Shannon Princess

The River Shannon and its lakes represent Ireland at its finest and your cruise aboard Shannon Princess features a landscape of rolling green fields, ancient Celtic landmarks and an abundance of wildlife.

The legends and fables of Ireland are found everywhere and are well understood by the hospitable Irish people who will be happy to tell you more about the ancient culture. The history of Ireland has been varied and sometimes difficult, but the locals always find the time to chat and perhaps charm you a tale or two of folklore.

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 junior 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.

Shannon Princess’s Captain and his crew will go out of their way to ensure your every need is accommodated, while your Master Chef who was trained at the Ballmaloe School, will create some wonderful signature dishes to make your enthralling voyage through the ‘Emerald Isle’ complete.

Cabin

• Five cabins with tiled ensuite shower bath
• Extensive renovation and upgrades in the cabins and bathrooms for the 2016 season
• All 120 square feet with picture windows
• All with choice of one queen or two twin beds
• Two bathrobes in each cabin

Public area

• WiFi with limited availability
• Panoramic windows in salon, dining room

Deck

• 107 Feet Long
• Hot tub
• Spacious deck
• 4 Raleigh brand bicycles
• Mountain bikes with pumps and helmets
• Extra bikes of different types/sizes available on request

Day 1 Sunday: Welcome to Waters & the Wild

The Barge Host will meet guests at 3.00pm at the designated meeting point. The transfer will be in the barge’s luxury private coach to the Shannon Princess in Killaloe, Co. Clare.
Family-owned and managed, Shannon Princess delivers one of the warmest welcomes in European Barging.  We welcome you on board the elegant Shannon Princess with a champagne reception. There is time to relax on deck or to mingle and chat with fellow guests & local boat owners. Watch the world float by as you enjoy your first gourmet dinner on board.

 Day 2 Monday: cruise the lower stretches of the Shannon

A Cruise through the charming lower stretches of Lough Derg and the River Shannon arriving into the pretty Mountshannon – a lovely old estate village perched prettily above the Lough. Then a visit to “Cragaunowen” a Celtic Bronze Age Settlement, where your guide will interpret and bring to life the “Living Past”.

Later in the afternoon we drop in on a “Traditional Irish Hand Weavers” workshop and studio where guests will experience a step back in time while also learning how these thriving small cottage industries are dealing with technology and the future.

Day 3 Tuesday: cruise north & castle visit

A beautiful sail north this morning up through Lough Derg to Terryglass. After lunch we take a visit to “Leap Castle”, reputed to be Ireland’s most haunted house. Leap Castle was once home to one of America’s founding Fathers – John Carroll.

You will be hosted by Sean Ryan, a renowned musician, and his family who will invites us in to their unusual home.

Day 4 Wednesday: Portumna Castle, Galway & Guinness & Oyster Bar

Today take a morning excursion to the Walled Kitchen Gardens of Portumna Castle, and onto Galway, a lively Anglo-Norman university town and cultural centre of Irish speaking regions in the west of Ireland.

Lunch is at an authentic Guinness & Oyster Bar with time to browse and explore the colourful shops and streets.

Return to “Shannon Princess’ for gourmet dinner as we cruise through ever-changing landscapes, crumbling ivy covered ruins, medieval garrisons & sleepy market villages.

Day 5 Thursday: Athlone & Clonmacnoise

Today we move towards the riverside town of Athlone, stopping en route at Clonmacnoise, a famed 6th century university and early Christian settlement. After a visit to the interpretative centre we continue north through Europe’s richest example of “callows” landscape. This is one of Irelands premier wildflower reserves.
Explore at your leisure with time for shopping, antiquing or a visit to any of the town’s impromptu traditional music pubs.  Don’t forget to return on board for a gourmet dinner!

Day 6 Friday: Lough Ree & Kilbeggan Distilery

This morning we sail up through Lough Ree and its Islands and the lovely inner lakes to Glasson, Co. Westmeath.

An afternoon visit is made to a local whiskey distillery. Dating from 1757, the Kilbeggan Distillery is the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world.

Later that evening we have our Captains “Farewell” Gourmet Dinner showcasing local food produce.

Day 7 Saturday: Farewell

After a final scrumptious breakfast, we will say farewell and transfer you to Dublin Airport or your hotel.

Rates 2021

Dates 2021

Availability is subject to change. Please contact us for current availability.