Sail Training Ireland has launched its 2026 voyage calendar, offering a fresh range of sea adventures for young people nationwide.
The new calendar includes tall ship journeys and inclusion-focused programmes designed to build confidence, leadership and teamwork.
“Our 2026 voyage calendar reflects the heart of our mission,” said Daragh Sheridan of Sail Training Ireland. “It’s about access to experiences that build confidence, resilience, and understanding.”
The line-up includes Young Explorer/Gaisce Voyages for 14–17 year-olds, running in spring between Dublin and Belfast.
STEM-focused Ocean Science voyages for Transition Year students are based out of Dún Laoghaire.
Sail Training Ireland also offers regional bursary-funded voyages in Drogheda, Galway, Waterford, Cork and Dublin for youth aged 14–30.
For example, Galway hosts separate voyages for both 14–17 and 18–30 year-olds in June, while Waterford and Cork offer dual-age programmes in July and August.
All voyages are designed to promote personal development, with a focus on teamwork, leadership, and inclusion.
The charity offers programmes such as STEM at Sea, TY/Gaisce voyages, Erasmus+ Youth Exchanges, and regional projects in Irish ports.
These voyages are open to young people of all abilities. In 2024 and 2025, 30% of participants had a disability or additional need.
Generous funding ensures those from all backgrounds can take part, removing cost barriers for many.
“We are deeply grateful to our sponsors,” Sheridan said. “Their support makes every voyage, and every success story, possible.”
Key funders include the Department of Defence, Dublin Port Company, Dublin City Council, NEIC, and Rethink Ireland.
Since its founding in 2011, the charity has supported more than 4,500 young people through sail training.
Voyages are now open for booking. Early registration is advised, as places fill quickly each year.
Sail Training Ireland 2026 voyage calendar
| Date | Voyage | Age Group | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 30 – Apr 3 | Young Explorer/Gaisce Voyage 1 | 14–17 | Dublin – Belfast |
| Apr 6 – 10 | Young Explorer/Gaisce Voyage 2 | 14–17 | Belfast – Dublin |
| Apr 13 – 17 | Young Explorer/Gaisce Voyage 3 | 14–17 | Dublin – Belfast |
| Apr 20 – 24 | Young Explorer/Gaisce Voyage 4 | 14–17 | Belfast – Dublin |
| Apr 27 – May 1 | Young Explorer/Gaisce Voyage 5 | 14–17 | Dublin – Belfast |
| May 18 – 22 | Ocean Science Voyage 1 (TY/Gaisce) | 14–17 | Dún Laoghaire – Dún Laoghaire |
| May 25 – 28 | Adult Sail One | 18+ | Dún Laoghaire – Dún Laoghaire |
| Jun 1 – 5 | Drogheda Bursary Voyage 1 | 14–17 | Drogheda – Drogheda |
| Jun 1 – 5 | Galway Bursary Voyage | 14–17 | Galway – Galway |
| Jun 8 – 12 | Drogheda Bursary Voyage 2 | 14–17 | Drogheda – Drogheda |
| Jun 8 – 12 | Galway Bursary Voyage | 18 |
More details are available here
