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10 Night Emerald Isle Expedition Irelands Rugged Coastlines and Celtic Traditions Cruise from Dublin

Ship: National Geographic Explorer

Cruise Line: Lindblad Expeditions

Sailed: Tuesday, May 28, 2024 from Dublin, Ireland

Ended: Friday, Jun 7, 2024

The itinerary information below reflects the original day-by-day port of call schedule for the Tuesday, May 28, 2024 departure of the National Geographic Explorer. If Lindblad Expeditions modified this itinerary for weather or operational reasons after departing , the modified schedule would not be reflected here.

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Itinerary

Day by Day Summary and Map

Day 1 - Tuesday - May 28, 2024

Dublin, Ireland

Arrive in Dublin and transfer from the airport into the city. A living museum, traces of Dublin's past are on display at every turn. Experience the architecture and vibrancy of this fabled city during an afternoon excursion before embarking the ship in the late afternoon. Settle into life on board as we set sail for the Isle of Man.

Day 2 - Wednesday - May 29, 2024

Isle of Man, United Kingdom

We start our expedition on the Gem of the Irish Sea, the Isle of Man. The entire island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, an acknowledgement of its special environment, culture, heritage, and economy. With a history rooted deep in Celtic tradition and pride, this small island offers us the chance to connect to its heritage, its stunning landscapes, and its people through a vibrant culinary scene and its residents' active coastal stewardship.

Day 3 - Thursday - May 30, 2024

Belfast, United Kingdom

Venture into the heart of Ulster today, one of the four traditional Irish provinces. Inhabited since the Bronze Age, Belfast was named the capital of Northern Ireland in 1921 after the island was partitioned. Visit the Ulster Museum and Botanical Gardens to delve into the history of Ireland, the Troubles, and the natural history of the Emerald Isle. Alternatively, visit the Titanic Belfast for an immersive experience on the site where the storied ocean liner was built and launched.

Day 4 - Friday - May 31, 2024

Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, United Kingdom

Giant's Causeway, United Kingdom

Spend the morning hiking the wild shores of Rathlin Island, home to Northern Ireland's largest puffin colony, as well as thousands of seabirds including guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, and fulmars. Visit the Rathlin West Light, the "upside-down lighthouse" in use since 1917. Travel back to the shores of Northern Ireland this afternoon, where we make our way to the striking landscape of Giant's Causeway. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, taking advantage of the hiking trails across the otherworldly basalt columns. On board the ship this evening, enjoy an Irish whiskey tasting and learn about the history behind one of the earliest distilled drinks in Europe, arising around the 12th century.

Day 5 - Saturday - Jun 1, 2024

Londonderry, Ireland

Today's exploration of Londonderry or Derry (depending upon one's unionist or nationalist sympathies) is rooted in understanding the history of this ancient city on the banks of the River Foyle. Established in the 1600s, its city walls are still standing, including seven gates. Learn about its troubled past or discover its rich collection of street art, which helps the city remember and move forward.

Day 6 - Sunday - Jun 2, 2024

Tory Island, Ireland

Tory Island, or "Rock of the King", is our first port of call in County Donegal, known for its Gaelic dialect and the seabird nesting colonies that dot its coastline. The corncrake, Ireland's only globally threatened bird species, was once widespread throughout the countryside, and has been brought back from the brink of extinction by a huge conservation effort by researchers, farmers, and landowners. With pagan roots dating back 4,500 years, Tory Island offers a look at a vibrant and challenging life off the beaten path. As we continue our exploration of the Donegal coast, choose between a vigorous hike to the headlands of Glencolmcille or the famous woolen mills of Killybegs and Donegal.

Day 7 - Monday - Jun 3, 2024

Captain's Choice, United States

Day 8 - Tuesday - Jun 4, 2024

Captain's Choice, United States

Spend the day exploring the rich biodiversity of this sparsely populated county in the traditional province of Connacht, and experience the thriving cultural heritage of its people. This morning as we trace the shores of County Galway, we will be on the lookout for the resident population of Connemara bottlenose dolphins as we learn about the conservation efforts in place to protect them. Later, head ashore to soak up the rural, inviting atmosphere of a local pub or woolen mill in this province founded in the 800s, which today is home to the country's largest population of Irish speakers.

Day 9 - Wednesday - Jun 5, 2024

Blasket Islands, Ireland

Landing in County Kerry offers us the chance to explore a region of stunning landscapes, surrounded by "Cooperation, Help, and Friendship", as the county motto proclaims. Enjoy a cruise through the uninhabited Blasket Islands with our team of naturalists and the possibility of observing a wide array of birds including storm petrels, shearwaters, terns, gulls, and auks. On the mainland, soak in the beauty of the majestic mountain pass of Gap of Dunloe, explore the 19th-century estate of Muckross House, or step into one of the historical stone forts that dot the landscape.

Day 10 - Thursday - Jun 6, 2024

Cork (Cobh), Ireland

Arrive in the colorful port town of Cobh, one of the world's largest natural harbors, which is intimately tied to maritime history and the great Irish emigration. Visit the Cobh Heritage Centre and learn about the momentous events that took place here, including the 1912 departure of the Titanic, the rescue of passengers from the torpedoed Lusitania, and the emigration of millions of Irish who departed these shores in search of a better life. Enjoy an afternoon of Irish traditions, from music to sport, with locals.

Day 11 - Friday - Jun 7, 2024

Dublin, Ireland

Disembark in Dublin after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight home.