Scenic Isles & Cities of Ireland - S2314 Borealis departing 27 Jul 2023

Facilities in Liverpool are constantly being improved to make boarding, stopping off or leaving your cruise ship easy, enjoyable and stress-free.

Douglas is the picturesque, historic capital of the Isle of Man and gateway to the unique, diverse treasures of the world’s first entire island country to have been awarded Biosphere status by UNESCO – a fact the locals a rightly very proud of!

A lively hub of activity, where ferries from England and Ireland land, Douglas is a delight to explore; along the promenade, a relaxing stroll – or ride on the wonderful horse-drawn tram – takes in a mix of architecture, from Victorian and Edwardian to modern, while plenty of attractions await if you dig a little deeper in the heart of the town. Interesting museums, galleries and charming old theatres are just some of the highlights.

Venture even further and historic railway routes – including the 19th century steam railway – can show you the best of the Isle of Man’s beautiful coastal and countryside scenes, and there are many centuries-old landmarks, such as Peel Castle, Rushen Abbey and the Great Laxey Wheel, to discover around the island too.

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.

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.

Similar to the famous, UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, Fingal’s Cave is a beautiful basalt sea-cave with distinctive ‘columns’ and a remarkable symmetry that looks incredible as you cruise past.

Often, the cliffs, ledges and grassy slopes are smothered with native seabirds, including guillemots, razorbills, puffins and more, so it’s the perfect place to enjoy a little birdwatching. Just make sure you have your binoculars to hand!

From beautiful coastlines to a fascinating industrial heritage, Belfast is a modern, vibrant and stylish city. Famous for being the birthplace of the RMS Titanic, Northern Ireland’s capital offers visitors the chance to visit the Harland and Wolff shipyard and the fascinating Titanic Experience. Only in Belfast can the Titanic story be traced to its source, and the excitement of an era when the city was at the height of its powers relived.

Close to Queen’s University lie the fascinating Botanical Gardens, established for over 180 years. The unique Palm House was one of the world’s first cast-iron glass-houses and displays a wide range of tropical plants, ranging from bananas to rubber. Alongside, the Renaissance-styled Ulster Museum tells Ireland’s 9,000-year history through art, ceramics, costume, and prehistoric archaeology. To the city’s northern edge is the impressive Belfast Castle, offering wonderful views of the city as it stands 120m above the Irish Sea.Show less
Belfast is also perfectly placed to discover the stunning Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site and an incredible natural wonder steeped in myths and legends.

Facilities in Liverpool are constantly being improved to make boarding, stopping off or leaving your cruise ship easy, enjoyable and stress-free.