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Welcome to Aurora Expeditions' Saints, Saviours and Secrets 

Guinness estimates that on Ireland’s national day, St Patrick’s Day, a staggering 13 million pints of their renowned brew are savoured worldwide. Intriguingly, St Patrick himself is not canonised, nor did he hail from the Emerald Isle. Therein lies the essence of Irish storytelling – an art form that elevates every narrative into legend.  

Our quintessentially Irish journey pursues many an Irish tale, from the pious to the irreverent, tracing the footsteps of saints, strugglers, saviours, and the unsung heroes and heroines who have shaped Ireland’s history. From the harrowing trails of famine-stricken families to the poignant exodus of the two million Irish who sought solace in the New World. From political prisoners who waged a battle for independence, to literary luminaries who captured the spirit of their homeland in timeless prose. 

Though over 80 million descendants worldwide proudly claim Irish ancestry, the true essence of Ireland’s story resonates most profoundly within the streets of its cities and the laneways of its villages. Across the 26 counties of the Republic and neighbouring Northern Ireland, each day unfolds a new chapter, brimming with tales that echo through the ages. Join us as we revel in the vibrant narratives of the Irish who crafted the story of Ireland, with a book-end journey to the streets of Edinburgh for a taste of Scotland’s own saints, saviours and secrets. 

Highlights

Be inspired by political prisoners and freedom fighters, from Dublin’s Kilmainham Gaol to Scotland’s William Wallace Monument
Discover the saints, saviours, and everyday heroes who shaped Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland, from resilient village communities to influential city visionaries
Journey on a pilgrimage from St Patrick’s grave and the nuns of Kylemore Abbey, to the rock of Cashel and Robert the Bruce
Uncover secrets of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, visit Edinburgh Castle, and delve into the city’s ghostly underground tunnels
Walk the streets once trod by Oscar Wilde, James Joyce and George Bernard Shaw exploring Dublin’s vibrant cultural scene

Itinerary

Staterooms and Prices

Choose your departure

Our Ship

The Douglas Mawson

Our new purpose-built small ship, the Douglas Mawson.
Capacity
154 Passengers Maximum (130 on Expedition)
Year built
2025
Cabins
86
Length
104.4 m
Decks
8
Speed
10-12 Knots

Loyal Travelers

We love celebrating our loyal expeditioners who return to explore with us. After your first Aurora Expeditions voyage, you’ll automatically achieve Bronze Adventurer status. The more voyages you embark on, the higher you climb—progressing to Silver and eventually Gold!

Solo Travelers

Voyages with Aurora Expeditions are such a fantastic choice for solo travelers, giving you the chance to experience the world’s most remote and incredible destinations with like-minded travelers and our expert guides, while on board our small, social and welcoming ships.

Your Choice Experiences

Our ‘Your Choice’ curated excursions and enrichment program are included in your voyage. They offer you a choice of experiences designed to bring cruising to a whole new level. Experience a medley of culture, traditions, and history as you travel beyond the ordinary, immersing yourself in each destination and creating lasting memories.