cruise holidays ireland

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Cruises to Ireland

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Luxury Cruises to Ireland

Nicknamed the Emerald Isle for its sprawling green landscapes that border the rugged coastline, Ireland has long been a draw for travelers. Ireland cruises are a relaxing and exciting way to explore this northern region of Europe. You’ll visit historic medieval castles, tour ancient Celtic ruins, and enjoy the warm hospitality of the people as you learn about and experience their culture.

Ireland cruises bring you to places like Belfast, where you can explore the Titanic Quarter and visit sites like St. George’s Market. In Cork, take a walk through the English Market, tour Blarney Castle, and kiss the famed Blarney Stone. You'll have an opportunity to visit the southern seaport of Waterford, known for its spectacular crystal glassware. On a European cruise to Ireland with Celebrity, you’ll enjoy enriching days ashore along with a contemporary, luxurious setting on board.

Ireland Cruise Highlights

Killarney national park.

This beloved national park in Ireland stretches out from the city of Killarney and includes part of the beautiful, 100-mile Ring of Kerry drive, a circuit of green fields where sheep graze, rolling hills, serene lakes, and slumbering castles. Top sights to see along the way include Torc Waterfall, Ross Castle, and Ladies View lookout point.  

Cultural Merriment and Celebration

Join an Irish whiskey tasting at Midleton Distillery, have a pint of the world-famous Guinness at a local pub, and sip on Irish Coffee (made with whiskey, coffee, and cream). Enjoy traditional Irish folk music and learn how to dance a jig with locals. You'll enjoy the “craic” – the lively spirit, conversation, and warm culture of the Irish people at each stop along your cruise.

Medieval Castles

Ireland is home to a number of formidable castles, many of which date back to medieval times. A couple that stand out are Kilkenny Castle, the origins of which date back 800 years, and Blarney Castle, located in the southeast countryside and home to the Blarney Stone. Kiss the stone and you’ll be granted the “gift of the gab”, according to legend. 

Featured Ireland Cruise Ports

Cork (Cobh)

Waterford (Dunmore E.)

Belfast, Northern Island

Ireland Cruise Itineraries

Cruises to Ireland embark in Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Fort Lauderdale (for transatlantic crossings), and last between 11 and 13 nights, depending on the itinerary. You’ll sail to ports like Belfast, Cork, and Waterford in Ireland, as well as many other ports throughout the British Isles, and further afield to Iceland, and Bermuda on the transatlantic trips. 

Itineraries

Why cruise to ireland with celebrity cruises.

With so much to do and discover onboard, your days at sea will be as relaxing or as active as you please. Enjoy refreshing drinks at the pool as you take in the ocean breeze and the spectacular views while you sail. Choose luxurious accommodation in The Retreat and enjoy a delightful dinner at the exclusive Luminae. Finish off the evening with a dazzling Broadway-style production show.

On Ireland cruises, you’ll visit some of the most beautiful and historic destinations in Europe, and see some of the most famous sites in the Emerald Isle. Shop for sweets at the English Market in Cork and visit the famous House of Waterford, where some of the world's finest crystalware is made. Wander through the cobblestoned streets of Cathedral Corner in Belfast, and explore the superb Titanic Belfast attraction. Let your sense of adventure come alive on these fantastic luxury cruises with Celebrity.

View All Cruises to Ireland

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What Is Ireland Known For?

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Ireland Cruise Holidays

Ireland cruise holiday highlights.

From the port cities of Cork and Dublin to the sleepy towns of Foynes and Greencastle where time has seemingly stood still, there’s so much to experience and explore here. Taste history with the clean and refreshing Titanic Quarter Beer from the Hilden Brewery, Ireland’s oldest brewery. 

Surrounded by the ocean, Ireland boasts fantastic seafood – and is famous for its wonderful shellfish. The plump oysters found in Cork and along the south coast are so integral to Ireland’s food heritage that oyster festivals abound across the island in September.

• Ireland is the third largest island in Europe.
• Ireland has won Eurovision a record-breaking seven times.
• Writers James Joyce, Bram Stoker and Jonathan Swift were all Irish.
• Dublin is home to a quarter of Ireland’s whole population.
• The oldest pub in Ireland has been standing for over 900 years.

Ireland Cruise Ports

Cork, Ireland

Killybegs, Ireland

Reasons to visit ireland on a cruise holiday.

Beautiful Ports

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• Penichette Barges
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• River Cruises

Ireland boating holidays and canal cruises

Boating Holidays in Ireland offers holiday boat hire on Irish rivers and canals.

Cruise Ireland with the biggest choice of cruiser boats and penichette boats on the River Shannon and the Shannon-Erne Waterway

Cruiser Boat Holidays in Ireland

Choose from two large boat hire fleets with 6 bases on the River Shannon and Erne waterways. Out-and-back and one-way routes are available. These cover much of the most scenic section of the River Shannon. The unspoilt lakes of Upper and Lower Erne offer superb scenery. See cruiser boats in ireland

Penichette Boat Holidays in Ireland

The airy and roomy Penichette barges include models designed for Irish requirements. The Athlone - Killinure Point barge base on the Shannon-Erne waterway is midway between the River Shannon and the Erne lakes. A one-way route is offered to or from Athlone on the River Shannon. See Penichette boats in Ireland

Narrowboat Canal Holidays in Ireland

Traditional canal narrowboats are available from two bases in Ireland. Cruise the Royal Canal from our base near Dublin Airport or the Shannon-Erne waterway from our base near Ballinamore. Wider beam narrowboats are available, giving more space in the same length boat. See Canal narrow boats in Ireland

Hotel Barge Holidays in Ireland

Join the 10-passenger Shannon Princess on a cruise on the River Shannon between Athlone and Killaloe on Loch Derg. Enjoy full service and gourmet catering with excursions to places of interest including Galway City. More about Hotel Barge holidays in Ireland

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Boating In Ireland

• Boating Map of Ireland
• Ireland Boating Holidays

Irish Boating Regions

• Cruiser Boat Hire
• Penichette Boat Hire
• Upper Shannon Guide
• Lower Shannon Guide
• Erne & Shannon Guide
• Contact Details

Cruise Ireland, Bowers Wharf, Skipton, BD23 2PD, United Kingdom

Ireland Cruises

About Ireland Cruises

A cruise to Ireland -- the Emerald Isle -- means views of rolling green hills, exploring historic castles and drinking a pint of Guinness (or a tumbler of Jameson) straight from the source. Plus, many cruise lines that offer Ireland itineraries also make stops along the coast of Scotland .

On the southside of Ireland is Cobh , whose port leads to a sprinkling of brightly colored houses and steep, winding streets lined with numerous bars, shops, cafes and restaurants. Dublin 's breathtaking streetscapes are home to a variety of fun activities to do, including historic Trinity College, Dublin Castle and the charming Little Museum of Dublin. There are also multiple bus tours for sightseeing.

When booking your cruise, there are two times of year when you'll get the best weather conditions: March through May and September through November. If you decide to cruise during the summer high season (June, July and August), be prepared for more crowds and longer waiting times for attractions and activities.

Many cruise lines are available that will get you to Ireland, including Oceania Cruises , Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) , Princess Cruises and Holland America Line (HAL) .

Compare Ireland cruises using Cruise Critic's handy information below, including price per night, itineraries and more.

More about Ireland

What is the best time to cruise to ireland, which cruise lines go to ireland.

We found you 288 cruise s

Jewels Of The British Isles

Port: Dover • Isle of Portland • Cobh • Fishguard • Douglas, Isle Of Man • Belfast • Rothesay • +6 more

Europe Cruise

Port: Southampton • Cobh • Dunmore East • Liverpool • Belfast • Greenock • Kirkwall • +3 more

World Cruise

Port: Sydney • Adelaide • Perth • Port Louis • Cape Town • Walvis Bay • Mindelo • Gran Canaria • +15 more

Europe - Northern Cruise

Port: Southampton • Belfast • Akureyri • Eyjafjordur • Isafjord • Reykjavik • Stornoway • Cobh • +1 more

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Wild British Isles: Ireland's West Coast

Port: Dover • Rotterdam • Stornoway • Killybegs • Galway • Cobh • Dun Laoghaire • Liverpool • +4 more

Europe - Western Cruise

Port: Southampton • Isle of Portland • Cobh • Dublin • Belfast • Greenock • Invergordon • +3 more

Port: Athens • Malta • Sicily • Cartagena • Porto • Cobh • Brussels • Gdansk • Visby • Helsinki • +5 more

113 Night World Cruise

Port: Sydney • Adelaide • Perth • Port Louis • Cape Town • Walvis Bay • Mindelo • Gran Canaria • +35 more

Port: Auckland • Sydney • Adelaide • Perth • Port Louis • Cape Town • Walvis Bay • Mindelo • +16 more

Port: Perth • Port Louis • Cape Town • Walvis Bay • Mindelo • Gran Canaria • Casablanca • Gibraltar • +13 more

Port: Southampton • Cornwall • Cobh • Qaqortoq • Nanortalik • Reykjavik • Isafjord • Akureyri • +1 more

Port: Southampton • Cobh • Liverpool • Belfast • Greenock • Kirkwall • Invergordon • +3 more

Port: Adelaide • Perth • Port Louis • Cape Town • Walvis Bay • Mindelo • Gran Canaria • +15 more

Port: Southampton • Cornwall • Cobh • Qaqortoq • Nanortalik • Akureyri • Isafjord • Reykjavik • +1 more

Port: Southampton • Cornwall • Cobh • Holyhead • Liverpool • Belfast • Greenock • Stornoway • +4 more

Expedition Cruise

Port: Dublin • Lunga • Iona • Boreray Island Cruising • Djupivogur • Tumavik • Raufarhofn • Hofsos • +11 more

To avoid the high season crowds and long wait times for excursions and attractions, cruise during March through May or September through November.

What are some things to do in Ireland?

Whether you wind up at Dublin's Guinness Storehouse to enjoy a glass of the country's iconic beer or wander through one of Belfast's many art galleries, there's no shortage of activities to partake in during your time in Ireland.

Do you need a passport to take a cruise to Ireland?

You must have a passport to travel on a cruise to Ireland.

What should I pack for a cruise to Ireland?

Layering is key when it comes to packing for an Ireland cruise regardless of when you're traveling. It's a good idea to bring a sweater, a jacket for frequent rainy days, and comfortable clothing and shoes for everyday activities.

Related Cruises

Norwegian Dawn Ireland Cruises

Caribbean Princess Ireland Cruises

Viking Neptune Ireland Cruises

Arcadia Ireland Cruises

Emerald Princess Ireland Cruises

Azamara Quest Ireland Cruises

Celebrity Eclipse Ireland Cruises

Oceania Marina Ireland Cruises

Silversea Silver Spirit Ireland Cruises

Oceania Insignia Ireland Cruises

Majestic Princess Ireland Cruises

Scenic Eclipse Ireland Cruises

Holland America Nieuw Statendam Ireland Cruises

MSC Virtuosa Ireland Cruises

Viking Jupiter Ireland Cruises

Silver Dawn Ireland Cruises

Seabourn Venture Ireland Cruises

Oceania Vista Ireland Cruises

Cunard Queen Anne Ireland Cruises

Viking Vela Ireland Cruises

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FROM THE CASTLES TO THE CLIFFS

Ireland cruises.

From rugged cliffs to rowdy pubs and rolling countryside, Ireland has something for everyone.

Known as the Emerald Isle, Ireland is characterised by its rolling green hills and lush countryside, dotted with friendly country towns, dry stone walls and crumbling castles. Cruise to Ireland to visit the Cliffs of Moher, a UNESCO Global Geopark, about a two-hour drive from Cork, to see where the bright blue waters meet towering sea cliffs, or head to Cork's Blarney Castle to be granted the gift of gab by kissing the famous Blarney Stone. To step back in time, see Dublin's Malahide Castle, dating back to the 12th century. Don't leave without enjoying a pint of Guinness and listening to traditional Irish music at a local pub on Dublin's Fleet Street or Grafton Street.

Rich and Lush Landscapes

Unforgettable cruise holiday

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CLING TO THE CLIFFS

Over one million people visit the Cliffs of Moher annually, and you could be one of them – they're about a two-hour drive away from  Cork . Witness the majesty of Ireland's top natural attraction, which stretches for five miles and rises up to 214 metres. Be prepared, though: the Atlantic sea breeze at the Cliffs of Moher can literally blow you away. 

ENJOY THE KNIGHT LIFE

Get the gift of gab at Cork's famous Blarney Castle, where you'll find the Blarney Stone, which legend says will bestow on you the gift of eloquence (but only if you can bend over backwards to kiss it). Or explore the 12th-century Romanesque architecture of the Rock of Cashel, Ireland's most-visited heritage site, about an hour's drive from  Waterford .

To connect with nature in the middle of the city centre, head to St Stephen's Green in Dublin, where you can find an ornamental lake and several walking paths. If you're looking for an animal adventure during your Ireland holiday, visit Phoenix Park, one of the largest enclosed recreational spaces in any European capital city and home to the Dublin Zoo and roaming deer.

HIT THE HILLS

Just outside the city centre, the  Belfast Hills  offer stunning views of Northern Ireland's expressive capital city and the surrounding bay. The Castle Trail up Cave Hill will take you to these sights in an easygoing 30-minute hike.

CITY SLICKER

Whether you enjoy art galleries, museums, shopping or bar hopping, you'll never run out of things to do in Ireland's urban centres. Learn about Irish history in  Dublin  and  Belfast , or experience colourful and quaint Cork. 

FOLLOW THE RAINBOW

A cruise to Ireland brings you to some of the world's most charming and colourful towns. In Cork, pastel-coloured homes line the waterfront, and nearby Kinsale's downtown area is home to streets with brightly coloured shops in purple, green and virtually every other hue imaginable selling books, art, crafts and local trinkets.

POUR A PINT

Incredibly, there are over 750 pubs in  Dublin  and its surrounding area, so you never have to wander far for a drink. Temple Bar is the most popular area in town for a pint, but the best place to grab a Guinness is the Guinness Storehouse. Learn how the beer is made before pouring your own perfect pint.

DUBLIN DAY TRIPPIN'

Although you can cross the coast to the Cliffs of Moher within a day, there are other doable day trips closer to Dublin, too. Wicklow is nicknamed the Garden of Ireland and is home to Wicklow Mountains National Park. Step into the past at the seaside town of Howth and Malahide Castle, which has parts remaining from the 12th century.

FEEL THE LUCK OF THE IRISH ON THIS ISLAND ADVENTURE

Explore Dublin, with its cobblestone streets, nightlife, museums and green spaces. Then head into to the Irish countryside, dominated by colourful villages, greenery as far as the eye can see and breathtakingly rugged landscapes. And don't miss out on popular attractions such as 'Game of Thrones' sightseeing and Titanic history in Belfast.

BEHOLD THE BRITISH ISLES

Don't stop at just one  British Isle .  Belfast and Northern Ireland  are a doable day trip from  Dublin , and charming cities like  London  and  Edinburgh are just a stone's throw across the Irish Sea. Just remember that once you cross the border, the British pound is the main form of currency.

TAKE ON THE TRANSATLANTIC

Crossing the Atlantic on a cruise from Europe to the United States is an adventure of a lifetime. On  transatlantic cruises , you'll visit tropical ports like the  Bahamas  and  Puerto Rico , but you can also head to the icy ports of Greenland and  Iceland , if that's more your style.

If you're planning to drive around on a day trip, remember that Irish road signs are in kilometres – 10 km is just over 6 miles, so things may be a little closer than you think.

If your day trip will involve train travel instead, book your Irish Rail tickets in advance to receive discounts and guaranteed travel.

Tipping isn't customary in Ireland, but take a look at your bill because some restaurants will add a 10 per cent service charge to the bill.

CUISINE STIR THE POT 

Irish food is synonymous with comfort. Whether it's a hearty Irish stew or traditional bacon and cabbage, Ireland's cuisine is all about stick-to-your ribs satisfaction – all served with an equally comforting pint of Guinness, of course.

Irish stews come in many forms, but the three key ingredients are lamb, potatoes and onion. Carrots often make an appearance in the dish's rich broth, and the addition of thyme complements the gamey flavours of the lamb. You'll find traditional Irish stew on most pub menus.

BACON ME HUNGRY

Bacon and cabbage is a simple but beloved Irish dish. It includes sliced back bacon – which is thick-cut and steak-like rather than thin and crispy – boiled with traditional cabbage and potatoes. It's often prepared with spicy mustard seeds and fresh parsley or another herb sauce to balance out the hearty flavours.

CRACK OPEN COCKLES

Made famous in the Irish tune 'Molly Malone', cockles are small saltwater clams found along the Irish coastline, and they've become a local delicacy. They're usually served boiled alongside mussels, or in a chowder-like soup with a creamy, buttery broth.

Related Ports

Visit the Blarney Castle in Cork to kiss the Blarney stone, or pop into the Temple Bar neighbourhood in Dublin for a pint of Guinness, or make your way to Ireland’s oldest city, Waterford, to see where the famous Waterford Crystals originated. 

Amsterdam, Netherlands

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Bergen, Norway

Aarhus, Denmark

Akureyri, Iceland

Alesund, Norway

Arctic Circle (Cruising), Norway

Berlin (Rostock), Germany

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Cork (Cobh), Ireland

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Fredericia, Denmark

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Read on for 10 incredible trips on the water.

• 1 . Cruise holidays on the River Shannon
• 2 . Short sailings on the Shannon
• 3 . Amazing barge trips
• 4 . Dublin Bay Cruises
• 5 . Watersports in Dublin’s Docklands
• 6 . Cruise of Clew Bay
• 7 . Scenic tour of Dingle Bay
• 8 . Boat trips on Bantry Bay
• 9 . Sea safari in Baltimore
• 10 . Countrywide sailing camps

A cruise along the River Shannon is a wonderful way to see the natural beauty of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. Head south from Carrick on Shannon to Banagher on a Carrickcraft cruiser, stopping off for a scenic forest picnic or a visit to one of the world's most famous monastic sites, Clonmacnoise in Offaly .

Check out Silver Line Cruisers for a journey along Lough Ree and Lough Derg . Hop on board in Banagher and discover the delights of your fully-fitted boat. Choose a cruiser that suits your group and enjoy a short break or two-week holiday, exploring pretty towns and villages along the way.

If you’re after a luxury break, hire the Royal Mustique A from Emerald Star for your Shannon cruise and sail in style. Emerald Star is part of Le Boat, a company that provides epic boating canals across Europe and Canada. 

Want to travel north instead? Check out the Shannon-Erne Waterway with Lough Ree Cruisers , sailing through old world canals and the gently winding Woodford River to Lough Erne.

Sit back and relax as the crew leads the way on a skippered Shannon cruise. Plan an evening trip with Moon River Cruises for a night out with a difference. The one-hour round trip from Carrick on Shannon shows you ancient sights and spectacular scenery. Enjoy live music and a tipple or two from the bar, as you take in the stunning views from the comfy, fully heated cruiser.

For a special occasion, a staycation on the Shannon Princess is sure to impress. Dine in the spacious saloon with panoramic views and the sunsets from the rooftop deck are unforgettable. Enjoy five-star service and delicious food as you travel from Athlone to Killaloe , stopping off at Birr Castle Demesne , picturesque Portumna and Galway City .

From Athlone, discover Barracuda Boat Trips , cruise to Clonmacnoise or plan a one-hour trip to the lakes of Lough Ree. Book in for an evening dining cruise, chill out on a relaxing fishing trip or choose the power boat experience and embrace the major adrenalin rush.  

Experience Ireland’s waterways at your own pace on a leisurely barge trip. 

With a skipper as your guide, enjoy a canal boat tour from Sallins in Kildare with Bargetrip.ie . Highlights include a stop on top of the impressive Leinster Aqueduct that carries the Grand Canal over the River Liffey. The cruises are exclusive to your group and it’s a unique trip to experience with family or friends.

Take a trip out to Ireland’s Eye, leaving from the fishing village of Howth on Dublin’s north coast with Ireland’s Eye Ferries , stopping off to explore the picturesque island for an hour or two.

Book in with Dublin Bay Cruises and choose from five sailings a day between Dublin city centre, Dún Laoghaire and Howth. Enjoy a 75-minute trip that’s packed with interesting landmarks and marine life. There’s a bar on board too so you can warm up with a steaming coffee or kick back with a creamy pint to watch the sun set over Dublin Bay.

From April to October, try paddle boarding, windsurfing, kayaking or sailing at Surfdock Watersports in Dublin’s Grand Canal Dockyard, five minutes from the city centre. With kids camps, adult classes and group days out, you’re guaranteed great fun on the water as you explore the capital’s iconic sights.

From Westport in Mayo , explore spectacular Clew Bay with  Westport Cruises . Pirate Queen Grace O'Malley, who features in many an Irish folklore tale, is thought to have once ruled these waters. Legend says that you’ll find 365 islands in Clew Bay, one for each day of the year, with Clare Island the largest of them all.

The journey brings you by the bay’s 400-strong seal colony as you gaze at panoramic views of Croagh Patrick . Keep an eye out for Dorinish Island, or Beatle Island as it’s better known, formerly owned by John Lennon. He had planned to build a house on the beautiful, tranquil island and later, retire there.

Friendly seals, basking sharks, colourful puffins and graceful dolphins are just some of the wildlife to look out for on your Dingle boat trip with  Dingle Dolphin Tours . Bask in breathtaking views of the rugged Kerry coast and breathe in the fresh sea air. Listen as a knowledgeable guide shares the fascinating history of local buildings including the old boatyard and hospital, and the famine towers.

Travel to pretty Glengarriff in Cork and get out on the water with Bantry Bay Charters . Bring the little ones on a marine tour to spot Atlantic Grey Seals, dolphins, and whales. Book in for a sunrise or sunset tour to watch the sky light up in stunning colours or choose the bespoke ‘Day on the Bay’ and create your perfect water adventure. Cruise down to Dursey Island, go snorkelling, and catch some fish for lunch with the help of the experienced team.

Book in for a sea safari in Baltimore , Cork where you’ll spot all kinds of sea life. Look out for whales basking in the waters, dolphins prancing through the air and sea birds flying overhead. The coastal sightseeing tour with Baltimore Sea Safari is a great opportunity to learn about the fascinating history of this coastal village, ask your guide to tell you the story of the white-painted Baltimore Beacon that stands guard at the harbour.

Make sure you try out the onboard hydrophone for listening to the sounds of the sea, it’s bound to be a hit with the kids.

Brush up your skills or learn something totally new with a five-day sailing and windsurfing course at The Oysterhaven Centre in Cork. Approved by the Irish Sailing Association, you’ll come home from your holiday with a sailing certificate to show for your efforts. Popular with children from ages 11-17, this is the perfect summer activity for kids and teenagers who love the water.

Or head to scenic Oranmore in Galway, where Galway Bay Sailing Club hold courses of various lengths including energetic camps and weekend lessons. If you’re in the east coast, take a summer course at Carlingford Sail Training Centre and get to grips with the basics of sailing while enjoying mesmerising views of the lough and magnificent Slieve Foy.

From scenic boat trips to incredible cruise holidays, there’s so much to see and do on Ireland’s waterways. Discover our On the Water page now and get even more inspiration for your next staycation.

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