“IONA TOUR”, a six-week cruise to Ireland and Scotland aboard the LOXO 40
18 May 2026
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After several weeks sailing between Brittany, Cornwall, Ireland and Scotland, Christian and Monique Bouroullec have reached the Isle of Iona, the highlight of their cruising aboard the LOXO 40. Here’s a look back at the highlights of this adventure, shaped by the weather, the people they met, their walks and their discoveries.
From Brittany to Cornwall, all the way to Ireland
Setting sail from Sainte-Marine, Christian and Monique first headed for Newlyn. It was a challenging voyage through fog, wind and shipping traffic in the English Channel (La Manche), but the fog lifted as they neared land. That very evening, a stroll to the little harbour of Mousehole gave them the chance to discover one of the most picturesque villages on the English coast.
A few days later, the crossing to Ireland offered a different side to offshore sailing: increasingly rough swells, thick mist, then arrival under the curious gaze of dolphins playing in Iona’s wake. Despite these typical Celtic Sea conditions, the LOXO 40 maintained a comfortable ride. We arrived at Kilmore Quay in the drizzle, amidst the warm atmosphere of this little harbour with its colourful houses and welcoming pubs.
On land, Christian and Monique quickly settle into a routine: the boat becomes a base camp from which to explore the countryside. From Kilmore Quay, they cycle to Wexford through the Irish countryside, then discover the Saltee Islands, a nature reserve renowned for its seabird colonies. In the evening, it’s time for another local institution: Irish pubs and their live music!
Taking advantage of favourable conditions, Iona then sails up the Irish coast to Dun Laoghaire, in Dublin Bay. The entrance to the harbour is a sight to behold: cargo ships, sailing boats, regattas, passenger vessels and a hive of nautical activity.
Heading to Scotland to discover Iona
After a stopover in Bangor, Northern Ireland, the journey continues towards Scotland.
Crossing the Mull of Kintyre marks a symbolic milestone. A few hours later, Iona reaches Port Ellen on the island of Islay, ‘the whisky island’. The timing is perfect: Monique and Christian arrive right in the middle of the island’s festival, an unmissable event that attracts visitors and enthusiasts from all over the world for nine days. A wonderful festive atmosphere blending Celtic rock music and local cuisine (oysters, fish and chips, and Scotch whisky, of course!)
Christian and Monique explore Islay by bike, on foot and by bus. They discover the famous distilleries of Lagavulin, Laphroaig, Ardbeg and Bowmore.
From Islay, they head to the neighbouring island of Jura, home to 200 inhabitants and 6,000 deer. A true haven of tranquillity!
One of the most symbolic stops on the journey finally arrives: the Isle of Iona. After several weeks at sea, the boat bearing its name reaches the small island in the Hebrides. In typical Scottish weather, alternating between rain, wind and sunny spells, Christian and Monique discover this spiritual centre, the cradle of Scottish Christianity and a pilgrimage destination for over 1,500 years.
The journey now continues through the Inner Hebrides, between Mull, Tobermory, Muck and other secluded anchorages.
As the tour progresses, the IONA TOUR reveals everything that makes cruising on a LOXO 40 so charming: the chance to go on one sailing trip after another, to drop anchor in the heart of wild landscapes, and then to explore the areas you’ve passed through, whether by bike, on foot or using local transport.
