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Trip Overview
Departures
Click for Dates + Prices
Duration
9 Days
Activities
Boating/Rafting
Cultural
Hiking
Small-Ship Expedition
Wildlife Viewing
Physical Rating
Easy
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From Misty Cliffs To Emerald Shores
A true Celtic coast adventure awaits on our new Ireland and the Celtic Shores: Wildlife, Culture, and Coastal Wonder small ship expedition! Celebrate the rhythm of land, sea, and song. From Scotland’s rugged coast to Wales’s wild beauty and Ireland’s emerald heart, you’ll trace shorelines shaped by music, myth, and memory—places where every wave and whisper carries a story.
Guided by an expert expedition team, you’ll explore islands and coastlines steeped in Gaelic tradition and creative spirit. Hike along flower-strewn cliffs, visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and meet local artists, musicians, and storytellers who share the living culture of their homelands.
A Celtic coast adventure
A Voyage Steeped In Story
Each stop offers a new connection: hear the songs of the Aran and Tory Isles, walk the volcanic stones of the Giant’s Causeway, and wander through the oak woods of Killarney and the sweeping headlands of the Iveragh Peninsula.
Moving in rhythm with the tides, this voyage becomes a celebration of belonging—between land and ocean, past and present, traveller and community. Whether standing before ancient stones or sharing a song on deck, you’ll feel the pulse of the Celtic world—wild, resilient, and full of heart.
Itinerary
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Day 1
Troon/Glasgow, Scotland
Your Adventure Begins
Your celtic coast adventure- Ireland and the Celtic Shores: Wildlife, Culture & Coastal Wonder small ship expedition begins!
Harbour lights glint across the water as you board in Troon, a small port that captures the spirit of Scotland’s west coast. Behind the harbour, the Ayrshire hills roll gently inland, and the sea stretches open to possibility.As the ship prepares to sail, you might catch the faint sound of bagpipes drifting from shore. As the vessel eases away from the pier, we’re setting a steady course toward open water!
We leave one coastline behind today, and turn toward the stories, landscapes, and connections that await along the Celtic shores.
Included Meals
Dinner Onboard
Accommodations
Your cabin on the Ocean Victory
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Day 2
Isle of Man
The Island of Ancient Rhythms
Rising from the Irish Sea, the Isle of Man feels both peaceful and alive. It’s the world’s only entire nation recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve—a place where rolling hills, rugged coastlines, and centuries of story all share the same horizon.
Here, nature and culture intertwine. Celtic crosses lean in quiet churchyards, the Manx language threads through local songs, and everyday life carries the rhythm of the sea.
Wander through narrow lanes and small harbours where brightly painted doors open to cafés and shops. The island’s history hums beneath it all—resilient, independent, and full of heart.
Evening brings time to pause and take it in: seabirds circling overhead, the steady wind, and that unmistakable sense of place that stays with you long after you’ve sailed on.
Included Meals
All on-board meals
Accommodations
Your cabin on the Ocean Victory
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Day 3
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Wales
The Living Edge
Along the Pembrokeshire Coast—the UK’s only coastal national park—cliffs blaze with wildflowers and waves break against sandstone headlands. Every turn of the trail reveals another view of raw, untamed beauty.
Ashore, small harbours hum with daily life. Shop windows display handwoven wool and carved driftwood, and the sound of both Welsh and English fills the streets. Here, poetry and craftsmanship endure, shaped by the same patience as the tides.
There’s a quiet strength in here—steadfast, rooted, and proud. It’s felt in the rhythm of the waves, the voices, and the warmth of a place that wears its heritage with grace.
Included Meals
All on-board meals
Accommodations
Your cabin on the Ocean Victory
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Day 4
South Coast of Ireland
Ireland’s Southern Shores
Along Ireland’s southern coast, rolling headlands open into sheltered bays alive with seabirds and seals. The light shifts constantly here—soft one moment, bright the next—casting the coastline in endless shades of green and gold.
We cruise past Clear Island (Cape Clear), Ireland’s southernmost inhabited island, where rugged cliffs, lighthouses, and windswept slopes capture the wild heart of West Cork. When conditions allow, a Zodiac excursion offers a closer look at seabird colonies and quiet coves shaped by wind and tide.
Further west, Bantry Bay leads us to Ilnacullin (Garinish Island), a botanical haven where subtropical gardens bloom against a backdrop of sea and mountain. As the voyage continues along the Iveragh Peninsula—the famed Ring of Kerry—the landscape deepens in beauty: sweeping coastlines, tranquil villages, and stone ruins that whisper of Ireland’s layered past.
Included Meals
All on-board meals
Accommodations
Your cabin on the Ocean Victory
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Day 5
Killarney National Park
The Jewel in Kerry’s Crown
Mist lingers over the oak woods and high passes of Killarney, where mountains, lakes, and forest meet in a seamless sweep of green. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Killarney National Park stretches from the foothills of the Macgillycuddy Reeks—the highest range in Ireland—to the town’s edge, a landscape shaped by both time and legend.
Here, the wild feels intimate. Red deer move quietly through mossy glades, and lakes mirror the changing sky. Walk beneath ancient yews, and feel how the rhythm of this place slows everything down.
Killarney moves to its own quiet rhythm—a harmony of water, wood, and wind. It’s a place that reminds you some beauty is best met slowly, with open eyes and an easy heart.
Included Meals
All on-board meals
Accommodations
Your cabin on the Ocean Victory
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Day 6
Aran Isles
Stones, Stories, and Sea
Off Ireland’s western coast, the Aran Isles rise from the Atlantic—windswept, enduring, and utterly distinct. Set within Galway Bay, the three limestone islands—Inis Mór, Inis Meáin, and Inisheer—hold a rare balance of ruggedness and life. Their temperate climate supports an incredible diversity of plants and seabirds, thriving among stone and salt air.
The Arans are strongholds of Irish culture, where Gaelic remains part of daily conversation and tradition weaves through every aspect of life. Stone walls stretch like script across green fields, and the hand-knit Aran sweater—crafted in intricate patterns of local wool—remains a lasting symbol of identity and pride.
You may visit Dún Aonghasa, a prehistoric hill fort perched on the cliffs of Inis Mór, where 100 metres of sheer rock drop to the restless sea below. It’s one of Ireland’s most remarkable ancient sites—a place that holds both mystery and awe.
Here, land, language, and ocean meet in timeless conversation—a harmony as steady and enduring as the Atlantic itself.
Included Meals
All on-board meals
Accommodations
Your cabin on the Ocean Victory
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Day 7
Tory Island
Art and Community
Fifteen kilometres off Ireland’s northwest coast lies Toraigh (Tory Island)—remote, wind-shaped, and deeply rooted in tradition. Gaelic is still the island’s main language, heard in greetings along the pier and in stories passed down through generations.
Since the 1950s, this small community has been a haven for artists and musicians, a place where creativity flows as naturally as the tide. There’s an art gallery, music in the air, and a spirit of welcome that feels both genuine and rare.
Life here moves at the rhythm of the sea—steady, enduring, and full of quiet beauty. To visit Tory is to be reminded of how deeply culture can thrive in even the most remote places, and how art, language, and landscape can share the same heartbeat.
Included Meals
All on-board meals
Accommodations
Your cabin on the Ocean Victory
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Day 8
Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland
Where Earth Meets Legend
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Giant’s Causeway is a place where science and story share the same ground. Here, about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns rise from the surf like steps shaped by both time and myth. Formed through ancient volcanic eruptions and sculpted by the North Sea, these stones lead from coastal cliffs into the restless blue below.
The Causeway inspires both awe and reflection—its symmetry the patient work of fire, water, and time, its legends bound to the giant Fionn mac Cumhaill. Standing among the hexagonal stones, you feel the deep vibration of the Atlantic beneath the cry of seabirds—a bass note in the wild music of this coast.
Nature’s artistry and human imagination meet on this celtic coast adventure, composing a lasting harmony between earth and ocean—a reminder of how story helps us make sense of wonder
Included Meals
All on-board meals
Accommodations
Your cabin on the Ocean Victory
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Day 9
Troon/Glasgow, Scotland
Your Celtic Coast Adventure Comes to a Close
As we return to Troon, the coastline comes into view like a familiar song. The sea feels calmer now, its rhythm steady and sure. There’s a quiet fullness to the homeward passage—the sound of waves against the hull, the laughter of new friends, and the easy silence that comes with shared experience.
Your Ireland and the Celtic Shores: Wildlife, Culture & Coastal Wonder small ship expedition ends where it began, yet everything feels changed. The melody lingers—sea, story, and connection—carried forward like the echo of a tide that never truly fades.
Included Meals
Breakfast on-board
What’s Included
- Passage and accommodation aboard the expedition ship Ocean Victory in select cabins (subject to availability)
- All onboard meals, and complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with dinner
- A team of expert expedition staff and Wild Women Expeditions host
- Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and fitness center
- Guided activities to stretch your legs and mind
- Sightseeing and community visits
- All Zodiac excursions
- Educational programming onboard, interactive workshops and evening entertainment
- A complimentary expedition jacket to keep, and rubber boots to borrow
- Basic wi-fi access, with premium Internet access available at an additional cost
- Complimentary launderette
- Daily housekeeping as well as a hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
- A contribution to Adventure Canada’s Discovery Fund that supports local youth outreach, community support and habitat projects
- Special access permits, entry and park fees
- Port fees, applicable taxes, and credit card fees
What’s Excluded
- Flights/transfers to and from Troon/Glasgow, Scotland
- Program enhancements/optional excursions
- Mandatory medical evacuation insurance
- Additional expenses in the event of delays or itinerary changes
- Possible fuel surcharges and administrative fees
- Pre-and post-trip hotel accommodation
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities
Please Note:
Itineraries may be subject to change without notice due to weather and other environmental conditions. Please review our Booking Terms.
View Adventure Canada Terms and Conditions
All applicable taxes are included in the trip price.
Trip Add-Ons
Kayaking
On this Ireland and Scotland Small Ship Expedition, join us for this rare opportunity to experience magical places by water. Our qajaq (Inuit for “kayak”) program will bring you through pristine waters, near marine life and along a historic coastline. Limited space is available per departure, and an application process is required for this activity. Some kayaking experience is required.
*Prices may vary based on departure dates.
The Ship & Cabins
The Ocean Victory
On this Ireland and Scotland Small Ship Expedition, you’ll navigate in style with all the perks of a modern adventurer. The Ocean Victory offers cozy comfort and epic exploration! The Ocean Victory is a modern expedition ship launched in 2021, designed for both comfort and exploration. Its standout feature is the X-BOW® hull, which cuts through waves rather than riding over them—this makes crossings smoother, quieter, faster, and more fuel-efficient, even in rough seas. Additionally, it holds Polar Code 6 and Ice Class 1A certification, making it one of the most ice-capable vessels in its class.
The ship offers welcoming social spaces—panoramic decks, lecture lounges, a library, and outdoor areas—ideal for connection and reflection. Guests can join hands-on workshops to inspire creativity, and stay in 93 ocean-view cabins (many with private balconies, plus single options). Basic Wi-Fi keeps travellers connected while fully immersed in the journey.
Ship Specifications
Capacity: 186 passengers
Crew: 101
Registry: Madeira, Portugal
Type of Vessel: Passenger ship
Year Built: Keel July 2019 / delivery October 2021
Classification: Bureau Veritas Ice class: PC6
Length: 104.40 m
Beam: 18.40 m
Draft: 5.30 m
Gross Tonnage: 8,181 GRT
Propellers: 2 x CP propellers @ 201.5 rpm, 4 bladed
Manoeuvring speed: knots @ 0.394 Mt / HR
Economical service speed:11 knots @ 11.9 MT / day
Full speed:16.5 knots @ 26.4 MT / day
Zodiacs: 18 Mark V (12pax capacity)
Total Capacity: 280 persons
Lifeboats: 2 x 150 persons EA.
Life Rafts: 4 x 20 persons EA.
Food on Board
On this Ireland and Scotland Small Ship Expedition Aboard the Ocean Victory, dining is an adventure! Meals aboard the Ocean Victory are as much about connection as they are about nourishment. Guests enjoy dining in either of two restaurants, or, when the weather allows, outdoor barbecues set against spectacular backdrops. Menus pair international favourites with regional flavours, supported by Adventure Canada’s Taste of Place program, sustainable seafood choices, and reduced-carbon meals that keep sustainability central. Complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks are served with dinner. Between meals, the Nordic Bar offers a welcoming space for drinks and conversation—making the experience a celebration of community, place, and purpose.
Life on Board
On this Celtic coast adventure, you’ll wake up aboard the Ocean Victory, where breathtaking ocean views from your cabin spark your inner poet. This intimate ship, with space for 186 adventurers, is designed to take you to the planet’s most remote corners in style. Blending cozy comforts with epic exploration. Learn from our expert expedition team, known for their deep knowledge and quirky charm. Spot seabirds from panoramic decks, enjoy inspiring talks, hands-on workshops, live music, or simply unwind in the ship’s welcoming spaces.
From Ship to Shore
Heading ashore on this Ireland and Scotland Small Ship Expedition aboard the Ocean Victory is part of the adventure! With a fleet of trusty Zodiacs, you’ll easily reach remote beaches, wildlife hotspots, and stunning coastlines. Designed for exploration, these versatile crafts get you right into the action. Our expert team ensures smooth, safe transfers, so you can focus on the thrill of discovery. Whether stepping onto untouched shores or cruising past playful seals, the journey is as exciting as the destination. On the Ocean Victory, every shore excursion is an adventure waiting to unfold!
Choose Your Cabin
Below are details about the cabin options available. All cabins are shared with one of your new Wild Women friends. However, the earlier you book this Ireland and Scotland Small Ship Expedition, the more likely you are to be paired with your travel companion.
Cabin Category A
Single Cabin
Deck Three
- Porthole window
- Double bed
- Bathroom with a shower
- Selection of bath products (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and hair dryer
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Desk and a chair
- Refrigerator
- Private air conditioning
- Television
- Wi-Fi access (basic service included)
- Several 230V outlets and USB ports
- Safety box
- Approximately 151 square feet (14 m²)
- Cabin layout and size may vary
Cabin Category 9
Premium Suite
Deck 4
- Private balcony
- Two-bedroom suite
- Double bed or twin beds
- Spacious bathroom with shower
- Selection of bath products (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and hair dryer
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Sitting area with sofa bed
- Desk and a chair
- Refrigerator
- Private air conditioning
- Television
- Wi-Fi access (basic service included)
- Several 230V outlets and USB ports
- Safety box
- Approximately 452 square feet (42 m²)
Cabin Category 8
Junior Suite
Deck 7
- Private balcony
- Double bed or twin beds
- Spacious bathroom with shower
- Selection of bath products (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and hair dryer
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Sitting area with sofa bed
- Desk and a chair
- Refrigerator
- Private air conditioning
- Television
- Wi-Fi access (basic service included)
- Several 230V outlets and USB ports
- Safety box
- Approximately 388 square feet (36 m²)
- Cabin layout and size may vary
Cabin Category 7
Balcony Suite
Deck 6
- Large private balcony
- Double bed or twin beds
- Bathroom with a shower
- Selection of bath products (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and hair dryer
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Desk and a chair
- Refrigerator
- Private air conditioning
- Television
- Wi-Fi access (basic service included)
- Several 230V outlets and USB ports
- Safety box
- Approximately 280–344 square feet (26–32 m²)
- Cabin layout and size may vary
Cabin Category 6
Grand Balcony Suite
Deck 4
- Balcony
- Double bed or two single beds
- Bathroom with a shower
- Selection of bath products (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and hair dryer
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Desk and a chair
- Refrigerator
- Private air conditioning
- Television
- Wi-Fi access (basic service included)
- Several 230V outlets and USB ports
- Safety box
- Approximately 269–323 square feet (25–30 m²)
- Cabin layout and size may vary
Cabin Category 5
Superior Balcony Cabin
Deck 4
- Balcony
- Double bed or twin beds
- Bathroom with a shower
- Selection of bath products (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and hair dryer
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Seating area featuring a sofa, table, and chair
- Optional connecting staterooms available upon request
- Refrigerator
- Private air conditioning
- Television
- Wi-Fi access (basic service included)
- Several 230V outlets and USB ports
- Safety box
- Approximately 237–269 square feet (22–25 m²)
- Cabin layout and size may vary
Cabin Category 5
Superior Balcony Cabin
Deck 6
- Balcony
- Double bed or twin beds
- Bathroom with a shower
- Selection of bath products (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and hair dryer
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Seating area featuring a sofa, table, and chair
- Optional connecting staterooms available upon request
- Refrigerator
- Private air conditioning
- Television
- Wi-Fi access (basic service included)
- Several 230V outlets and USB ports
- Safety box
- Approximately 237–269 square feet (22–25 m²)
- Cabin layout and size may vary
Cabin Category 4
Balcony Cabin
Deck 4
- Balcony
- Double bed or twin beds
- Bathroom with a shower
- Selection of bath products (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and hair dryer
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Desk with a chair
- Refrigerator
- Private air conditioning
- Television
- Wi-Fi access (basic service included)
- Several 230V outlets and USB ports
- Safety box
- Approximately 194–237 square feet (18–22 m²)
- Cabin layout and size may vary
Cabin Category 5
Superior Balcony Cabin
Deck 6
- Balcony
- Double bed or twin beds
- Bathroom with a shower
- Selection of bath products (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and hair dryer
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Seating area featuring a sofa, table, and chair
- Optional connecting staterooms available upon request
- Refrigerator
- Private air conditioning
- Television
- Wi-Fi access (basic service included)
- Several 230V outlets and USB ports
- Safety box
- Approximately 237–269 square feet (22–25 m²)
- Cabin layout and size may vary
Cabin Category 1
Balcony Cabin
Deck 4
- Balcony
- Double bed or twin beds
- Bathroom with a shower
- Selection of bath products (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and hair dryer
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Desk with a chair
- Refrigerator
- Private air conditioning
- Television
- Wi-Fi access (basic service included)
- Several 230V outlets and USB ports
- Safety box
- Approximately 194–237 square feet (18–22 m²)
- Cabin layout and size may vary
Trip Details
The Ocean Victory
On this Ireland and Scotland Small Ship Expedition, while you’ll be with the Wild Women group, this isn’t an exclusive Wild Women Expeditions or 100% women-only trip. The Wild Women group size can range from 8 to 30 women, but there will be other passengers along for the journey. In addition, the staff and crew of the Ocean Victory, a 186-passenger ship, will also be co-ed.
Our Expedition Cruise Partner’s Client Portal
Approximately three to four months prior to departure on this Ireland and Scotland Small Ship Expedition, you will receive an email with a unique URL link to our partner’s information portal. Please carefully and thoroughly complete these forms with your current personal and medical information, dietary preferences or requirements and other information as requested.
Arrival and Departure
This Ireland and Scotland Small Ship Expedition starts in Troon/Glasgow, Scotland (airport code: GLA) and finishes in Troon/Glasgow, Scotland (airport code: GLA).
The Wild Women Way
If you’re wondering how we roll, it’s together. The Wild Women Way is our modus operandi, our mantra and our rock-solid foundation. You can learn more about our Wild Ways HERE.
How We Support You
Ready for a Celtic coast adventure? On this Ireland and Scotland Small Ship Expedition we brave the elements, hike uneven coastal terrain and have several Zodiac transfers (from the ship to Zodiac and from Zodiac to shore). Yes, it can be a challenge, but you’re never alone. Like thousands of women before you, you’ll draw on the strength you didn’t know you had and tap into your inner explorer.
Like all our trips, this Ireland and Scotland Small Ship Expedition can be scaled to suit different abilities and comfort levels. If you have concerns or reservations about your ability to complete or enjoy this trip due to any physical or medical reasons, please contact us and let’s talk about it.
What the Trip Entails
- Entering and exiting the Zodiacs
- Maneuvering around tight spaces
- Walking on uneven terrain
- Being on a boat for an extended period of time
- Due to strong currents, there may be movement on the vessel while navigating
- Please note that Wild Women small ship expeditions are not 100% Wild Women exclusive or women-only. Staff, crew and fellow passengers on the Ocean Victory will be co-ed
- Physical Rating: Easy (Some physical activity included. Trips are the most leisurely, with an average of 1-4 hours of physical activity each day.)