River Shannon
The River Shannon represents
Ireland at its finest. Rolling green fields, lakes and
rivers, ancient Celtic monasteries and an abundance of
wildlife are common place on our carefully chosen cruise
route. The legends and fables of Ireland are found everywhere
and are well understood by the warm and hospitable Irish
people. Their extraordinary history has been varied and
sometimes difficult but they somehow always find the time
to chat and discuss the time of day.
- Click here for Glasson to Killaloe Ireland Cruise
- Click here for Killoloe to Quigley's Marina Ireland "Golf" Cruise
CRUISE MAP
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, join the captain for a pint in Killeen's pub for some Irish music 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 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.
Saturday, Day 7 Killaloe
After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Dublin.
*This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction.
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Sunday, Day 1 - Killaloe
We meet you at the designated meeting place and transfer you by coach to the Shannon Princess moored in historic Killaloe. On arrival, enjoy a welcome Irish Coffee or a pint of Murphy's on tap. The afternoon is free to relax or stroll the picturesque town. Visit St Flannan's Cathedral, which was originally commenced in 1180 but destroyed by Donal Mor O'Brian and rebuilt some 200 years later in a Gothic style. Welcome dinner aboard.
Monday, Day 2 – Killoloe to Mountshannon
After a leisurely breakfast, you are transferred to Lahinch Golf Club - ranked in the Worlds top 100! The golf course is a 70 minute drive each way, but well worth it! Enjoy 18 holes followed by lunch in the clubhouse. Arrive back to the Shannon Princess for a late afternoon cruise to Mountshannon. Dinner onboard. (18 holes, 6115m, Par 72).
Tuesday, Day 3 - Mountshannon to Terryglass
Cruise the Lough, past Derg Island of Illamore to the charming sheltered harbour of historic Terryglass. Transfer to the prestigious Portumna Golf Club, a parkland championship course. A round of golf and back to Terryglass, three times national winner of Irelands tidiest town competition. Dinner onboard. (18 holes, 6123m, Par 71).
Wednesday, Day 4 - Terryglass to Banagher
Depart by bus for Galway Bay Golf Course on the Atlantic Shore. A Christy O'Connor Jr designed Course, approx. 90 minutes transfer one way and 70 minutes return. This is a great opportunity for anyone who wishes to break from golf and shop in the famous Galway City. After lunch we cross Lough Derg to Portumna, re-entering the Shannon River through Portumna "swing bridge". Lunch onboard. Arrive in Banagher, and with Irish hospitality, visit Haughs, the infamous Singing Pub. Dinner onboard. (18 holes, 5958m, Par 72).
Thursday, Day 5 - Banagher to Hodson Bay
After breakfast transfer to Athlone Golf Club located on the shores of Lough Ree, approximately 30 minutes transfer one way but no return transfer. This high quality golf course commands spectacular views of Lough Ree. Return to Shannon Princess at her new mooring in Hodson Bay, a few hundred yards from the clubhouse. Dinner aboard. (18 holes, 5937m, Par 72 for men and Par 75 for women).
Friday, Day 6 - Hodson Bay to Quigley Marina
After breakfast, cruise to Glasson and moor right next to the 17th tee at Glasson Golf and Country Club, a superb golf course with a variety of tees. A Christy O'Connor design quoted as "the best he has done so far". The course presents you with many challenges and treats, as well as spectacular views from all 18 holes. A grand finale to an Irish Golf Week! After lunch, moor in Quigley Marina at Athlone in the shadow of the castle. Visit Athlone, home of Irelands oldest pub. Farewell Dinner Aboard. (18 holes, 6400m, Par 72).
Saturday, Day 7 - Killaloe to Dublin
After breakfast transfer by coach to the designated drop off point.
Itinerary is subject to change and in reverse direction on alternative weeks.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
European
Waterways - Shannon Princess II 2017 Rates 
