Luxury ship sails back into Cill Chiaráin on ultimate maritime tour

Connemara’s Cill Chiaráin Bay played host on Thursday to a very special group of visitors who are enjoying the ultimate tour of Ireland’s coastline – at up to €15,000 a pop.

They are on board the Orion, one of the National Geographic Society’s fleet of expedition ships, which is returning to the west, having sailed into Cill Chiaráin Bay with a different group last week as part of their two, eight-day circumnavigation tours of the “endlessly magnificent” coast of Ireland.

BY JOHN CARLOS

The Society operates hundreds of similar trips each year to 60 destinations in the world spanning the seven continents.

The ship is a fully stabilized vessel equipped with an ice-reinforced hull, enabling it to navigate polar ice as well as the smaller harbours of Europe.

“The expeditions aim to fulfil the Society’s mission to inspire people to care about the planet by providing meaningful opportunities to explore it,” according to the Society.

Living accommodation aboard the Orion.

The state-of-the-art Orion, named presumably after the constellation group of stars, is the newest addition to the National Geographic’s fleet.

Boasting exquisite lounge and dining areas and sumptuous bedrooms, the vessel can accommodate 102 guests in 53 spacious cabins, all with ocean views.

Costing between €7,000 and €15,000 per person sharing, the proceeds “support the Society’s efforts to increase global understanding through exploration, education and scientific research”.

There is an outdoor café, state-of-the-art lecture theatre, and a library. Meals are served in an informal setting, offering international cuisine inspired by their ports of call, and guests will sample some of the local fare while touring Ireland.

For the more energetic, there are fitness and spa treatment rooms; a whirlpool, hot tub and plunge pool. There is also a full-time doctor and a wellness specialist on board.

Sophisticated video equipment, snorkelling and diving gear and a dive-master are provided. And a National Geographic photographer and photography instructor are also available to guests.

The ship operates an ‘open bridge’ policy encouraging guests to meet the captain and officers.

The Orion meets strict specifications for environmental protection, and their on-board waste management systems meet the stringent Antarctic operational standards enabling them to travel to the most pristine environments.

Plenty of scope for socialising on board the Orion.

A host of advanced design features and technology ensures sustainable marine environmental practices.

Fourteen Zodiac inflatable rafts ensure quick disembarkation and offer the ideal transport for up-close exploration.

And for those who prefer to stay dry, the Orion is equipped with a glass-bottom Zodiac that enables remarkably clear observations undersea.

Each Ireland expedition is coordinated by Con Moriarty’s Hidden Ireland Tours, Kerry, under the guidance of Director of Operations, Ann Curran.

The Orion sails south from Dublin visiting various points of interest along the coast, including Ballycotton and Kinsale.

Then, heading up along the Wild Atlantic Way, they visit Skellig Michael, Dingle; the Aran Islands; Cliffs of Moher; Connemara; Donegal; Derry and The Giant’s Causeway, Antrim.

In Connemara, they are brought on cultural tours of the region, which can include a spot of fishing, courtesy of the Lough Inagh Hotel.

The Orion returned to Cill Chiaráin Bay on Wednesday, mooring opposite Cnoc Leitir Caladh with a new group of guests.

They called into Cill Chiaráin village on Thursday, where they met some of the locals.

They also pursued outdoor activities like hill walking, cycling, and cultural tours, and later in the evening, attend a night of traditional music in Tigh Cadhain’s bar and bistro.

The National Geographic tour leaves Ireland next week and will most likely return next summer.