DETAILS
This new spring itinerary features an eight-night private charter of the Exploris One as she circles Ireland, starting and ending in Dublin. Criterion includes a pre-cruise hotel night to ensure all arrive in time to embark and to allow for Dublin excursions customized to lecturer preferences. Cruising the entire Emerald Isle, this itinerary includes remote and legendary sites of Ireland’s “Wild Atlantic Way,” as well as UNESCO protected ancient sites, lush gardens, sea-swept islands, and charming towns. Travelers enjoy a perfect combination of small scenic harbors, cosmopolitan cities, and spectacular coastal landscapes. In addition, at nearly every port of call, there will be a choice of shore excursions, usually with one excursion following a castle & garden theme and the other featuring an archaeological/historical site. The variety of these excursions are combined with a relaxed pace, a robust lecture program, free time for independent exploration, and options for meals ashore in Belfast, Galway, and Kinsale.
- Pricing from
- $8,990
- Trip Type
- Group Travel Tour, International Ocean & Sea Voyages
- Departure Dates
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May 14, 2026 - May 24, 2026
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John Meffert
John Meffert, consultant on Heritage Conservation Services, has a long tradition with the National Trust. He has served as the Director for our Southern Office and was the director of the Preservation Society of Charleston, the oldest nonprofit organization in the United States, responsible for preserving the historic resources of Charleston, S.C. John has delighted many study tour groups with his lectures and insights on preservation, and receives rave reviews as study leader.
Upon payment of the $1,000 per person deposit, all reservations are subject to the cancellation provisions set forth below and by which the passenger agrees to be bound. Cancellations shall not be in effect until they are received in writing and confirmed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Deposits are refundable (less a $250 per person administration fee) if written notice of cancellation is received within 30 days of reservation; after that, deposits are 100% nonrefundable. After final payment deadline all payments are 100% nonrefundable, regardless of booking date. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. NOTE: Neither the
National Trust Tours nor Criterion Travel, the tour operator, accepts liability for any airline cancellation penalties incurred with the purchase of non-refundable tickets.
TOUR MAP
ITINERARY
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day 1
Depart home cityfor Dublin, Ireland
Depart your home city for an overnight flight.
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day 2
Arrive Dublin
Arrive Dublin and transfer to the hotel; optional walking tour of Georgian Dublin, including Merrion Square, St. Stephen’s Green; welcome orientation and reception at hotel.
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day 3
Dublin
Lecture #1; Morning visits to National Archaeological Museum and Trinity College; lunch at local brewery; optional afternoon visits to ancient tombs of Newgrange and Dublin Castle or gardens at Powerscourt; embark ship late afternoon; Captain’s welcome reception and dinner.
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day 4
Belfast
Lecture #2; Morning city tour of Belfast including the Titanic Museum; afternoon options: 1) Mount Stewart Home and Gardens; or 2) free time in the city; option to dine ashore.
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day 5
Lisahally
Morning visit to either 1) the UNESCO-listed basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway; or 2) the walled city of Derry to learn about its tumultuous past; afternoon at sea with Lecture #3.
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day 6
Killybegs
Full day in County Donegal with optional excursions: 1) Glenveagh National Park and its 19th century castle and woodland gardens or 2) Countryside drive to the Glen Colmcille area for visits to Folk Museum and Salthill Gardens; evening onboard entertainment by Irish dancers
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day 7
Inishmore, Aran Islands
Lecture #4; morning Zodiac to visit early Christian sites on Inishmore and ancient fort of Dun Aonghusa; afternoon Galway city tour with free time and evening in port; option to dine ashore and/or experience traditional music scene
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day 8
Galway
Optional full day excursions to 1) Cliffs of Moher with an Irish music lesson over lunch; or 2) Connemara National Park with a private visit to Kylemore Abbey.
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day 9
Valentina/ Skellig Islands
Lecture #5; Zodiac to Valentina Island, off of Kerry peninsula, for coastal walk, visit to Derrynane House and Glanleam Gardens; afteroon cruise around Skellig Islands to view UNESCO Skellig Michael, an early Christian monastery.
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day 10
Kinsale & Cork
Lecture #6; dock in the picturesque harbor of Kinsale; exploration of Cork’s old city, English Market and the Huguenot Quarter; free time in Kinsale with option for lunch ashore; afternoon at sea; farewell reception and dinner onboard.
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day 11
Dublin
Disembark in Dublin for flights home or stay on in Dublin post-cruise extension.
Everything you need to know about the tour
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Be prepared with the National Trust Travel Plan
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