Irish Sea

With the coast of Northern Ireland as little as 12NM away from W the Mull of Kintyre, it’s very easy to include Northern Ireland in a cruise encompassing Western Scotland. And now that facilities have been updated it’s likely to become a regular stop-off for those exploring the UK.

Huge sea loughs provide great conditions for safe anchorage; in Belfast Lough you are close to the city itself with its International airport. Bangor Marina is found at the seaward end of the Lough; it is the largest marina in Northern Ireland and can accommodate superyachts of any size – but only up to 4m draft; the largest yachts can safely use the commercial harbour.

Heading north along the coast you come to the Giant’s Causeway, with the same amazing columns of basalt that you can see at Fingal’s Cave.

The Bushmills distillery is popular for those who like their whiskey Irish and it lies en route to Lough Foyle and Londonderry where cruise ships and cargo vessels are regular visitors to this historic city. The unspoilt beaches and sweeping glens of Northern Ireland are a revelation to many visitors who may be surprised with its proximity and similarity to the Scottish Highlands.

The Celtic west where Scotland, Ireland, England and Wales meet

Historic docks and unique cities

Stunning geology mixes rocky shores and sandy bays

Home to the Isle of Man TT races 

The Isle of Man, Liverpool & Milford Haven

• Outline Itinerary

  ·         From Scotland, head to Bangor Marina, Northern Ireland, and enjoy distinguishing Scotch from Irish Whiskey

  ·         From Northern Ireland, sail for the Isle of Man at the centre of the Irish Sea

  ·         After the rural Isle of Man, the vibrant city of Liverpool contrasts

  ·         A new day – a new country – the Menai Straits between North Wales and Anglesey: ancient castles, modern Royals and mountains...

  ·         Tuck into a harbour on Cardigan Bay to spot dolphins and sand dunes

  ·         South to the delights of Pembrokeshire and the vast harbour of Milford Haven

  ·         Decision time: round the coast towards Bristol, or across the Celtic Sea towards the Isles of Scilly and Cornwall...