Scenic Islands & Coastlines Of Scotland & Ireland

Southampton offers fast and efficient check-in areas, spacious departure lounges with seating areas, café-bars and smart washrooms. If you wish to travel by car and park for the duration of your cruise, you can pay for and reserve parking in advance directly with the relevant company. Alternatively, if being dropped off or collected by taxi or private car, they can drive right up alongside the terminal building.

A city of charming contrasts, Aberdeen is known as the ‘Flower of Scotland’ or ‘The Granite City’, depending on where you look or whom you speak to. It is famous for its iconic buildings, built from granite sourced from the now-abandoned Rubislaw Quarry, that twinkle with silver-grey hues when the sun shines, and its picturesque gardens and parks.

An ideal destination for hours of leisurely exploration and sightseeing, Aberdeen boasts architectural highlights and landmarks aplenty, such as the striking St. Machar’s Cathedral; the University and King’s College, founded in the 15th century in the historic Old Aberdeen district; and the neo-Gothic Marischal College. Arts and culture are a big part of Aberdeen’s appeal too. There are several interesting museums and galleries, and the hordes of shops and markets – including those in Scotland’s second-biggest shopping centre – provide the perfect excuse for retail therapy.

As a traditional seafaring city, the harbour and waterfront has long been at the heart of Aberdeen, and remains one of the city’s main attractions. It’s a popular spot with nature lovers, as a starting point for boat tours seeking out marine wildlife such as dolphins and whales, while the Maritime Museum offers a fascinating insight into the harbour’s history and Aberdeen’s role in growth of North Sea gas and oil industries. There’s also a beautiful beach, complete with golden sands and quintessentially British promenade.

Sturdy little Lerwick is the friendly capital of the 100 islands and islets of the Shetland Islands, northernmost outpost of the British Isles (located almost halfway between Scotland and Norway, to which they once belonged) – and setting of ancient archaeological sites, intriguing Viking echoes and, in more contemporary vein, the renowned Shetland knitwear!

Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney Islands, resonates with ancient echoes of Christian, Nordic and Celtic history. It’s a town that feels more Scandinavian than Scottish; in fact, the name Kirkwall comes from the Norse for ‘Church Bay’, relating to the town’s 11th century Church of St Olaf of Norway. Exploring the town’s atmospheric paved streets and twisting lanes, reveals a number of highlights, including the ruins of the Earl and Bishop’s Palaces, dating from the mid-12th century and serving as a reminder of the Orkney’s turbulent past. The palaces are considered by many to be the finest Renaissance buildings in Scotland. Also worth visiting is the recently restored St. Magnus Cathedral, founded in memory of Saint Magnus Erlendsson by Norseman Earl Rögnvald Kali. Don’t miss Tankerness House, a beautifully preserved 16th century townhouse, and the Orkney Wireless Museum, with it’s fascinating insights into the history of radio, too.

The welcoming, picturesque Irish town of Killybegs is a great place to pass the hours watching fishing boats and net menders, or catching a glimpse of the seals in the harbour. Home to Ireland’s premier fishing port, Killybegs is a town with a deep maritime history and a fine harbour. Located within the rolling hills of the Wild Atlantic Way – a 2,500km tourist trail that stretches from County Donegal to County Cork – Killybegs offers links to some of Ireland’s most popular attractions including Malin Head; The Shannon Estuary, which is home to bottlenose dolphins; and Claire Island Lighthouse. In town, Killybegs’ International Carpet Making & Fishing Centre and the Maritime and Heritage Centre are both worth visiting to get an understanding of the history of this small, yet important, Irish town. On the outskirts, two areas of superb natural beauty – the unspoilt grasslands of Saint John’s Point and the blue flag Fintra Beach – provide fantastic views of Donegal Bay and Benbulben Mountain.

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.

Southampton offers fast and efficient check-in areas, spacious departure lounges with seating areas, café-bars and smart washrooms. If you wish to travel by car and park for the duration of your cruise, you can pay for and reserve parking in advance directly with the relevant company. Alternatively, if being dropped off or collected by taxi or private car, they can drive right up alongside the terminal building.