. Formerly known as Queenstown before locals reverted back to the old Irish name in 1922, Cobh was the embarkation point for 2.5 million people who emigrated to America from the 'Emerald Isle' between 1848 and 1950, and was famously the Titanic's final port of call on her ill-fated maiden voyage in 1912. 

Today, the town sat in world's second largest natural harbour, is known more for its brightly coloured houses and imposing, Gothic revival-style St. Colman's Cathedral, which overlooks the harbour from a dramatically steep hill. At the centre, a number of attractions point to Cobh's fascinating past. The Cobh Heritage Centre examines the gruelling potato famine period, the town’s museum explores Cobh's maritime heritage and the impact of RMS Lusitania's sinking nearby, and the Titanic Experience, where a virtual version of ship's infamous voyage can be experienced.

Slicing into the picturesque landscape of Ireland’s southwest coast, Bantry Bay separated the Beara and Sheep’s Head peninsulas, and is surrounded by some of the most impressive mountain scenery discovered along the famous Wild Atlantic Way. Sailing into Bantry Bay presents an opportunity to see the mountains, rolling valleys and pebbled shores up close, and immerse yourself in the unspoilt peace and beauty of the region. Look out for the charming town of Bantry too, as well as tiny Whiddy Island, with its fascinating historic sites including the ruins of a centuries-old castle.

If you’ve seen recent Star Wars films, you’re likely to have seen the Skelligs, as they were used as the filming location for some of the most important and iconic scenes in Star Wars: A Force Awakens and Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

But while the scenery of the Skelligs makes for an impressive visual on the big screen, that’s nothing compared to the impression they make when you see them in real life, witnessing the wonder of these magnificent rock formations situated off of Ireland’s southwest coast.

Your smaller-sized Fred. Olsen ship takes you slowly by the Skelligs, so you can marvel at the jagged cliffs and rock faces, and the huts, oratories and crosses of the beautifully preserved, UNESCO-listed Christian monastery on Skellig Michael, the largest of the two islands, which is also home to vast colonies of puffins and other sea birds.

Many Irish cities and towns are famed for their churches and religious sites, but there is one ‘cathedral’ along Ireland’s spectacular Wild Atlantic Way that a lot of people may have never even heard of, let alone seen, called Inishnabro.

Ok, so Inishnabro isn’t actually a cathedral as such. In fact, its an incredible rock formation that Mother Nature has crafted to rival the grandeur of even the most magnificent gothic-style architectural wonders. Its towering sea stacks, which resemble church spires reaching out of the Atlantic Ocean to the skies above, make for an incredible sight, and cruising by on a smaller-sized Fred. Olsen ship is a chance to see them in all their glory.

At the westernmost point of Ireland’s Blasket archipelago lies the imposing island of Tiaracht, a craggy, uninhabited rock formation steeped in mystery. Tearaght is very rarely visited – the only people who land here by helicopter are engineers tasked with keeping the lighthouse operating – and in fact, the island is seldom seen by anyone either.

Therefore, a scenic cruise past this saddle-shaped wonder is a unique opportunity to see it in all its dramatic glory. And, while Tearaght is uninhabitable for humans, it provides the perfect habitat for various seabird species, which nest, live and colonise here; be on the look-out for puffins, storm petrals and much more through your binoculars or camera lens as you sail by.

Ireland’s only ‘true’ fjord, slicing inland from the picturesque Atlantic west coast, and framed by magnificent mountains and rolling valleys, Killary Harbour boasts some of the most spectacular scenery the ‘Emerald Isle’ has to offer.

Soaring peaks such as Mweelrea to the north, and the Twelve Bens and Maumturk to the south, provide majestic views in every direction and shelter the fjord, ensuring the still, glassy waters are perfect for serene scenic cruising. The harbour’s unspoilt landscape is a haven for various bird species too; you may spot ringed plover, whooper swan, barnacle geese and much more.

Rich in medieval heritage, yet oozing with contemporary style, Galway – Ireland’s fifth largest city – is one of the Emerald Isle’s most engaging destinations.

The city’s vibrant centre is hub of culture, visitors and locals – many of which continue to speak age-old Irish dialects – alike flock here to be part of various festivals and events that take place throughout the year; visit the interesting museums and galleries, such as Galway City Museum; and sample the famous ‘craic’ at traditional Irish pubs. Intertwined with the delights of modern Galway are remnants of medieval walls and centuries-old structures such as the Spanish Arch and St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church – the oldest medieval church still in use in Ireland – offering an insight into the city’s fascinating past.

Situated on the breathtaking Wild Atlantic Way, Galway is also a gateway to Western Ireland’s spectacular coastal scenes. Within easy reach of the city is the picturesque seaside suburb of Salthill, well-worth visiting to stroll the long promenade and admire views of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands, and sample locally-caught seafood, such as the area’s famous oysters, at your pick of the fantastic restaurants. Further afield, it’s possible to uncover the treasures of County Galway on day trips; the beautiful Connemara National Park and charming villages such as Spiddal and Roundstone are among the highlights.

The heart of Wild Atlantic Way, the Cliffs of Moher are a magnificent, five-mile-long stretch of dramatic, grass-topped sheers cliff faces and craggy rock formations and one of Ireland’s most iconic natural wonders. An UNESCO Global Geopark, the cliffs are renowned for their unspoilt beauty and for providing the perfect habitat for a wealth of wildlife including various bird species such as puffins, razorbills and even elusive peregrine falcons.

Where the cliffs fall into the Atlantic Ocean below, basking sharks and pods of friendly dolphins are often spotted swimming along the coast on calm days too.

The welcoming, picturesque Irish town of Killybegs is a great place to pass the hours watching fishing boats and net menders, or catching a glimpse of the seals in the harbour. Home to Ireland’s premier fishing port, Killybegs is a town with a deep maritime history and a fine harbour.

Located within the rolling hills of the Wild Atlantic Way – a 2,500km tourist trail that stretches from County Donegal to County Cork – Killybegs offers links to some of Ireland’s most popular attractions including Malin Head; The Shannon Estuary, which is home to bottlenose dolphins; and Claire Island Lighthouse. In town, Killybegs’ International Carpet Making & Fishing Centre and the Maritime and Heritage Centre are both worth visiting to get an understanding of the history of this small, yet important, Irish town.

On the outskirts, two areas of superb natural beauty – the unspoilt grasslands of Saint John's Point and the blue flag Fintra Beach – provide fantastic views of Donegal Bay and Benbulben Mountain.

As you sail along the coast of Ireland’s famous Wild Atlantic Way, beautiful Arranmore Island – situated off the rugged coast of County Donegal – comes into view and is a sight to behold.

Wild and somewhat untamed, with only small, charming towns and villages hinting at any sign of human inhabitation here, Arranmore boasts gorgeous countryside landscapes and mile-upon-mile of golden sand beaches and towering cliffs along its coastline, creating postcard-perfect scenes and an ideal habitat for marine and bird life.

Delight in the natural beauty and charm of the island as you glide past the island, and watch the cliff tops to hopefully spot fulmars, shags and much more, all from the comfort of your smaller-sized ship.

A scenic cruise by Tory Island is a scenic cruise past Ireland’s most northerly inhabited land, a picturesque gem situated nine miles off Wild Atlantic Way on the northwest coast of County Donegal. As you sail by, you’ll not only be enamoured by the beauty of Tory Island, with its rugged sheer cliffs and vast grasslands, but also get a feel for just how remote the island is, and how detached the inhabitants are from mainland Ireland as they go about their day-to-day lives.

Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way is renowned for the beauty of its rugged coast, spectacular cliffs and natural wonders, so to say Lough Swilly is one of the region’s greatest scenic attractions gives you some idea of just how special this 45 kilometre-long waterway really is.

Slicing 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 rolling valleys, craggy coastline, imposing cliffs and secluded pools, beaches and bays. A sight that will captivate, inspire and create lasting memories as your smaller ship takes you closer to it all.