Overview
During your cruise, there is a programme of fascinating excursions that will you give you a true immersion into the heritage and traditions of this part of Ireland, such as a personal tour of a castle by its eccentric owner, a birds of prey display, visits to a whiskey distillery and hand-weaving workshop and, of course, the chance to sample a pint or two of the ‘black stuff’ – Guinness.
Shannon Princess, accommodating 10 guests in comfort, is the largest hotel barge to be cruising the River Shannon and its picturesque, intertwining lakes. Her thoughtfully-designed interior includes a comfortable saloon and dining area with panoramic windows. The five twin/double cabin suites, also with picture windows, are stylishly furnished and each is air-conditioned, centrally heated, and accompanied by a modern en-suite shower room.
The large rooftop sundeck is certainly the place to relax, perhaps on one of the comfortable loungers, to watch the countryside glide slowly by, or in the heated spa pool. There is also an inviting dining area with circular table to savour that gourmet meal on warmer days.
Itinerary
Deck Hotel Barge Shannon Princess
Deluxe | 10 Passengers | 5 Crew
- 110 Feet Long
- 5 Twin/Double Staterooms (117sq ft incl. en suite)
- Centrally Heated / Air-Conditioned
- Spa Pool
Day 1 Dublin Glasson
Guests are met in Dublin and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to the Shannon Princess. Your Captain and crew will welcome you onboard with champagne, black velvet cocktails or perhaps an Irish coffee, before free time perhaps for a stroll or a visit to St. Flannan’s Cathedral. Dinner on board.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Shannon Princess in a Stateroom.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Day 2 Glasson Athlone
This morning, begin your cruise around the beautiful ‘inner lakes’ (islands) of Lough Ree, passing stately homes and lush forested islands. You’ll then continue north as you explore some of the 365 islands on the lake. You will then circle back to the River Shannon and onto your mooring in Athlone Town. After lunch you will visit the Kilbeggan Whiskey Distillery, dating from 1757 and the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world. Dinner on board.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Shannon Princess in a Stateroom.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Day 3 Athlone Shannonbridge
Today, negotiate Athlone Lock and head south through Europe’s richest example of “Callow” landscape. You will moor at Clonmacnoise ruins, a famed 6th century university and an early monastic settlement. Following a tour, you will cruise on to our mooring at Shannonbridge. Then, after lunch you will 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. Dinner on board.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Shannon Princess in a Stateroom.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Day 4 Shannonbridge Terryglass
This morning, 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 you will 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.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Shannon Princess in a Stateroom.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Day 5 Terryglass Mountshannon
Today, your 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 Galway’s crystal, craft and linen shops and then lunch at a traditional Guinness & oyster pub. Return to Shannon Princess and set sail across beautiful Lough Derg, passing Forrest Park and ancient mountains as you enjoy your dinner and sunset cruise to Mountshannon – a lovely lakeside village perched above the Lough. Dinner on board.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Shannon Princess in a Stateroom.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Day 6 Mountshannon Killaloe
Today you will 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, yo will have 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, you will 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. You will end the afternoon by visiting a traditional Irish hand-weaving workshop. ‘Sláinte’ cocktail reception and Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Shannon Princess in a Stateroom.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Day 7 Killaloe Dublin
After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Dublin.
