A cruise at the Shannon River with Le Boat is likely one of the most unusual tactics to discover Eire taking you in the course of the middle of the rustic and its lengthy historical past. When you select an Irish River cruise, you’ve got the risk to self-drive alongside Eire’s historical freeway to ancient ruins and well-known castles. Each and every the city alongside the River Shannon welcomes bargers with open palms and ice-cold pints of Guinness as gifted musicians entertain the gang with full of life conventional song.
Cruising the Shannon is also the purpose, however getting off the boat to enjoy Irish hospitality is what creates reminiscences to remaining an entire life. In case you are making plans a cruise at the Shannon, we’re going to come up with all of the data you want to benefit from your commute. At the moment, Le Boat is providing early reserving financial savings of 10% till November 30 for the 2023 season. Take a look at all their locations in Europe and Canada. See main points right here.
Cruising at the Shannon
This used to be our fourth Le Boat River Cruise. We had simply completed cruising the Canal du Midi in France and made two different journeys at the Rideau Canal in Ottawa, Canada the summer time prior to. We have been taking a look ahead to cruising the River Shannon because it seemed very similar to a Rideau Canal cruise with extra open water and lakes than the lengthy and slender Canal du Midi. Eire has a different position in our shuttle hearts and we have been going to talk over with puts in Eire that we hadn’t noticed prior to.
- Examine different Le Boat River Cruise stories:
Concerning the Shannon River
The Shannon River is the longest river in Eire spanning 360 km in the course of the middle of the rustic. It begins in Shannon Pot in County Cavan within the north of Eire and results in County Limerick on the Shannon Estuary.
Our Shannon River Cruise Path
Throughout our 8-day Shannon River Cruise, we traveled from Carrick on Shannon from the Le Boat workplace. (Emerald Famous person in Eire) to Portumna the place Le Boat has any other workplace. Boats are all parked of their marina with complete energy and amenities.
In Eire, Le Boat is referred to as Emerald Famous person. Emerald Famous person has been Eire’s Quantity One boating vacation supplier and has been working at the Rivers Shannon for almost 50 years so I will perceive why they didn’t wish to lose their identify!
What to Be expecting on a Cruise at the River Shannon
Carrick on Shannon to Portumna (or visa versa) is likely one of the hottest routes for Shannon River Barge Cruisers. This can be a 160 km adventure that takes you via 5 locks and below 2 bridges. To shuttle 160 km on a Le Boat houseboat, the adventure takes roughly 20 hours of boating time. Boats are restricted to 10km in line with hour, so when you find yourself Shannon Cruising, you might be sitting again to loosen up. As you’ll see from the map, we coated a large number of Eire.
We have been stunned with simply what number of Irish have been cruising the Shannon River on both their very own boats or with boat leases. It no doubt reminded us a large number of the Rideau Canal in Canada in that sense. When cruising that canal, we noticed many impartial boaters benefit from the UNESCO International Heritage Web page.
We flew into Dublin the place our go back and forth from Kearns Coaches picked us as much as take us to the Le Boat Headquarters at Carrick on Shannon. We requested our driving force if shall we forestall at a grocery retailer to select up provides and he used to be glad to have a brief wreck whilst we purchased food and drink for our week at the River Shannon.
Carrick on Shannon is a town the place we may have purchased all our provides, so the forestall wasn’t wanted, but it surely used to be great so that you can load meals into the van and offload it at once on the dock.
Do you Want Boating Revel in to Cruise the Shannon River?
You do not want boating enjoy to cruise the Shannon with Le Boat. A Le Boat consultant will stroll you via the whole lot you want at the boat after which take you out for a brief lesson. All boats have a most velocity restrict of 10 km in line with hour and there are many bumpers at the boat. Plus, boats have thrusters that you’re going to learn to use for your orientation they usually make riding simple.
Our information walked us in the course of the heating and air-con and all the controls that we’d be the use of throughout the following seven days. And he’s going to take you out on a take a look at power to turn you easy methods to use the thrusters and controls. By the point he left the boat, we felt assured to begin navigating our approach alongside the Shannon River.
Day 1 – Carrick on Shannon
We spent the evening at Carrick on Shannon and immediately fell in love with this the city. There are many issues to do in Carrick on Shannon that you want to spend 2 nights within the the city.
Carrick on Shannon is a full of life town stuffed with pubs which are packed to the hilt. We discovered that this can be a widespread Stag and Rooster celebration vacation spot in the United Kingdom and wedding ceremony events had flown in from in all places Britain to have fun.
It used to be simple to discover a pub the place we presented my brother Jim to a correct pint of Guinness. Prior to Eire, he vowed that he would no longer transform partial to Guinness as a result of he doesn’t like darkish beer, however we quickly made a “Guinness Lover” out of him. We spent the evening bar hopping and taking note of gifted Irish bands prior to strolling again to our boat that used to be positioned proper downtown within the Le Boat Marina.
One to not pass over vacation spot within the middle of downtown Carrick on Shannon is Costello Memorial Chapel. It’s mentioned to be the second one smallest chapel on the planet and used to be made via Edward Costello who faithful it to his spouse who died in 1877. Each their tombs are on show below glass within.
Day 2 – Carrick on Shannon to Tarmonbarry
We had a lot of time on a daily basis to get to our subsequent vacation spot at the Shanon River, so each and every morning we made breakfast at the boat and loved a leisurely tempo prior to surroundings off for Tarmonbarry.
Le Boats have complete kitchens they usually provide you with pots and pans, dishes, and cutlery. Through ordering the picnic starter equipment, we additionally had salt and pepper, olive oil and tin foil. All we would have liked to buy on the grocery retailer used to be the foods and snacks we needed for the week forward.
Lunch at Dromod
En direction, we stopped on the pretty riverside village of Dromod. Dromod is a picturesque the city that could be a absolute best forestall for lunch. We docked on the harbor that has been used for greater than 150 years for barges sporting Guinness and the use of it as a stopover. There are a few eating places and pubs with a notable steakhouse.
You’ll stroll out to the railway museum and will take a brief experience at the still-operating steam educate. Outdoor you’ll see vintage cars, an outdated bus, an plane, and a submarine. Within the museum, there are guns on show from WWII.
If you happen to aren’t going to prepare dinner lunch at the boat, we recommend preventing for lunch on the Brandywell Bar Eating place and Resort to take a look at some Guinness Pie or you’ll fill up on some groceries at Kinneden Organics to buy some natural fruit and greens. Cox’s Steakhouse is any other widespread eating place and in case you are staying the evening, you’ll want to e book a desk upfront for dinner.
In a single day in Tarmonbarry
After a few hours at Dromod, we made our approach to Tarmonbarry the place we spent the evening on this full of life the city. We have been instructed that we’d wish to name the bridge keeper to get below the bridge, however as he used to be riding via, he yelled over to us, announcing we’d make it. Simply pass sluggish! Handiest in Eire eh?
We adopted his recommendation and slowly crossed below the bridge ducking our heads as we handed. We have been in Tarmonbarry with a lot of hours to spare prior to sundown.
It used to be then at the motorcycles that we rented from Le Boat searching for the Abbey that used to be constructed via Saint Barrech, (Barry) within the Sixth Century. It used to be an extended motorbike experience than anticipated, however after biking via farmland, hills, and the Irish Nation-state, we in any case discovered the Abbey that properties his stone boat.
Legend has it that Saint Barry carried out a miracle when he had to move the River Shannon to have a tendency to a unwell comrade. With out a boat in sight, we became an enormous boulder right into a watercraft to move the river. We noticed mentioned boulder in all its glory at Whitehall Church simply north of The city.
It is a nice the city to hang around in for the night time with a lot of pubs and eating places. We listened to are living song at Keenans and loved a pint outdoor at The Shannon Bar and Lawn.
Day 3 – Tarmonbarry to Lanesborough
After an evening of a number of pints of Guinness, we slept like small children within the quiet marina. This marina is positioned on a biking and strolling path and makes for a just right position to stretch your legs within the morning.
It used to be then off to Lanesborough simply in time for lunch.
Be sure to forestall on this the city as there are a few very good ancient church buildings to discover. There’s a distillery on the town and nice puts for espresso. It used to be throughout this commute that Jim and Janice discovered that Dave and I really like a just right cup of espresso as we set out on a daily basis to discover a scrumptious espresso store. We at all times discovered what we would have liked!
Lanesborough to Athlone
We parked our boat via the bridge around the Shannon River from Lanesborough. It’s right here that you’ll discover the dual towns of Lanesborough and Ballyleague. Sling Shot Gin is distilled proper on this the city and you’ll forestall in for a style and to buy an Irish memento.
Don’t pass over visiting St. John’s church which dates all of the as far back as the start of the Christian custom in Eire throughout the fifth Century. Lanesborough is a smart position to revel in lunch and to stretch your legs prior to transferring on in your forestall for the evening, Athlone.
In a single day in Athlone
Athlone is the most important town to your Shannon River Cruise and we recommend spending two nights right here if you’ll. I’d reasonably do day journeys out to Lanesborough and Loch Ree throughout the day and use Athlone as a base for 2 nights. Loch Ree is so widespread to discover that there are Viking ships that take vacationers out to discover its Viking historical past and all of its monasteries dotting the shore.
Day 4 – Athlone
Athlone is house to the arena’s oldest pub and we parked our boat at once in entrance of this ancient landmark. The pub is positioned at once at the Shannon River and Le Boat has top docking areas proper within the middle of the city. Whether it is complete, you’ll additionally park on the marina a bit bit prior to the city, however we propose attending to Athlone early to get a place at this top location. We have been inside of strolling distance from in all places. And had a thousand-dollar-a-night view from our top location.
There are such a lot of issues to do in Athlone, that it is likely one of the most sensible vacationer locations in Eire. It’s a well-liked forestall for excursion buses touring between Dublin and Galway and for just right explanation why.
Wander via its Medieval Streets to peruse its stores, eating places, and cafes. And you’ll want to talk over with Athlone Citadel which dominates the waterfront. Our boat used to be only some brief steps clear of this ancient landmark courting again to 1210. You’ll take guided excursions in the course of the citadel grounds.
Sean’s Bar – International’s Oldest Pub
The International’s Oldest Pub used to be no doubt a spotlight. The Guinness E-book of International Data says that it’s Europe’s oldest pub, however the proof presentations that it’s in reality The International’s Oldest ceaselessly working pub. They have got the forms to end up it. Sean’s Bar dates again to 500 AD and it used to be throughout renovations within the Seventies that they discovered thousand-year-old cash and the unique construction product of Wattle and Wicker.
This the city used to be made much more well-known when Michael Jackson stopped in to drop some huge cash within the Bastion Gallery. Athlone in reality is a gem of a Shannon River Cruise and lots of Shannoriver cruisers use this as a base and easily do day excursions from right here.
Day 5 – Athlone to Shannonbridge
These days is a gorgeous day so you’ll want to depart vibrant and early to take your time at one of the abnormal stops at the Shannon River. These days you talk over with the impressive Clonmacnoise. This forestall is an historical town that showcases a Sixth-century monastic agreement.
We left Athlone as quickly because the locks opened to make it to Clonmacnoise prior to the crowds. Even if you’ll dock your boat right here at the Shannon River, bus excursions common this surprise of Eire. So you’ll be sharing it with overland vacationers.
Clonmacnoise
Clonmacnoise is a monastic agreement from the Sixth century. Pulling as much as the dock is improbable unto itself. The very first thing that comes into view is the top castle overlooking the Shannon River. As you stroll up the trail against the doorway, the crosses and church buildings come into sight and you understand you might be in for one thing particular.
Plan to spend two hours playing Clonmacnoise. Your talk over with starts with a 15-minute movie explaining the historical past of the monastery adopted via a guided excursion. The guided excursion gives perception into the crosses and grounds, and is just right to participate in however it is usually great to stay round after the gang leaves (And prior to the following one arrives).
Throughout that point, you’ve got time to benefit from the grounds by yourself. There are greater than 700 early Christian gravestones, top towers, and improbable stone crosses.
Within the museum is incredible as neatly. Be sure to stay an eye fixed out for The North Go, which seems very similar to the move at the E-book of Kells. Learn extra: 34 of the Best possible Issues to do in Dublin, Eire
Since this web page is likely one of the early Christian settlements, Clonmacnoise is a well-liked non secular pilgrimage, and Pope John Paul II gave mass right here in 1979.
In a single day at Shannonbridge
This night is the evening we docked at Shannonbridge which is any other spotlight of a Shannon River Cruise. Like such a lot of puts that we docked throughout our Le Boat commute at the Shannon, we parked proper downtown and may stroll in all places. In reality, we have been as soon as once more in entrance of a well-known Eire pub! Luker’s Bar Shannonbridge is house to one of the vital best-preserved pubs in all of Eire. Luker’s Bar is so well-known that it’s at the Irish Bar Calendar that includes well-known bars within the nation.
We have been fortunate as a result of John, the landlord used to be serving that evening and he took us on a excursion into his original pub that has slightly modified because the 1750s. There’s the remaining last Victoria Regina Hearth in all the British Isles, outdated picket tables the place you’ll virtually odor the smell of an 18th-century celebration and memorabilia from a bygone generation.
You might wish to spend your entire time within the pub when docking your boats at the River Shannon, however you’ll want to mission out to discover extra of Shannonbridge. The bridge itself is a gorgeous arched construction that used to be finished within the 1700s. There’s a impressive outdated castle positioned proper at the River Shannon the place you’ll clutch a espresso and discover the martello towers.
The castle used to be constructed to safe the Shannon River from an invasion via Napoleon and there are lots issues to peer. In case you are on the lookout for are living song, Killeen’s Bar has song on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday nights from Would possibly to October.
It can be a small the city, however you’ll set up to head pub hopping in Shannonbridge. That’s simply the best way issues are in Eire.
Day 6 – Banagher
Banagher is a good looking subsequent forestall at the River Shannon cruise the place you’ll be staying in a big marina. This marina has showers, laundry, and close by meals vans within the top season. It’s an excessively brief stroll to the city to revel in a lot of pubs and eating places. Be sure to talk over with the River Shannon Brewery to take a wreck from Guinness and check out out their artisan craft beers the Martello Tower and Crank Crimson Ale.
It used to be on this the city that we loved one in all our favourite dinners at the River Shannon. Unfortunately, I utterly forgot its identify, however if you happen to stroll right into a again alleyway no longer a long way into the city, you’ll pop out to a picturesque courtyard. Dave and I discovered it whilst on the lookout for a espresso store they usually had scrumptious cappuccinos. Whilst sipping our espresso, we made a reservation for that evening.
This pretty eating place is a brand new addition to town with incredible meals and a gorgeous surroundings. On the time of writing they didn’t have their liquor license but, however they allowed us to carry our personal wine.
Probably the most extra distinctive issues to do in Banagher is to hop in for a swim within the River Shannon on the Banagher Swimming pool which is positioned proper within the waters of the river.
Day 7 – Portumna Citadel
Our ultimate power alongside the Shannon River prior to our remaining night time used to be a gorgeous commute via Lough Derg to Portumna. We recommend passing Portumna and making your approach to the jetty in entrance of Portumna Citadel. It’s in the course of the bridge and you’ll have to time it consistent with your timetable that you simply’ll obtain from Le Boat, however believe me, it would be best to keep in entrance of the citadel.
Portumna Citadel is a gem of Eire and each King James I and Queen Elizabeth I visited this surprising citadel. You’ll take a excursion of the citadel grounds and within there’s a cafe providing recent espresso and meals that may be visited without spending a dime. Fortunately we had our motorbike leases and loved a pleasing experience in the course of the picturesque Portumna Wooded area Park.
There are many pubs, eating places and buying groceries on the town and as is the case with all the cities and villages at the Shannon River, a fascinating church and a few outdated ruins.
The Abbey Ruins positioned between the citadel and the city may also be simply explored throughout your stroll and are utterly loose to go into. They have been a spotlight of the numerous issues to peer at the River Shannon.
Day 8 – Ultimate Evening Portumna Dock
It used to be a 9 am take a look at tomorrow, so we left Portumna Citadel within the afternoon to make the general bridge crossing again to the Le Boat dock in Portumna. This dock is an remoted position to you’ll want to have what you want for the evening. You’ll order meals and feature it delivered for a flat charge from the city. The Le Boat body of workers have been great sufficient to make a decision for us and we ordered Italian meals for our ultimate evening at the River Shannon.
We spent the evening stress-free and packing as much as be off the boat and in a position for our go back and forth again to Dublin vibrant and early.
Our Le Boat commute had come to an finish, however the reminiscences created will remaining an entire life.
A few Shannon River Cruise
Our direction took us from Carrick on Shannon to Portumna. It used to be an 8-day cruise and we spent about 3 hours on a daily basis at the Water.
- Our commute spanned 160 km / 5 locks / 2 Bridges / 20 hours of boating
- Locks are open Monday – Saturday 09:00am -8 pm and Sundays 10:00am-6:00pm
- When renting a Le Boat, the whole lot is incorporated. They come up with sensible playing cards if wish to function the locks. More often than not they aren’t wanted, however I’ve learn that they’re required at the Shannon Erne.
- Lifestyles Jackets will have to be worn on the locks.
- That is the very best commute for rookies as no enjoy is wanted. The times are stress-free and also you’ll drift into each and every the city early sufficient to discover and revel in.
Be ready for Irish climate, it might flip instantly and we skilled a large number of rain. We needed to power from under maximum days, however we had the warmth on and the snacks flowing as we took within the leisurely tempo of exploring the Shannon.
The beauty of visiting Eire is that if the elements is dangerous, the pubs are open with pleasant and alluring other people ready to heat you up with a pleasing pint of Guinness via the hearth.
