Shannon Princess cruises the River Shannon, the longest river in the British Isles, which meanders through glorious scenery rich in widlife.
Legends surround the islands of Lough Ree, where monasteries thrived until the time of Henry VIII. Visit the Kilbeggan Whiskey Distillery during your time in historic Athlone, before descending through the impressive Athlone Lock.
Moored beneath the ruins of Clonmacnoise, explore the remains before travelling to the lovely Birr Castle. From Mountshannon, enjoy a full day excursion to the lively city of Galway, and from the pretty lake-side village of Killaloe, take a trip to the magnificent Adare Manor on the banks of the River Maigue.
Shannon Princess accommodates ten passengers in five luxurious en-suite cabins. Public areas include a comfortable saloon and a Sun Deck with spa pool. The crew of three includes a Master Chef who creates delicious signature dishes.
EW884 Operated by European Waterways
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Shannon River and Irish Lakes Itinerary
Day 1 - Glasson (Ireland)
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.
Day 2 - 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.
Day 3 - Shannon Bridge
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.
Day 4 - 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.
Day 5 - 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.
Day 6 - 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. ‘Slainte’ cocktail reception and Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
Day 7 - Killaloe
After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Dublin**.
PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary runs in reverse on alternate weeks. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. **Other locations available for private Charter bookings