Windstar Cruises Northern Europe: 10 nights from Dublin with Star Legend
Aug 9, 2026

Belfast

Belfast has grown to become a cosmopolitan and attractive city, so much so that it has become a very popular and cool destination for European tourism.

Belfast offers the frenetic pace of the British capital, providing a gateway to the deep countryside of Northern Ireland. With feelings of optimism and life pulsing through the city, Belfast makes itself exciting and intense for the tourist. It has never been easier to tour the city, thanks to a series of buses, taxis, and boats available and, of course, the pedestrian option. Don't miss the Ulster Folk Museum and Belfast Cathedral, be sure to try some of the award-winning restaurants, bars, clubs, galleries, and theaters. Also known thanks to its numerous monuments, the city also contains a series of Victorian and Edwardian buildings. Ulster Bank, built in 1860 and the Northern Bank, founded in 1769, were built from large representative buildings from these architectural styles. Spectacular and unique beauty of the Antrim coast, flanked by cliffs, not to mention the Giants Causeway, its peculiarity will remain forever etched in your memories. A couple of hours away, you can admire attractions such as the Giant's Causeway, stroll through the Mourne mountains or fish in Fermanagh. This metropolis is the ideal place to discover what remains of Northern Ireland! Belfast's industrial heritage, the birthplace of the Titanic, has designed a place rich in culture. The splendid exhibitions of the Ulster Museum and Culturlann reveal the best heritage of the place, where you can learn about its history. Located on the slopes of Cave Hill, 120 m above sea level, is the imposing Belfast Castle. If you visit the city with children, don't miss W5, a large interactive museum with interesting exhibits. And in summer the best places to relax outdoors are Sir Thomas, Lady Dixon Park, or Cave Hill Country Park. Its historic center is definitely the ideal place to go shopping, sip a cocktail in the various bars and clubs in the area. Rich in attractions for all tastes and all ages.

Londonderry

Killybegs

Galway

Often referred to as the 'Capital of the West', the city of Galway sits on the Corrib River, right on the west coast of Ireland. Characterized by tradition and culture, it is the setting for many festivals that attract tourists from all over the world.

During the Middle Ages, the city was ruled by an oligarchy of fourteen merchant families (12 of Anglo-Norman and 2 of Irish origin). The city prospered in international trade and gradually became the main port for trade with Spain and France.

Its historic center, rich in history, is known for its artistic and cultural life. It is a city that vibrates from morning to evening with charming narrow streets and its warm and vibrant population.
The temperature in Galway is humid, with variable temperatures throughout the year.
Trade and tourism are the main industries of the city.
Tourists can enjoy water activities such as surfing, diving, and boat trips. Other outdoor activities include cycling routes and horse riding. There are a number of restaurants, pubs, theaters, clubs, and a charming mix of specialty shops and local properties, equipped with typical and characteristic crafts from all over the region, such as hand knitting, ceramics, glass, jewelry, and woodworking. The most imposing building in the city is the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption and Saint Nicholas, consecrated in 1965. It was built on the old county jail, famous for its rigor towards prisoners.
The Galway Museum (City Museum) is mainly dedicated to folklore, costumes, and traditions of the city. You can discover all kinds of antiques in contact with the history of Galway, such as agricultural tools, objects dating back to the Middle Ages, and a series of sculptures dating back to the 17th century.

Dingle

Cork

For a small town, Cork and full of resources!

Cork is the second largest city in Ireland after the capital Dublin. In recent years the citadel has undergone a major restyling and many restoration works, obtaining the title of European Capital of Culture in 2005. Divided in half by a river, as well as being beautiful it is also easy to get around. We recommend a walk along the banks of the Lee, especially at sunset, it will give you a truly fascinating show. Cork is a port city that has played a primary role in the history of Ireland. Once the transatlantic routes in this area were very numerous. Cobh, located in the back a few kilometers from the city, left thousands of Irish people fleeing from misery from the great famine in the years 1849-1850, a tragic episode that marked the collective memory causing the Irish diaspora in America. The small village is the image of Ireland as a whole, which has become cosmopolitan and attractive in a new look obtained in a few years. The largest zoo in Ireland is located at Fota Island, just 15 minutes from the city center. Patrick Street is a great street ideal for shopping, where you can satisfy your cravings. A little to the left, towards the Lee, you will see the renovated Crawford, an interesting contemporary art gallery. The English Market is a must for the search for local craftsmanship. Fans of pasteurized hops will be happy to know that they can visit the Beamish brewery, even if it is no longer active. Finally, don't miss the other side of the river, the historic church of Saint Anne Shandon (St. Anne's Church, Shandon Church).

Waterford

Rouen

Rouen, the historic capital of Normandy, is one of the most fascinating stops for those who choose to go on a cruise from France. Rich in art, history and culture, this city offers numerous attractions to visit, unique flavors to discover and a strategic position for exploring the region.

Rouen Cathedral is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable symbols of the city. This Gothic masterpiece, painted by Claude Monet, is an icon of Normandy and one of the tallest cathedrals in France. Walking through the streets of Rouen, you cannot miss the Gros Horloge, a medieval astronomical clock that is located in the heart of the city. Another unmissable attraction is the Joan of Arc Church, built on the site where the saint was executed in 1431.

Rouen is located in the north of France, about 135 km from Paris, along the Seine River. Thanks to its strategic position, it is one of the most important port cities in Normandy, making it an ideal starting point for river cruises along the Seine or maritime cruises to the United Kingdom and Scandinavia.

If you only have one day available in Rouen before your cruise, you can organize an itinerary that allows you to see the best of the city. Start with a visit to the Rouen Cathedral and continue with a walk in the historic quarter, famous for its half-timbered houses. Stop at the Old Market, where you can sample local products and see the church dedicated to Joan of Arc. End the day with a walk along the Seine, admiring the sunset over the river.

Normandy cuisine is famous for its fresh and flavorful ingredients. Among the typical dishes to try is the Canard à la Rouennaise, a duck recipe cooked with a wine sauce. Don't forget to taste the local cheeses, such as Camembert and Neufchâtel, accompanied by a good bottle of cider, the traditional drink of the region.

Rouen

Rouen, the historic capital of Normandy, is one of the most fascinating stops for those who choose to go on a cruise from France. Rich in art, history and culture, this city offers numerous attractions to visit, unique flavors to discover and a strategic position for exploring the region.

Rouen Cathedral is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable symbols of the city. This Gothic masterpiece, painted by Claude Monet, is an icon of Normandy and one of the tallest cathedrals in France. Walking through the streets of Rouen, you cannot miss the Gros Horloge, a medieval astronomical clock that is located in the heart of the city. Another unmissable attraction is the Joan of Arc Church, built on the site where the saint was executed in 1431.

Rouen is located in the north of France, about 135 km from Paris, along the Seine River. Thanks to its strategic position, it is one of the most important port cities in Normandy, making it an ideal starting point for river cruises along the Seine or maritime cruises to the United Kingdom and Scandinavia.

If you only have one day available in Rouen before your cruise, you can organize an itinerary that allows you to see the best of the city. Start with a visit to the Rouen Cathedral and continue with a walk in the historic quarter, famous for its half-timbered houses. Stop at the Old Market, where you can sample local products and see the church dedicated to Joan of Arc. End the day with a walk along the Seine, admiring the sunset over the river.

Normandy cuisine is famous for its fresh and flavorful ingredients. Among the typical dishes to try is the Canard à la Rouennaise, a duck recipe cooked with a wine sauce. Don't forget to taste the local cheeses, such as Camembert and Neufchâtel, accompanied by a good bottle of cider, the traditional drink of the region.