Adventurous sailing trip Ireland - Hebrides - Orkney
During this adventurous sailing trip we set sail from Dublin to Scrabster, with several ports and sightseeing stops in between. On Saturday, July 29 we embark the ship. On Tuesday, August 8 you will set foot on land again. We believe sailing is at its best when we let the wind guide us. Thus, when and if we visit certain harbours is weather dependable. However, this journey will surely be one you will not easily forget. We will make sure to give you the best impression of life on and off board.
Ports during our journey
After Dublin, Bangor and Belfast will be our next stops, after which we leave for the Hebrides. On the beautiful island Barra, Castle Bay awaits us. St. Kilda is next on the list and we set sail for the impressive Orkney Islands. Here, we visit Stromness and explore the island. Back in Scrabster a train ride to Inverness (with a travel time of four hours) is a good option. Another travel tip is to take the bus to Edinburgh. Especially when flying, this airport is advantageous.
One with Scottish nature
Nature, beautiful views, wild animals, birds, castles and abbeys, that is what you will encounter in a nutshell exploring the Hebrides. Places that are normally difficult or impossible to reach await you travel on board of Thalassa. Their residents will welcome you with Scottish heartiness. Enjoy the many sea birds during sailing, including northern gannets, puffins and guillemots. Dolphins and whale sharks also join us often whilst sailing.
Embark: 29th of July 2023 at 16.00 hrs in Dublin, Ireland
Disembark: 8th of August 2023 at 10.00 hrs in Scrabster, Scotland
Price € 1.200,- p.p. including all meals, drinks with the meals (coffee. tea, milk and water), complete bed linen and towels, excluding all other drinks.
The sailing voyage begins in Ireland and ends in Scotland. You are responsible for arranging your own transfers. This is NOT included in the price.
Unfortunately this trip is fully booked. You can use this link to contact us to be placed on the reserve list.
Programme
On board in Dublin
Dublin, the city with the oldest Irish university, is worldfamous for her Guinness beer. For the ultimate shop till you drop experience, visit the shopping area around Henry Street. Or get to know Irish folklore a little better at the Leprechaun Museum. Walk the characteristic streets of Dublin, a sight to see.
On Saturday, July 29 you will set foot on board, in the Dublin harbour. The captain and his crew will welcome you aboard the Thalassa. You will be assigned to your cabin and guided into life on deck. On Sunday, July 30 we leave for Bangor, where we stay docked for Monday, July 31. There will be a chance to visit Belfast.
Belfast
Belfast is the city of the Titanic. The ship of dreams was designed, built and put in water here. Remnants of that time are exposed at the Titanic Quarter. If you're looking for a way to explore Belfast's turbulent history, a visit to Falls Road is a must. This street runs through a residential area where Republican Catholics are separated from Protestant Unionists by the so-called Peace Wall. Explore the convivial and varied St. Georges market, a beautifully restored building that dates back to Victorian times. Following beautiful Belfast, we set sail for the Hebrides, where you will be able to visit the island Barra and the infamous Castle Bay.
Barra
Barra is one of the southernmost islands of the Outer Hebrides, remarkable for her beautiful beaches, rugged hills, amazing nature and peace and quiet all around. It is possible to rent bikes and explore the island by yourself. Since Barra is a small island (12 to 8 kilometres), it is possible to see a large part of the island by bike.
St. Kilda
Leaving Barra behind, the vessel will sail towards St. Kilda, if the wind allows it. St. Kilda archipelago is the most important breeding ground for seabirds in Northwestern Europe and counts as Scotland's first place on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The biggest population of guillemots in the world resides on the islands, as well as the largest population of puffins and fulmars of the United Kingdom. In total, over a million birds hatch on the cliffs. Furthermore, St. Kilda has a rich history that is well worth looking into prior to your sailing trip.
Orkney Islands
The sails are hoisted for our next destination: the Orkney Islands. The Orkney are a group of about 200 small islands, among other animals the natural habitat for whales and orcas. The Orkney Islands have been inhabited for over 5,000 years and this is reflected in impressive excavations and many Standing Stones that you will encounter in the landscape. Another attraction is the old man of Hoy, a huge rock that rises perpendicularly from the sea.
Stromness, Orkney
Stromness is a village on Mainland, located at a natural harbour on the southwest of the island. Originally, Stromness was called Hamnavoe, which means safe harbour. For Vikings, merchants and navigators, this harbour was a last dock prior to crossing the Atlantic Ocean. Stromness is an amazing spot for outdoor activities such as diving, hiking and biking. Voor arts and culture lovers, the Pier Arts Centre is a go-to spot. Prehistoric sites such as the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness are also a must see.
Disembarkation in Scrabster, Thurso
Our final destination is Scrabster. After the passage we visit Scrabster, the northernmost port on the Scottish mainland and of great importance for the Scottish fishing industry. The place is known as a ferry port to the Orkney Islands.
On Tuesday, August 8, guests will leave the vessel no later than 10 a.m. A train ride from Thurso to Inverness takes about 4 hours, from there you will be able to fly back to the country of origin.
Please note: for all travel destinations, these are wind and weather dependable
Unfortunately this trip is fully booked. You can use this link to contact us to be placed on the reserve list.
