From Dublin to Portsmouth · Northern Europe · 11 nights
Azamara Journey, Quest, Pursuit and Onward are excellent small ships that offer a welcoming and relaxed club-like atmosphere.
Azamara’s fleet of small ships are focused on providing
destination immersion by spending as much time in port as possible
with itineraries designed to include overnight stays and late
evening departures. Enjoy more time to discover the local culture
and when back on board relax and enjoy a vibrant array of
inclusions.
There is nothing like a visit to Ireland for a warm welcome, and in Dublin great literature, fascinating history and the friendly atmosphere make a stay here an unforgettable experience. The fair city of the song is a great place to meet the locals, enjoy the Georgian townhouses, explore the nooks and crannies of the castle, and of course to indulge in some serious retail therapy. And do seek out the Viking roots, medieval streets, city parks and beautiful bridges over the river Liffey - this is after all a great city to investigate on foot.
The 1998 Good Friday Agreement was a watershed moment for Northern Ireland, and its rejuvenated capital is enjoying a surge in popularity. The new Titanic Belfast museum is the star attraction, while the city centre boasts some handsome Victorian architecture and a lively pub scene.
Killybegs is a bustling fishing port on the Donegal coast, and you’ll see both local and international vessels filling the harbour. The village has some nice pubs worth visiting, and the surrounding countryside is typified by beautiful coastal scenery such as the dramatic Slieve League cliffs.
Galway is known as the ‘city of festivals’, home to a cosmopolitan mix of artists, musicians and students. Buskers and folk bands provide the soundtrack as you explore the city’s fantastic pubs and pedestrianised streets, and Galway is also a useful base for visiting sights such as the Cliffs of Moher and Connemara National Park.
Bantry Bay is one of the most picturesque spots on County Cork’s west coast, sandwiched between the Beara and Sheep’s Head peninsulas. Local highlights include the 18th-century Bantry House, with its elegant gardens and intriguing links to the United Irishmen Rebellion of 1798.
Waterford is Ireland’s oldest city, over 1,000 years old, with a fascinating Viking and Norman heritage that is still discernible in the narrow streets of the ‘Viking Triangle’. The city is also famous as the home of Waterford crystal, and the glass-making industry here dates back to the late 18th century.
Ireland’s second city is an engaging mix of cosy pubs, grand Georgian architecture and forward-thinking restaurants, with one of the best foodie scenes in the country. Cork’s historic centre sits on an island in the River Lee, and the narrow streets are full of cafés, bars and markets.
