IRELAND RIVER CRUISE
The River Shannon is Ireland's longest river at 224 miles, The Shannon rises in County Cavan and flows gently south to Limerick and into the Atlantic Ocean.  It also divides the West of Ireland from the east and south.  All along the Shannon River, there are charming towns and villages, the most noteworthy being Carrick on Shannon, Athlone and Limerick.   Every town tells its own story.   Barge cruises in Ireland, especially on the Shannon is a great way to get away from the stresses of everyday life.   There are no traffic jams and there is lots of time for fishing, swimming, and all types of watersports.   Three major lakes on the Shannon are Lough Allen, Lough Ree and Lough Derg.   Not forgetting the Grand Canal and the Royal Canal which link the Shannon to Dublin.   With so much included in the price, Irish Barge trips offer value for money.  Travelling from town to village and no need to worry about directions or unpacking.  You will wake up in a different place every day, refreshed and ready for the next adventure.

Cruising Ireland on the River Shannon
SHANNON PRINCESS - CRUISING ON THE LOWER SHANNON- BARGING IN IRELAND

THE 10 PASSENGER SHANNON PRINCESS II is the largest luxury hotel barge cruising the Lower Shannon. Her thoughtfully designed interior includes twin or double beds with lough views, a comfortable saloon, dining area and full length sun deck. Her experienced Captain and crew go out of their way to ensure your every need is accommodated. Your chef was trained at the Ballymaloe School and distinguishes herself at every meal with signature dishes such as parcels of wild salmon, roast of spring lamb, variations of shellfish stew with fresh herbs and of course, a grand selection of desserts.
FEATURES Panoramic Windows Beautiful Sundeck. DIMENSIONS: Length 105 ' (32m), width 20" (6.0m) PERSONNEL CREW: 5. Captain, Tour Guide, Chef, x 3 Host/Hostesses Our crew are Irish and speak English. ACCOMMODATION 5 Suites each with an en-suite bathroom. All Suites have a choice of twin or double bedding. They also have a closet, private bathroom, individually controlled central heating, bottled water and chocolates. The cabins are all well above waterline with large panoramic windows allowing passengers a full, uninhibited view and have ample storage space. HAIRDRYERS: Yes. Internet access: There is wifi facility on board for passengers to connect to the internet if they bring their own laptop or phones. Guests can also have access to the internet at libraries and cyber cafes while visiting towns and villages during their canal cruising in Ireland.

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SAMPLE ITINERARY
SHANNON PRINCESS II - CLASSIC IRELAND CRUISE
Quigley's Marina to Killaloe

Sunday, Day 1 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.

Monday, Day 2 Glasson to 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.

Tuesday, Day 3 Athlone to 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, perhaps join the captain for a pint in Killeen’s pub and an evening with the locals.

Wednesday, Day 4 Shannonbridge to 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.

Thursday, Day 5 Terryglass to 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.

Friday, Day 6 Mountshannon to 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 Adare Manor, a magnificent estate located on the banks of the River Maigue. Here, in the setting of the Walled Garden, we gain a real insight into the history and tradition of falconry and have the opportunity to ‘get up close and personal’ with birds of prey such as owls, falcons and eagles – a magical experience. We end the afternoon by visiting a traditional Irish hand-weaving workshop. ‘Sláinte’ cocktail reception and Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
Saturday, Day 7 Killaloe fter breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Dublin** . After breakfast transfer by coach to the designated drop off point. On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.

Shannon Princess II Ireland - the lower Shannon River

Rates are for six nights on either: A whole boat charter basis or per person based on double occupancy per cabin.
Ireland - Lower Shannon River - Shannon Princess II Accommodation

2024 cruise rates

Accommodation	Value	Regular
Suite	$4,850	$5,650
Single Supplement	$1,680	$1,900
Charter (Whole Barge)
Charter 6 passengers	$41,300	$46,000
Charter 8 passengers	$43,700	$49,000
Charter 10 passengers	$46,000	$52,000
Departure Dates (Sunday)	Rates	Cruise Region
2024	Value	Ireland - The River Shannon
May 5, 12, 19, 26; Jun 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Jul 7, 14, 21, 28; Aug 4, 11, 18, 25; Sep 1, 8, 15, 22	Regular	Ireland - The River Shannon

2025 cruise rates

Ireland- Shannon Princess

 

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