VOYAGE TO THE EMERALD ISLE

Oban to Dublin Tuesday 23rd to Wednesday 31st July 2024

8 nights including 2 Gala Dinners

Links between Scotland and Ireland are many and varied, reaching back into the mists of time. Two supremely rich Celtic and Gaelic cultures add history and romance against the stirring scenery of a cruise on board Hebridean Princess through the Irish Sea to the Emerald Isle.

With a sense of anticipation we set sail from Oban to Londonderry. Here, we embark on a walking tour of Ireland's only completely intact historic Walled City.

Experience the magic and awe of the basalt miracle, the Giant’s Causeway on the Antrim Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and observe the stunning birdlife of Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland’s largest seabird colony. Travel to the heart of one of Ireland’s oldest estates, Glenarm Castle, home to the Earls of Antrim for over 400 years and the setting of a glorious walled garden.

Belfast is home to Queen’s Island, birthplace of the Titanic and the exhibition of the same name, which tells the story from her conception, through her construction and launch, to her maiden voyage and subsequent place in history.

Home to the Montgomery family since 1607, Grey Abbey House plays host to our visit before we cross the border into Eire and enjoy walks ashore at the charming medieval village of Carlingford. The World Heritage Site of Brú na Bóinne is Ireland’s richest archaeological landscape and is famous for the spectacular prehistoric passage tombs of Knowth and Newgrange which were built around 3,200 BC.

Our final gem is the fair city of Dublin, astride the River Liffey, vivacious and cultural, exuberantly blending old and new. Explore this vibrant UNESCO City of Literature and discover the twin cathedrals of Christ Church and St Patrick, the nation’s patron saint.

Scheduled flights are included in the cruise fare from selected UK airports to Glasgow at the start of the cruise and from Dublin to selected UK airports at the end of the cruise. Please refer to page 108-109 for travel options.

ISLAY

Port Ellen

Ardbeg Distillery

Londonderry

City Tour

NORTHERN IRELAND

Larne

OBAN

RATHLIN ISLAND

Bird Reserve

Ballycastle

Giant’s Causeway

Glenarm Castle

Bangor

Titanic Exhibition Grey Abbey House

Belfast

Strangford Lough

Carlingford

Clogherhead

Brú na Bóinne

World Heritage Site

Dublin

City Tour St Patrick’s and Christ Church Cathedrals

T ravel Plan – 8 nights

Tuesday 23rd July Oban - Embarkation.

Wednesday 24th July Cruise the Sound of Jura.

Portaferry

DÚN LAOGHAIRE

Port Ellen, Islay - Ardbeg Distillery.

Thursday 25th July

Londonderry - City walking tour.

Cruise the coast of Northern Ireland.

Friday 26th July

Ballycastle - Giant's Causeway.

Rathlin Island - Bird reserve.

Saturday 27th July

Larne - Glenarm Castle.

Belfast - Titanic Exhibition.

Sunday 28th July

Bangor - Grey Abbey House.

Portaferry, Strangford Lough.

Monday 29th July

Carlingford - Walks ashore.

Clogherhead - Brú na Bóinne World Heritage Site.

Tuesday 30th July Dublin - City tour.

Dublin - St Patrick's and Christ Church Cathedrals.

Wednesday 31st July Dún Laoghaire, Dublin - Disembarkation.

Arts Society Accredited Lecturer

David Harper

David Harper is a BBC TV Antiques & History presenter on programmes like ‘Antiques Road Trip’ ‘Flog It’ and ‘Bargain Hunt’. The programmes are shown in over 50 countries worldwide. He’s also a published author, artist, speaker and event auctioneer (he holds the world record for selling Alex Ferguson for £170,000!). David fell in love with antiques and history at the age of 5 and he’s been collecting, studying, buying, selling, talking and writing about wonderful objects from the past ever since! His passions also include travel, new adventures and classic cars…and often, all three at the same time!