Ireland: Galway and Dublin
Around the Emerald Isle
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Cork to Dublin
This seven-night voyage aboard L'Austral traces the Irish west coast from Cork to Dublin. You follow a chain of peninsulas, bays and harbours where Gaelic language, music and landscape are tightly interwoven. The marina platform and Zodiac fleet open up calls beyond the reach of larger ships, while the premium all-inclusive concept and French refinement set the tone on board.
Route highlights
- Cork: Lively southern port with the English Market and gateway to the Beara peninsula.
- Kinsale: Colourful fishing village, one of Ireland's foremost culinary centres.
- Bantry: Threshold of the Wild Atlantic Way, with Bantry House above the bay.
- Dingle: Gaelic-speaking peninsula with ring forts and one of the world's great coastal drives.
- Galway: University city on the Atlantic, cultural gateway to Connemara and the Aran Islands.
- Killybegs: Ireland's largest fishing harbour, nestled in the Donegal hills.
- Portrush: Gateway to the Giant's Causeway, the World Heritage site on the Antrim coast.
- Dublin: Capital on the Liffey with Trinity College, the Book of Kells and Georgian architecture.
Early booking advantage: Voyages in 2027 fill quickly - premium cabins are often reserved 18-24 months in advance. An early booking enquiry is non-binding and secures your preferred cabin category.
The Route
Cork
7 nights
Dublin
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Cork · Embarkation
Cork is Ireland's second-largest city, in the south-west on the River Lee, which splits the city centre into two channels. Its adjoining natural harbour ranks after Sydney as the second-largest natural harbour in the world, and the English Market in the centre has been the city's culinary heart since 1788.
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Kinsale
Colourful harbour town on a sheltered bay in southern Ireland's County Cork, around 30 kilometres south of Cork city. Known as Ireland's culinary capital with starred restaurants, Charles Fort and memorials to the sinking of the Lusitania.
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Bantry
Bantry is a small port town at the head of the deeply incised bay of the same name in south-west Ireland in County Cork. The stately 18th-century Bantry House overlooks the bay with terraced gardens and houses an important collection of European art.
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Dingle
Dingle lies on the namesake peninsula on the south-west coast of Ireland in County Kerry. The harbour town is the gateway to the Slea Head Drive with its early-Christian beehive huts, and for years the resident dolphin Fungie drew visitors into the bay.
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Galway
On Ireland's west coast, Galway opens onto its namesake bay on the Atlantic with views of the Aran Islands. The lively university city is regarded as the capital of the Gaelic west, with traditional pubs, trad music sessions in the Latin Quarter and the famous Galway International Oyster Festival in September.
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Killybegs
Bustling fishing harbour on the rugged Atlantic coast of Ireland's County Donegal. The republic's busiest fishing port lies sheltered in Killybegs Harbour and is the gateway to the 600-metre Slieve League cliffs.
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Portrush
On a peninsula along the north coast of Northern Ireland in County Antrim, this Victorian seaside resort is framed by sandy beaches and cliffs. Within reach lie the Giant's Causeway with its hexagonal basalt columns and the Royal Portrush Golf Club, host of the Open Championship.
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Dublin · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 4 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 13 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 14 | 11 | 7 | 5 |
| Sea °C | 7 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 8 |
| Rain mm | 190 | 150 | 170 | 110 | 106 | 132 | 148 | 190 | 283 | 271 | 259 | 235 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Norwegian coast / Scotland (Bergen)
Destination
L'Austral
L'Austral belongs to Ponant's Odyssée class: 264 guests, ice-reinforced hull, French cuisine with wine at dinner. Large enough for comfort on the open sea, small enough for fjords, pack ice boundaries and islands without a harbour.
In northern Europe, L'Austral sails through Norwegian fjords and along the Scottish coast - natural encounters with the comfort of a French hotel.
The Ship
Cabins
Deck plan · L'Austral
Cabin prices
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Superior Aussenkabine | € 6.010 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Balkonkabine | € 6.460 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Kabine Deck 4 - CHANDERNAGOR | € 6.800 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Kabine Deck 5 - BENGALE | € 6.990 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Kabine Deck 6 - MAHE | € 7.250 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite - MAHE | € 9.700 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Suite Deck 5 | € 10.430 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Suite Deck 6 | € 10.760 | On request | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - MAHE | € 11.290 | On request | Enquire |
Prices as of: 14.08.2026
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Full board in gourmet and À-la-carte restaurants
- Afternoon tea and pastries
- Open bar: water, soft drinks, wines, champagne, spirits, beers, coffee and tea
- Minibar in cabin, regularly refilled
- 24-hour cabin service
- All gratuities for crew and service staff
- Complimentary WiFi onboard (standard usage)
- Butler service (in higher suite categories on select ships)
- Zodiac excursions with experienced guides (on Expedition voyages)
- Expert lectures by scientists, marine biologists and historians
- Water sports equipment: kayaks, stand-up paddling, snorkelling gear (subject to weather and region)
Not included
- Flights
- Travel to/from ship (transfers, pre- or post-programmes)
- Some special shore excursions
- Spa treatments
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this voyage?
Send us a non-binding enquiry via the form on this page. Our team replies personally within 24 hours with availability, cabin options and a tailored offer. No enquiry fee, no upfront payment.
What is included in the price?
The base price per person (twin cabin) includes the cabin in your chosen category, full board, all port fees and the onboard programme. Flights and transfers are quoted separately. 7 nights from EUR 5.525 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the L'Austral?
A maximum of 264 guests - extraordinarily intimate compared to standard cruise ships. The high crew-to-guest ratio ensures personal attention throughout the voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes - all itineraries are subject to weather, port availability and the captain's decisions. This is part of the charm of small-ship cruising: flexibility allows for unexpected discoveries.
Are there specials for early bookers or solo travellers?
Yes. Early bookers receive discounts for timely booking. Solo travellers often benefit from a reduced or waived single supplement. Simply mention your preferences in the enquiry.
Is my booking protected?
Yes. As a German tour operator, ivent-sailing provides a travel protection certificate (Reisesicherungsschein) under German law. Your payment is fully insured.
What about flights and transfers?
We arrange flights and transfers on request as part of your personal offer. This allows us to find the best connections for your specific departure date and home airport.
Are there shore excursions?
Yes. All cruise lines offer shore excursions - from guided cultural tours to nature experiences. The concepts vary by fleet. We are happy to provide details on available excursions for your chosen voyage.
What water sports and activities are available?
Depending on the ship and route: snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, diving, and Zodiac landings (on expedition voyages). Many ships have a marina platform for direct access to the water. We will be happy to tell you exactly what is available on your voyage.
When is the best time to sail this voyage?
The best time to sail this route is May to September.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.