Hidden Gems of the Emerald Isle: Best Small Ship Cruises to Ireland

A small ship cruise to Ireland offers many more possibilities, from port-intensive itineraries combining Ireland with the Scottish islands to expedition-style voyages exploring the rugged west coast.

Best Small Ship Cruises Around Ireland

1. Ponant

French cruise line Ponant is known for unique and interesting itineraries on board a fleet of sleek yachts which operate both classic cruises and expedition voyages. We particularly like the 12 April 2026 departure on board 184-guest Le Lapérouse, visiting the fishing towns of Killybegs and Greencastle in County Donegal, each known for beautiful beaches and magnificent surrounding landscapes. A call in Belfast offers the opportunity to visit the Giant's Causeway or the Titanic Belfast museum, and a day in charming Warrenpoint on the shores of Carlingford Lough is perfect for a scenic stroll. Historic Cork can be reached from the endearing town of Cobh, also worth a wander for colourful streets and maritime history, before your voyage ends in Dublin.

In May 2027, Ponant's 'Circumnavigation of the Emerald Isle' voyage on board L'Austral sails round-trip Dublin and offers an enriching journey focused exclusively on Ireland, with highlights including the spectacular landscapes surrounding Bantry, the quaint fishing port of Dingle, and historic and bohemian Galway and the nearby spectacular Cliffs of Moher.

2. Seabourn

Seabourn offers a fantastic selection of British Isles cruises including calls in Ireland, and the opportunity to combine two or more voyages to create longer adventures encompassing Norway, Iceland or the Baltic, some with convenient UK departures. The 2 May 2026 voyage on board Seabourn Ovation sails round trip from Dover and enjoys a day in Belfast and in Cobh for access to the pretty city of Cork. Or look ahead to 2027 and the 3 July 2027 voyage on board Seabourn Quest which explores picturesque Bantry, a scenic harbour town rich in history and surrounded by scenic countryside; and Kinsale, a vibrant town known for its fantastic culinary scene.

For something a little more adventurous, the 26-night Wild British Isles & North Atlantic expedition on board Seabourn's purpose-built expedition ship, Seabourn Venture, explores the British Isles including the remote Shetland Islands, plus the Faroe Islands and Iceland. Calls in Ireland include the cities of Dublin and Belfast, plus the lesser-travelled Rathlin Island, home to soaring seabird cliffs, Viking history, and scenic walking trails.

3. Hebridean Island Cruises

The quirky little Hebridean Princess, our favourite country house hotel at sea, makes a rare foray out of Scottish waters on 1 September 2026 for a 'Northern Ireland Discovery' voyage. All tours and activities are included with Hebridean Island Cruises so this voyage offers a fantastic opportunity to explore Northern Ireland's north coast with ease.

Depart from Oban and cross the North Channel to Londonderry, home to Ireland's only intact historic walled city, where you will explore during a city tour. Your journey then takes you to Ballycastle, where you will visit the UNESCO-listed Giant's Causeway, before cruising the Antrim Coast to Larne, home to the historic Glenarm Castle. Finally a visit to Bangor takes you to Mount Stewart House and its celebrated gardens, before heading back to Oban via the Scottish islands of Islay and Jura.

4. Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere on board their fleet of intimate yachts, and the 312-guest Star Legend operates an Ireland-intensive voyage on 9 August 2026.

Setting sail from Dún Laoghaire, your journey takes you to Belfast and Londonderry in Northern Ireland before sailing the western coastline. Learn about the maritime history of Killybegs, stroll cobbled streets in lively Galway and enjoy an evening scenic cruise along the towering Cliffs of Moher. Spectacular coastal views continue as you sail onwards to Dingle, before a day in endearing Cork and finally, Waterford, Ireland's oldest city and home of the famous glassware company Waterford Crystal. Your cruise also visits the picturesque Isles of Scilly before your journey ends in Rouen in France.