Banner

Shannon Princess

Classic Cruise – Ireland

Classic Cruise – Ireland

ITINERARY*

Sunday, Day 1 Glasson

Guests are met in Dublin** and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to the Shannon Princess. Your Captain and his crew will welcome you onboard with champagne, black velvet cocktails or perhaps an Irish coffee, then time for a stroll and perhaps a visit to St. Flannan’s Cathedral. 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.  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. Dinner on board.

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

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.

 

**other locations available for private Charter bookings

CONTACT US ABOUT THIS CRUISE

    I confirm that I have read and agree to European Waterways Privacy Policy.

    Cruise Route

    Ireland River Cruise Map

    Photo Gallery

    Shannon Princess

    Shannon Princess Ireland Cruise

    10 Passengers 5 Crew More Details

    Related Articles

    What is the difference between a river cruise and a barge cruise?

    You may think that only river and ocean cruises are synonymous with a premium experience, but hotel barge cruises are every bit, if not more, luxurious! Here's why... Read More

    Embark on a Captivating Tour of the Ancient Clonmacnoise Ruins

    Explore Ireland’s rich history at the Clonmacnoise ruins aboard luxury hotel barge Shannon Princess Read More

    X