| Cruise |
Douglas Mawson, Ireland & Scotland: Saints, Saviours and Secrets ex Dublin to Edinburgh |
| Cruise Line |
Aurora Expeditions |
| Ship |
Douglas Mawson |
| Destination |
EU British Isles |
| Brief Description |
9 Night small ship cruise sailing from Belfast to Troon aboard Douglas Mawson. 2 nights hotel stay pre-cruise in Dublin and 2 nights hotel stay post-cruise in Edinburgh . |
| Type of Cruise |
Expedition |
| Departure Date |
15 May 2026 |
| Cruise Description |
9 Night small ship cruise sailing from Belfast to Troon aboard Douglas Mawson. 2 nights hotel stay pre-cruise in Dublin and 2 nights hotel stay post-cruise in Edinburgh .
Day 1 Dublin, Ireland
Welcome to Dublin. On arrival at Dublin airport make your way to the Arrivals Hall to meet our representative, followed by a transfer to our group hotel. At the hotel, visit our hospitality desk in the lobby to meet our team who will provide you with useful information regarding pre-embarkation procedures and about your time in Dublin. You will also receive cabin tags for your luggage. Please clearly label the tags with your name and your cabin number on the ship.
This evening offers time to relax in preparation for our ‘day out in Dublin’ tomorrow. Our group hotel has a popular restaurant and is close to plenty of corner pubs and cosy restaurants should you wish to ‘share a jar’ or try some local cuisine.
Accommodation: Dublin Hotel
Day 2 Dublin
Dublin, the vibrant capital of Ireland, is a city brimming with energy and resilience. Once under British rule, Dublin has emerged with a distinct sense of identity, leading Ireland as a proud member of the European Union and reflecting its evolving role in modern Europe. The city has been home to some of the world’s most influential literary figures, including Oscar Wilde, James Joyce, W.B. Yeats, and George Bernard Shaw. Iconic landmarks such as Trinity College, home to the esteemed Book of Kells, highlight its storied past, while the city also serves as a hub of artistic and cultural expression, with global musicians like U2, whose impact resonates from their Dublin roots, having invigorated its creative scene. Dublin’s vibrant pub culture offers a lively social fabric, where traditional and contemporary influences merge to create a city to explore both day and night.
Choose your favourite ‘Your Choice’ experience this morning to meet Dublin’s saints, spirits and saviours. This afternoon you will be able to explore Dublin independently, before joining us for a celebration of all things Irish as we kick up our heels at an authentic Irish dancing evening.
Accommodation: Dublin Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Welcome Event dinner
Day 3 Embark Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK (Port: Belfast)
Today, we journey north to Belfast, with a significant stop in County Down to pay homage to Ireland’s most iconic patron, St Patrick. Originally hailing from Wales, St Patrick was a teenager when he was captured and brought to Ireland as a slave. Known as the ‘Apostle of Ireland’, he is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland and is a central figure in Irish heritage. Our journey includes a brief stop at the site reputed to be St Patrick’s final resting place. Here, alongside the remains of two other revered saints, St Brigid and St Columba, we pause to reflect on their enduring legacies. This sacred site not only honours the memory of St Patrick, but also celebrates the profound spiritual heritage that he, along with St Brigid and St Columba, bestowed upon Ireland.
It is fair to say Belfast has had its share of turbulent times. Famines, disease, invasions and recessions paint a picture of a tough town, but it is in the city’s more recent times, known aptly as ‘The Troubles’, which tarred it with the brush of division. Images of barbed wire, armed soldiers and constant searches for bombs kept tourists away. Today, thanks to open political dialogue and foreign investment, Belfast has a new air about it. It appears lighter somehow, as if a heavy burden has been lifted from its shoulders.
Our day in Belfast is filled with stories of the workers who toiled for 14 hours a day to build the world’s most glamorous ship, the Titanic, the employment it created, and the race to finish her. Had they taken their time, would things have been different for the Titanic? Located on the site where the ship was built, the dockyard’s Titanic Experience may answer a few of our questions. From the dockyards, our tour skips ahead to the days of ‘The Troubles’ as we are guided through Unionist and Nationalist neighbourhoods. The occasional security gate is a reminder that the island is still contested, but nowadays the city is split into seven virtual quarters, or cultural zones; Cathedral Quarter, Titanic Quarter, the Gaeltacht Quarter, Smithfield Market and Library Quarter, Linen Quarter, Market Quarter and Queen's Quarter. rather than walled ones. We take a peek at Belfast’s ‘quarters’ before we board the Douglas Mawson.
Once on board, we meet our team and crew and enjoy a Welcome Dinner as we set sail west along Northern Ireland’s rugged coastline.
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner on board
Day 4 Londonderry~Derry, Northern Ireland, UK (Port: Londonderry~Derry)
Our overnight sailing takes us to Northern Ireland, and the fascinating city of Londonderry~Derry. Simply known as Derry to the Nationalist (Catholic) population but still referred to as Londonderry by the Unionist (Protestant) population, this ‘border’ town has seen it all. The sectarian ‘Troubles’ of this predominantly Nationalist city may have blemished its reputation, but in recent years these tensions have eased, and although some suburbs retain their sense of division, strolling the streets is safe and the general population are happy to share stories of their stormy past and ambitious future. We come alongside on the river Foyle, the now open, natural border between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.
Day 5 Killybegs and Slieve League Cliffs, Ireland (Port: Killybegs)
The fishing village of Killybegs is the gateway to the rugged beauty of Slieve League Cliffs and the dramatic backdrop of Ireland’s own Table Mountain, Ben Bulben. Jutting out of Sligo’s northern edge, the peninsula of Mullaghmore pokes into the North Atlantic. Land and sea meet in confluence along the coast of County Sligo, a landscape of jagged mountain peaks that inspired the work of Nobel-winning poet William Butler Yeats.
We’ll start the morning in Killybegs, where you can either explore the dramatic cliffs and enjoy the scenic cliffside walk or delve into sustainable whiskey production at the family-owned Adara Distillery. After returning to the ship for lunch, we’ll set sail south along the rugged coastline, heading towards the picturesque natural bay of Galway.
Day 6 Galway and Cliffs of Moher (Tender port: Galway)
Arriving at Galway, we anchor in its natural bay and tender ashore. This popular west coast seaside town of Galway attracts a steady flow of local visitors. The Irish come here to walk its mile-long promenade and as tradition dictates, kick the walls end for good luck, enjoy fish and chips straight from the newspaper and, of course, ‘go on the gargle’ in its cosy pubs.
Join one of our morning, or full day experiences, to hear stories varying from poverty to excess, fame and fortune to famine and despair, before we set sail for a sunset over the Cliffs of Moher.
Day 7 Dingle and the Skellig Islands (Tender port: Dingle)
Once described by National Geographic Traveller as ‘the most beautiful place on earth’, Dingle is away from the general ‘tourist route’, affording us exclusive access to the wild west coast. Traditionally a fishing port, Dingle Harbour is where we anchor and tender into town. Known for its rugged scenery, dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches, the surrounding promontory is the coastal heart of County Kerry, while Dingle itself has a bohemian flair and is famous for its hardware pubs where you can enjoy a brew and buy wares. We enjoy lunch onboard before tendering ashore to experience a slice of Ireland’s rural lifestyle, while viewing the wild side of the country and the Irish who call County Kerry home.
Day 8 Bantry (Tender Port: Bantry)
We arrive at Bantry Bay and tender to shore. The harbourside town of Bantry is the gateway to the touring route known as the Wild Atlantic Way. It is easy to see why Ireland’s colour of choice for everything is green, from its national sporting uniforms to its flag, as we drive the famed Ring of Kerry, tread the trails of Whiddy Island or explore Bantry, surrounded by the lush grass-covered hills and dales of the Emerald Isle. For those choosing a morning excursion, Bantry itself is small enough for a comfortable stroll in the afternoon, with shops, cafes and, of course, plenty of pubs.
Day 9 Cork (Port: Cork)
Our shore excursions offer you the opportunity to ‘get the gift of the gab’ or follow those Irish who left their homeland for foreign shores. On return to the Douglas Mawson enjoy lunch, while this afternoon we are in for a true Irish treat, when we discover the heart and soul of Irish whiskey with a private onboard tasting. A local expert expounds their passion behind every drop as we immerse ourselves in a world of rich heritage, craftsmanship, and unforgettable stories all pertaining to this amber treasure.
Day 10 Waterford (Port: Waterford)
Known as the city where culture meets the ‘craic’ (that is Irish for a good time), Waterford is a modern city with a layered history. Invaded by the Norsemen in 914 CE, Waterford became a Viking settlement, which is reflected in its people even today. It emerged from the Middle Ages as a trading port with the wealth from goods that came from as far away as Newfoundland, the profits of which funded the construction of the many Georgian mansions that line the city’s streets. A town for those who enjoy a good stroll, Waterford is easy on the eye, offers plenty to see and as its reputation suggests, is full of fun.
Enjoy one of our morning experiences before returning to the ship for lunch. This afternoon a shuttle coach provided by Aurora Expeditions will transfer you into / out of town should you wish to explore Waterford independently.
Day 11 Isle of Man, UK (Port: Douglas)
We sail into Douglas harbour having enjoyed lunch on the ship, ready to explore the unique island of the Isle of Man. In the heart of the Irish Sea sits the tax-free haven of the Isle of Man, an island steeped in ancient mythology. Its name, ‘Man’, is believed to be derived from ‘Manannán mac Lir’, a figure from Celtic mythology who was the god of the sea and the island’s legendary first ruler. In the 21st century, the island’s captivating blend of rugged coastline, medieval castles, and rolling hills is a self-governing British Crown dependency, offering an insight into island life under British rule. With its own parliament, Tynwald, claimed to be the oldest continuous parliamentary body in the world, the Isle of Man has a rich history, having been passed from the Celts to the Romans, to the Vikings, and finally to the British ‘Lords of Mann’. Self-governing since 1866, when it was granted limited home rule due to its unique cultural identity and historical ties, the Isle of Man is particularly famous for the annual TT (Tourist Trophy) motorcycle races. This exhilarating event attracts enthusiasts from around the globe and transforms the island into a hub of high-speed excitement. Although only 570 square kilometres in size, and with a population of 85,000, the Isle of Man’s eclectic history makes it a fascinating destination.
Day 12 Disembark Troon, Scotland, UK (Port: Troon) - Edinburgh
After breakfast, we disembark the Douglas Mawson in Glasgow's seaside suburb of Troon and start our journey from coast to coast, ending our drive in Edinburgh.
We head east to the William Wallace National Monument. Possibly the second most famous man to be ‘hung, drawn, and quartered’ after Guy Fawkes, Sir William Wallace was a knight who led the Scottish rebellion against Edward I of England. In 1297, he killed the English sheriff at Lanark, igniting a full-blown revolt. Wallace’s notable victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge severely weakened English control but on returning to Scotland from France in 1303, he found that Robert the Bruce and John Comyn had made truces with Edward I. Excluded from these terms, Wallace was captured near Glasgow. Despite denying charges of treason, claiming he never swore allegiance to the English king, Wallace was executed, becoming a lasting symbol of Scottish patriotism and resistance.
Continuing our ‘saviour theme’, we visit Dunfermline Abbey, the final resting place of Robert the Bruce. This revered site honours the king who secured Scotland’s independence from England. Known for his pivotal role in the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, Bruce’s leadership restored Scottish sovereignty and re-established its monarchy. After his death, ‘the Bruce’ was buried here, with his grave symbolising his enduring legacy and the profound respect he still commands throughout Scotland.
Your evening is free to enjoy Edinburgh. This vibrant city boasts more pubs, restaurants and whisky-tasting venues than anywhere else in the United Kingdom, guaranteeing an eventful night out.
Accommodation: Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast onboard
Day 13 Edinburgh
Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, is more than just a city of castles and royal connections; it is a place where the stories of saints and heroes who saved Scotland echo through its ancient streets. Perched dramatically on volcanic hills and dominated by the iconic Edinburgh Castle, the city has been a strategic stronghold for centuries. Renowned for its connections to Scottish heroes like Robert the Bruce, Mary Queen of Scots, who took up residence at Holyrood Palace as a widow at 18 years of age; and St Giles, the patron saint of Edinburgh; the city holds secrets including hidden underground tunnels beneath the Royal Mile, and tales of ghostly apparitions that haunt the ancient vaults.
Beyond its imposing fortifications, Edinburgh was a centre of political intrigue, and a gathering place where clan leaders negotiated, celebrated, and sometimes clashed, leading to dangerous liaisons and hidden nooks and crannies scattered throughout the city. Today, visitors are encouraged to explore Edinburgh’s royal residences, museums and galleries to uncover these stories and witness firsthand the secrets that have shaped its unique identity. Edinburgh stands as a living testament to Scotland’s resilience and spirit, where the legacies of saints and national heroes merge with the city’s enduring royal heritage in a puzzle of history and legend.
Our experiences this morning showcase a myriad of classic sites, gifting you an afternoon to enjoy the city independently, before we gather this evening for a Farewell Event of Scottish proportions.
Day 14 Depart Edinburgh
After breakfast, we take our leave, carrying with us the vibrant tales of Ireland’s and Scotland’s saint’s, saviours and uncovered secrets. An airport transfer shared with your fellow explorers is included for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast
|
|
| Sailing Dates |
| 15 May 2026 |
| 24 Jun 2027 |
| Pricing |
| Please enquire for pricing |
Cruise Itinerary
| Date |
Port |
Arrive |
Depart |
| 15 May 2026 |
Dublin, Ireland |
|
Hotel |
| 16 May 2026 |
Dublin, Ireland |
|
Hotel |
| 17 May 2026 |
Dublin, Ireland |
|
Transfer to Belfast |
| 17 May 2026 |
Belfast, Northern Ireland |
Embark |
|
| 18 May 2026 |
Londonderry, North Ireland |
|
|
| 19 May 2026 |
Killybegs, Ireland |
And Slieve League Cliffs |
|
| 20 May 2026 |
Galway, Ireland |
And Cliffs of Moher |
|
| 21 May 2026 |
Dingle, Ireland |
And Skellig Islands |
|
| 22 May 2026 |
Bantry Bay, West Cork |
|
|
| 23 May 2026 |
Cobh (Cork), Ireland |
|
|
| 24 May 2026 |
Waterford, Ireland |
|
|
| 25 May 2026 |
Douglas, Isle of Man England |
|
|
| 26 May 2026 |
Troon, Scotland |
Disembark |
Transfer to Edinburgh |
| 26 May 2026 |
Edinburgh, Scotland |
|
Hotel |
| 27 May 2026 |
Edinburgh, Scotland |
|
Hotel |
| 28 May 2026 |
Edinburgh, Scotland |
|
|
All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.
|