'Shannon Princess II'

Cruising on the River Shannon, between Athlone and Killaloe (or reverse)

DAY 1- SUNDAY : ATHLONE
Guests shall be met at 3.00pm at the Aberdeen Lodge Hotel in Dublin and transferred by coach to the Shannon Princess at her charming Castleside mooring in the heart of Athlone. Athlone is a flourishing riverside and garrison town dating from the 13th. Century. Your Captain and his crew welcome you onboard the delightful Shannon Princess with Champagne, Black Velvets or Irish Coffees!

DAY 2 MONDAY : ATHLONE TO BANAGHER
The Shannon Princess descends through Athlone Lock and heads south through Europe's richest example of Callow landscape. Countryside little changed in over 1000 years. This is one of Irelands premier Wildfowl Reserves. We moor at Clonmacnoise ruins, a famed 6th.Century University and early Christian settlement. After a visit to the interpritive centre we lunch onboard enroute to Banagher arriving mid-afternoon to this typical Irish riverside town. A short bus ride to the narrow gauge bog railway where you will get a fascinating insight to the unique boglands of Ireland. Dinner onboard

DAY 3 TUESDAY : BANAGHER TO TERRYGLASS
We travel a very pretty stretch of the Shannon with an ever-changing landscape slipping by. Travelling down through Meelick lock, pausing as Portumna swing bridge is opened to allow the Shannon Princess passage onto idyllic Lough Derg. We moor at Terryglass Harbour. Time to explore this charming Hamlet before an afternoon excursion to Birr Castle with its glorious landscaped gardens dating from 17th. Century and family seat of the Earls of Ross. Lunch in The Derg Inn in the village

DAY 4 WEDNESDAY : TERRYGLASS TO GALWAY
A full day excursion to Galway City A lively University City and cultural centre for Irish speaking regions in Western Ireland. Visit Galway crystal and a profusion of craft and linen shops. Lunch at a Traditional Guinness & Oyster pub. Return to Shannon Princess for Dinner

DAY 5 THURSDAY: TERRYGLASS TO MOUNTSHANNON
We sail south through the especially beautiful Lough Derg passing Forrest park and ancient mountains as we set our course for Mountshannon a lovely lakeside village perched above the Lough. The afternoon excursion is to a unique project set in the grounds of Graggaunowen Castle, designed to bring Bronze Age & Celtic culture to life. Also on display is a reconstructed hide boat used by Irish Monks to sail to North America in the 5th. Century Dinner onboard

DAY 6 FRIDAY : MOUNTSHANNON TO KILLALOE
This morning we cruise through south Lough Derg and her many Islands rejoining the River Shannon and entering Killaloe, once home to the court of the greatest High King of Ireland Brian Boru. We moor on the Tipperary side of this elegant little town. A visit that afternoon to the famous Hunt Museum housed in Limerick City. This is a fascinating collection donated to the state by the Hunt Family Extra optional activities in the afternoon include a visit to Tinaranna House Spa where you can pamper yourself with Sauna, Massage, Aromatherapy and other Spa Services. Alternatively your Captain can hire a private fishing boat and guide. Farewell dinner ends your cruise in style

DAY 7 SATURDAY : KILLALOE TO DUBLIN AIRPORT/CITY

NOTE: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks, cruises will be in the reverse direction.