Belfast Orientation, Lunch & Secret Ulster Whiskey Walking Tour & Tasting
10am-4:30pm

10:00am Disembark ship to meet our guide and driver in Belfast port for an orientation visit that will include such sights as Grand Opera House, Albert Memorial Clock, Queen’s University, City Hall and the political wall murals.

Belfast is the capital and largest city of Northern Ireland and the second largest city on the island of Ireland after Dublin. Situated at the mouth of the River Lagan on Belfast Lough, Belfast is surrounded by low hills and has a population of 267,500. This figure refers only to the Belfast City Council area whose borders date back to the 1950s. Belfast gained notoriety around the world during The Troubles (1969-1997) due to the frequency of gun and bomb attacks in the city. Parts of Belfast were effectively no-go areas for security forces and therefore took on a lawless quality. Today, the scars of Belfast’s troubled past make it an intriguing destination for travellers from around the world.  Since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, most of the politically-motivated violence has evaporated. Belfast was recently awarded the accolade of being the safest city in the UK, based on a comparison of nationwide crime figures, and, as part of its commitment to maintain peace.

Next we enjoy a three-course lunch with a glass of beer, wine or soft drink, at McHugh’s Bar, established 1711 in a superb location, the oldest building in Belfast.

After lunch we will experience a special Ulster Whiskey Walking Tour and Tasting. The history of Whiskey is both fascinating and elusive, but one thing is clear, Ulster occupies a unique place in the history of Whiskey. From having the world’s oldest distilling license, granted in 1608, to the stories of Irish monks crossing the “Narrow sea” to Scotland and taking with them the water of life, the most northern part of Ireland has always played a part in the story of Whiskey. Join a local Irish whiskey reviewer for this whiskey walking tour of Belfast city and a visit to a local whiskey retailer. Your whiskey tour of Belfast will begin with a whiskey tasting. Three different styles of Whiskey are tasted and evaluated, test your palate and learn about nosing, finish, mouth feel and much more. Never had a Potstill Whiskey? It is an Irish signature style, born out of ingenuity and innovation, fruity and complex. There are food pairings that might surprise, it isn’t just wine and beer that can be taken with food. Following your tasting we will enjoy a walking tour of Belfast city discovering the history of whiskey in the city before finishing off with a visit to a local whiskey retailer. All too soon our day in Belfast tour has come to an end, enjoy a short drive back to our awaiting ship.

*Times are subject to change due to ship’s arrival & departure times. Advance reservation and prepayment is required and pricing is subject to final number of guests. Venues are subject to change based on availability.

Dublin Guinness Connoisseur Experience – Lunch at The Pig’s Ear + Secret Tasting of Jamesons Irish Whiskey
9:00am – 4:30pm

Step ashore in Dublin Port to meet our driver and guide for an orientation tour of Dublin City. We straddle the north side of the River Liffey to see striking monuments such as the GPO (General Post Office) on the city main thoroughfare, O’Connell Street, or the Custom House along the quays, as well as  Phoenix Park, the largest public park in Europe. Then cross to the sophisticated south side with its vast Georgian squares, such as Merrion Square, where Oscar Wilde’s House can still be found (today owned by an American College), its colorful doors, Grafton Street and its curious boutiques and book shops. Not so far from St. Stephen’s Green, in Kildare St, you will see the house of Bram Stoker, the author of Dracula. This part of the city is also dominated by the students of Trinity College, where the famous Book of Kells is permanently exhibited in its library. The university is facing the medieval district where Dublin Castle and the two Anglican Cathedrals can be found.

Next, take part in the Connoisseur Experience at Guinness Storehouse. The Guinness Brewery in Dublin is Europe’s largest stout producing brewery and home to the Guinness Storehouse. Opened in 1904, the Storehouse was an operational plant for fermenting and storing Guinness. Today it houses a very fine exhibition dedicated to the Guinness story. You will discover what goes into making a pint of Guinness – the ingredients, the brewing process, the time, the craft and the passion. The exhibition shows how the brew has been marketed and how it is today sold in over 150 countries. Once the tour has finished, we make our way to the Gravity Bar to enjoy a pint of the darkness. 

After Guinness, lunch is enjoyed at a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant The PIG’S EAR located in the heart of Dublin’s city center with views of Trinity Playing grounds (room on the 2nd floor, no elevator). We have selected a delicious Michelin inspired 3-course menu with a modern twist, and selection of two wines.

After a hearty lunch, are you ready to experience a secret whiskey tasting at Jameson Distillery Bow St. We will join one of Jameson’s friendly Ambassadors in the legendary John Jameson’s private office for fine whiskey tasting including four family favorites – Jameson Original, Jameson Crested, Jameson Distillery Edition and Jameson Black Barrel Cask Strength. Two of which are only available at the distillery. JJ’s Office is a secret & unique room full of stories and artifacts; all of which can only be accessed as part of The Whiskey Tasters. Nothing goes better with rich mahogany and 200-year-old factory ledgers than finely-tuned blends of whiskey. After a relaxed unforgettable day in Dublin we return back to the port of Dublin where s many luminaries sailed from.

*Times are subject to change due to ship’s arrival & departure times. Advance reservation and prepayment is required and pricing is subject to final number of guests. Venues are subject to change based on availability.