CAD $TBA
7 Days / 6 Nights
When it comes to river cruises, Ireland remains one of the most fascinating undiscovered locations in the world. Offering a mixture of folklore, quaint customs, friendly locals and the sort of sprawling green landscapes which earn the island its nickname of ‘Emerald Country’, Ireland river cruises are sure to satisfy even the most demanding of river cruise enthusiasts!
Itinerary
Day | Destination | Activities |
---|---|---|
1 | Glasson
|
EMBARKATION
Welcome cocktails or Irish coffees |
2 | Glasson
Athlone |
Cruise around the “inner lakes” of Lough Ree
Visit the Kilbeggan Whiskey Distillery |
3 | Athlone
Shannonbridge |
Moor at Clonmacnoise ruins
Evening at Killeen’s pub for some Irish music and mingle with the locals |
4 | Shannonbridge
Terryglass |
Moor at Terryglass Habour
Visit Birr Castle and see the gardens and science centre |
5 | Terryglass
Mountshannon |
See the Portumna Castle and Galway
Cruise to Mountshannon, a lakeside village |
6 | Mountshannon
Killaloe |
Moor in Killaloe, home to the court of King Brian Boru
Tour the grounds of Craggaunowen Castle |
7 | Killaloe | DISEMBARK |
GLASSON
Guests are met in Dublin and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Shannon Princess. Your Captain and his crew welcome you on board with champagne, Black Velvets or Irish coffees. Time perhaps for a gentle stroll before your first dinner on board.
GLASSON / ATHLONE
This morning we begin our cruise around the beautiful “Inner Lakes” of Lough Ree and then continue north as we explore some of the 365 islands on the lake. We then circle back to the River Shannon and onto our mooring in Athlone Town. After lunch we visit the Kilbeggan Whiskey Distillery, dating from 1757 and the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world. On the return journey there is time for a visit to Ballinahown, an artisan craft village. Dinner on board.
ATHLONE / SHANNONBRIDGE
Today we negotiate Athlone Lock and head south through Europe’s richest example of “Callow” landscape. We moor at Clonmacnoise ruins, a famed 6th century university and an early monastic settlement. Following a tour, we cruise on to our mooring at Shannonbridge. Then, after lunch we visit Leap Castle, reputed to be Ireland’s most haunted house. You will be given a personal tour by the eccentric owner Sean Ryan, whom with traditional Irish musicians, will relate to you the fascinating history of the castle and its part in founding the American Constitution. After dinner on board, join the captain for a pint in Killeen’s pub for some Irish music and an evening with the locals.
SHANNONBRIDGE / TERRYGLASS
This morning, we cruise a very pretty stretch of the River Shannon through Meelick lock, pausing as Portumna swing bridge is opened to allow us passage onto idyllic Lough Derg and then moor at Terryglass Harbour. This afternoon we visit Birr Castle, still resided in by the Earl of Rosse and family, to see the magnificent gardens, the fascinating Science Centre and admire the historic Great Telescope. Dinner on board.
TERRYGLASS / MOUNTSHANNON
Today, our tour is firstly, to the walled gardens of Portumna Castle, then on to Galway, a lively University City and cultural centre for Irish-speaking regions in Western Ireland. Visit the Galway crystal, craft and linen shops and then lunch at a traditional Guinness & Oyster pub. We return to Shannon Princess and set sail across beautiful Lough Derg, passing Forrest Park and ancient mountains as we enjoy our dinner and sunset cruise to Mountshannon – a lovely lakeside village perched above the Lough.
MOUNTSHANNON / KILLALOE
Today we set sail across south Lough Derg, re-joining the River Shannon to moor at Killaloe, once home to the court of the greatest High King of Ireland, Brian Boru. After exploring this elegant little town, we lunch on board, then set off to tour a unique project set in the grounds of Craggaunowen Castle, designed to bring Bronze Age & Celtic culture to life, before finally visiting a traditional Irish hand-weaving workshop. ‘Salinte’ cocktail reception and Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
KILLALOE
After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Dublin.
Dates & Prices
Sailing Season | Price per person |
---|---|
Value Season (April, May) | Suite* From $6,210 |
Regular Season (May, June, July, August, September) | Suite* From $7,223 |
* Price per person based on double occupancy. Due to the dynamic nature of availability and pricing, please click here to contact us directly for sailing schedule and full pricing |
Featured Inclusions
Comfortable accommodation in air-conditioned
Gourmet meals prepared by the onboard chef, fine wines and an open bar
Daily escorted excursions to places of interest and private wine tastings in air-conditioned minibuses
Local transfers e.g. to and from Paris
Bicycles and on most hotel barges, an on-deck spa pool
Attentive service from an experienced crew
Ship Information
Shannon Princess
The 10 passenger Shannon Princess is the largest hotel barge cruising the River Shannon. Her thoughtfully designed interior includes five twin/double bedded suites with Loughside views, a comfortable saloon/dining area and a full-length upper sun deck with spa pool.