Coastal Gems & Culture of Ireland

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.

Killybegs promises a captivating blend of maritime history, nature, and exploration, and during June, 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.

Situated on the northern shores of Belfast Lough, Carrickfergus Castle is one of the best-preserved medieval strongholds in Ireland, having stood proudly overlooking the town for 800 years. From the decks of your ship, you will be able to see the castle’s commanding stone walls and towers, still home to six of the original 22 cannons that once defended the shoreline, and which have withstood sieges from French, Scottish and English forces over many centuries.

A vibrant city with a rich history and blend of traditional and modern culture, Belfast offers you the chance to not only explore its strong maritime links with the Harland & Wolff shipyard, where the RMS Titanic was built, before she set sail on her ill-fated maiden voyage from Southampton on 10 th April 1912, but also as gateway to the impressive rock formations of the Giant’s Causeway, discovering its links to the mythological giant, Finn McCool. You can stroll through the city’s streets, alive with music and traditional Irish pubs, admire the urban street art, or visit the Titanic Distillery and learn of its whiskey tradition and why it disappeared, before sampling a few Irish spirits at Belfast’s first working distillery in 90 years.

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.

The charming town of Cobh has always maintained a strong maritime connection and is perhaps most notably remembered for being the final port of call on the ill-fated RMS Titanic’s maiden voyage in 1912. As you set foot here, you can experience the sense of excitement the passengers felt on boarding the most luxurious cruise liner of her time, which can be encountered further at the Titanic Experience. You can explore nearby Blarney Castle, where legend has it that those who visit must uphold the tradition of kissing the Blarney Stone, said to bestow the gift of eloquence, or visit the ornately detailed Neo-Gothic St. Coleman’s Cathedral. Alternatively, immerse yourself in local life here and discover the Jameson Distillery in nearby Midleton, learn how Paddy Whiskey is made, and enjoy a warming taste of its nutty and woody notes. The iconic city of Cork is easily accessible from Cobh, with regular trains departing from the nearby station.

A thriving town with a busy fishing port, Stornoway is a delight to explore and offers opportunities for discovering Lews Castle, home to a museum and cultural centre telling the story of the Hebrides, or simply wandering through its garden pathways, hills, and carriage trails. In August, a stroll through the town’s centre offers chances to try freshly caught seafood like lobster, scallops, and salmon, accompanied by locally distilled Scottish whisky, and listen to foot-tapping music from nearby pubs. Meanwhile, there will be opportunities to venture further afield to witness the striking Callanish Standing Stones.