A cruise on the Shannon River with Le Boat is likely one of the most unusual methods to discover Eire taking you thru the center of the nation and its lengthy historical past. If you select an Irish River cruise, you will have the possibility to self-drive alongside Eire’s historical freeway to historic ruins and well-known castles. Every city alongside the River Shannon welcomes bargers with open arms and ice-cold pints of Guinness as gifted musicians entertain the gang with full of life conventional music.
Cruising the Shannon often is the purpose, however getting off the boat to expertise Irish hospitality is what creates reminiscences to final a lifetime. If you’re planning a cruise on the Shannon, we’re going to provide you with all the data it’s good to profit from your journey. Proper now, 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 particulars right here.
Cruising on the Shannon
This was our fourth Le Boat River Cruise. We had simply completed cruising the Canal du Midi in France and made two different journeys on the Rideau Canal in Ottawa, Canada the summer season earlier than. We had been wanting ahead to cruising the River Shannon because it seemed much like a Rideau Canal cruise with extra open water and lakes than the lengthy and slim Canal du Midi. Eire has a particular place in our journey hearts and we had been going to go to locations in Eire that we hadn’t seen earlier than.
- Examine different Le Boat River Cruise experiences:
Concerning the Shannon River
The Shannon River is the longest river in Eire spanning 360 km by means of the center of the nation. It begins in Shannon Pot in County Cavan within the north of Eire and ends in County Limerick on the Shannon Estuary.
Our Shannon River Cruise Route
Throughout our 8-day Shannon River Cruise, we traveled from Carrick on Shannon from the Le Boat workplace. (Emerald Star in Eire) to Portumna the place Le Boat has one other workplace. Boats are all parked of their marina with full energy and services.
In Eire, Le Boat is called Emerald Star. Emerald Star has been Eire’s Quantity One boating vacation supplier and has been working on the Rivers Shannon for practically 50 years so I can perceive why they didn’t wish to lose their identify!
What to Count on on a Cruise on the River Shannon
Carrick on Shannon to Portumna (or visa versa) is likely one of the hottest routes for Shannon River Barge Cruisers. It’s a 160 km journey that takes you thru 5 locks and below 2 bridges. To journey 160 km on a Le Boat houseboat, the journey takes roughly 20 hours of cruising time. Boats are restricted to 10km per hour, so when you find yourself Shannon Cruising, you’re sitting again to chill out. As you may see from the map, we lined lots of Eire.
We had been stunned with simply what number of Irish had been cruising the Shannon River on both their very own boats or with boat leases. It undoubtedly reminded us lots of the Rideau Canal in Canada in that sense. When cruising that canal, we noticed many unbiased boaters benefit from the UNESCO World Heritage Web site.
We flew into Dublin the place our shuttle from Kearns Coaches picked us as much as take us to the Le Boat Headquarters at Carrick on Shannon. We requested our driver if we may cease at a grocery retailer to select up provides and he was glad to have a brief break whereas we purchased meals and drinks for our week on the River Shannon.
Carrick on Shannon is a metropolis the place we may have purchased all our provides, so the cease wasn’t wanted, but it surely was good to have the ability to load meals into the van and offload it instantly on the dock.
Do you Want Boating Expertise to Cruise the Shannon River?
You don’t want boating expertise to cruise the Shannon with Le Boat. A Le Boat consultant will stroll you thru all the things you want on the boat after which take you out for a brief lesson. All boats have a most pace restrict of 10 km per hour and there are many bumpers on the boat. Plus, boats have thrusters that you’ll discover ways to use in your orientation and so they make driving simple.
Our information walked us by means of the heating and air con and the entire controls that we’d be utilizing throughout the subsequent seven days. And he’ll take you out on a take a look at drive to indicate you the best way to use the thrusters and controls. By the point he left the boat, we felt assured to start out navigating our approach alongside the Shannon River.
Day 1 – Carrick on Shannon
We spent the night time at Carrick on Shannon and immediately fell in love with this city. There are many issues to do in Carrick on Shannon that you would spend 2 nights within the city.
Carrick on Shannon is a full of life metropolis full of pubs which are packed to the hilt. We discovered that it’s a fashionable Stag and Hen social gathering vacation spot within the UK and marriage ceremony events had flown in from throughout Britain to have fun.
It was simple to discover a pub the place we launched my brother Jim to a correct pint of Guinness. Earlier than Eire, he vowed that he wouldn’t turn out to be a fan of Guinness as a result of he doesn’t like darkish beer, however we quickly made a “Guinness Lover” out of him. We spent the night time bar hopping and listening to gifted Irish bands earlier than strolling again to our boat that was situated proper downtown within the Le Boat Marina.
One to not miss vacation spot within the coronary heart of downtown Carrick on Shannon is Costello Memorial Chapel. It’s mentioned to be the second smallest chapel on the earth and was made by Edward Costello who devoted it to his spouse who died in 1877. Each their tombs are on show below glass inside.
Day 2 – Carrick on Shannon to Tarmonbarry
We had loads of time every day to get to our subsequent vacation spot on the Shanon River, so every morning we made breakfast on the boat and loved a leisurely tempo earlier than setting off for Tarmonbarry.
Le Boats have full kitchens and so they provide you with pots and pans, dishes, and cutlery. By ordering the picnic starter equipment, we additionally had salt and pepper, olive oil and tin foil. All we wanted to buy on the grocery retailer was the meals and snacks we wished for the week forward.
Lunch at Dromod
En route, we stopped on the pretty riverside village of Dromod. Dromod is a picturesque city that could be a excellent cease for lunch. We docked on the harbor that has been used for greater than 150 years for barges carrying Guinness and utilizing it as a stopover. There are a few eating places and pubs with a notable steakhouse.
You may stroll out to the railway museum and may take a brief experience on the still-operating steam prepare. Outdoors you’ll see traditional cars, an previous bus, an airplane, and a submarine. Contained in the museum, there are weapons on show from WWII.
Should you aren’t going to cook dinner lunch on the boat, we propose stopping for lunch on the Brandywell Bar Restaurant and Lodge to strive some Guinness Pie or you may refill on some groceries at Kinneden Organics to buy some natural fruit and greens. Cox’s Steakhouse is one other fashionable restaurant and in case you are staying the night time, be certain that to e book a desk prematurely for dinner.
In a single day in Tarmonbarry
After a few hours at Dromod, we made our technique to Tarmonbarry the place we spent the night time on this full of life city. We had been instructed that we’d must name the bridge keeper to get below the bridge, however as he was driving by, he yelled over to us, saying we’d make it. Simply go gradual! Solely in Eire eh?
We adopted his recommendation and slowly crossed below the bridge ducking our heads as we handed. We had been in Tarmonbarry with loads of hours to spare earlier than sundown.
It was then on the bikes that we rented from Le Boat looking for the Abbey that was constructed by Saint Barrech, (Barry) within the Sixth Century. It was an extended bike experience than anticipated, however after biking by means of farmland, hills, and the Irish Countryside, we lastly discovered the Abbey that homes his stone boat.
Legend has it that Saint Barry carried out a miracle when he wanted to cross the River Shannon to are inclined to a sick comrade. With no boat in sight, we turned an enormous boulder right into a watercraft to cross the river. We noticed mentioned boulder in all its glory at Whitehall Church simply north of City.
This can be a nice city to hang around in for the night with loads of pubs and eating places. We listened to stay music at Keenans and loved a pint open air at The Shannon Bar and Backyard.
Day 3 – Tarmonbarry to Lanesborough
After an evening of a number of pints of Guinness, we slept like infants within the quiet marina. This marina is situated on a biking and strolling path and makes for an excellent place to stretch your legs within the morning.
It was then off to Lanesborough simply in time for lunch.
Make sure that to cease on this city as there are a few very good historic church buildings to discover. There’s a distillery on the town and nice locations for espresso. It was throughout this journey that Jim and Janice discovered that Dave and I really like an excellent cup of espresso as we set out every day to discover a scrumptious espresso store. We at all times discovered what we wanted!
Lanesborough to Athlone
We parked our boat by the bridge throughout the Shannon River from Lanesborough. It’s right here you could discover the dual cities of Lanesborough and Ballyleague. Sling Shot Gin is distilled proper on this city and you may cease in for a style and to buy an Irish memento.
Don’t miss visiting St. John’s church which dates all the best way again to the start of the Christian custom in Eire throughout the fifth Century. Lanesborough is a superb place to take pleasure in lunch and to stretch your legs earlier than shifting on to your cease for the night time, Athlone.
In a single day in Athlone
Athlone is the most important metropolis in your Shannon River Cruise and we propose spending two nights right here should you can. I’d quite 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 fashionable 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 dwelling to the world’s oldest pub and we parked our boat instantly in entrance of this historic landmark. The pub is situated instantly on the Shannon River and Le Boat has prime docking areas proper within the heart of city. Whether it is full, you may also park on the marina a little bit bit earlier than city, however we suggest attending to Athlone early to get a spot at this prime location. We had been inside strolling distance from in all places. And had a thousand-dollar-a-night view from our prime location.
There are such a lot of issues to do in Athlone, that it is likely one of the prime vacationer locations in Eire. It’s a preferred cease for tour buses touring between Dublin and Galway and for good cause.
Wander by means of its Medieval Streets to peruse its outlets, eating places, and cafes. And ensure to go to Athlone Fortress which dominates the waterfront. Our boat was just some brief steps away from this historic landmark courting again to 1210. You may take guided excursions by means of the fort grounds.
Sean’s Bar – World’s Oldest Pub
The World’s Oldest Pub was undoubtedly a spotlight. The Guinness E book of World Information says that it’s Europe’s oldest pub, however the proof reveals that it’s really The World’s Oldest repeatedly working pub. They’ve the paperwork to show it. Sean’s Bar dates again to 500 AD and it was throughout renovations within the Nineteen Seventies that they discovered thousand-year-old cash and the unique construction made from Wattle and Wicker.
This city was made much more well-known when Michael Jackson stopped in to drop some huge cash within the Bastion Gallery. Athlone actually 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
Right now is a fantastic day so be certain that to depart shiny and early to take your time at one of the vital extraordinary stops on the Shannon River. Right now you go to the spectacular Clonmacnoise. This cease is an historical metropolis that showcases a Sixth-century monastic settlement.
We left Athlone as quickly because the locks opened to make it to Clonmacnoise earlier than the crowds. Despite the fact that you may dock your boat right here on the Shannon River, bus excursions frequent this marvel of Eire. So you’ll be sharing it with overland vacationers.
Clonmacnoise
Clonmacnoise is a monastic settlement from the Sixth century. Pulling as much as the dock is unbelievable unto itself. The very first thing that comes into view is the excessive fort overlooking the Shannon River. As you stroll up the trail in the direction of the doorway, the crosses and church buildings come into sight and you understand you’re in for one thing particular.
Plan to spend two hours having fun with Clonmacnoise. Your go to begins with a 15-minute movie explaining the historical past of the monastery adopted by a guided tour. The guided tour provides perception into the crosses and grounds, and is sweet to participate in however it’s also good to stay round after the gang leaves (And earlier than the following one arrives).
Throughout that point, you will have time to benefit from the grounds by yourself. There are greater than 700 early Christian gravestones, excessive towers, and unbelievable stone crosses.
Contained in the museum is implausible as nicely. Make sure that to maintain an eye fixed out for The North Cross, which appears to be like much like the cross on the E book of Kells. Learn extra: 34 of the Greatest Issues to do in Dublin, Eire
Since this website is likely one of the early Christian settlements, Clonmacnoise is a well-liked spiritual pilgrimage, and Pope John Paul II gave mass right here in 1979.
In a single day at Shannonbridge
Tonight is the night time we docked at Shannonbridge which is one other spotlight of a Shannon River Cruise. Like so many locations that we docked throughout our Le Boat journey on the Shannon, we parked proper downtown and will stroll in all places. Actually, we had been as soon as once more in entrance of a well-known Eire pub! Luker’s Bar Shannonbridge is dwelling to one of many best-preserved pubs in all of Eire. Luker’s Bar is so well-known that it’s on the Irish Bar Calendar that includes well-known bars within the nation.
We had been fortunate as a result of John, the proprietor was serving that night time and he took us on a tour into his genuine pub that has barely modified for the reason that 1750s. There may be the final remaining Victoria Regina Fire in the entire British Isles, previous wood tables the place you may nearly odor the scent of an 18th-century social gathering and memorabilia from a bygone period.
Chances are you’ll wish to spend all of your time within the pub when docking your boats on the River Shannon, however be certain that to enterprise out to discover extra of Shannonbridge. The bridge itself is a fantastic arched construction that was accomplished within the 1700s. There’s a spectacular previous fort situated proper on the River Shannon the place you may seize a espresso and discover the martello towers.
The fort was constructed to safe the Shannon River from an invasion by Napoleon and there are lots issues to see. If you’re in search of stay music, Killeen’s Bar has music on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday nights from Could to October.
It might be a small city, however you may handle to go pub hopping in Shannonbridge. That’s simply the best way issues are in Eire.
Day 6 – Banagher
Banagher is a beautiful subsequent cease on 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 excessive season. It’s a really brief stroll to city to take pleasure in loads of pubs and eating places. Make sure that to go to the River Shannon Brewery to take a break from Guinness and check out their artisan craft beers the Martello Tower and Crank Crimson Ale.
It was on this city that we loved one in every of our favourite dinners on the River Shannon. Sadly, I utterly forgot its identify, however should you stroll right into a again alleyway not far into city, you’ll come out to a picturesque courtyard. Dave and I discovered it whereas in search of a espresso store and so they had scrumptious cappuccinos. Whereas sipping our espresso, we made a reservation for that night time.
This pretty restaurant is a brand new addition to the city with implausible meals and a beautiful ambiance. On the time of writing they didn’t have their liquor license but, however they allowed us to carry our personal wine.
One of many 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 situated proper within the waters of the river.
Day 7 – Portumna Fortress
Our last drive alongside the Shannon River earlier than our final night was a fantastic journey by means of Lough Derg to Portumna. We recommend passing Portumna and making your technique to the marina in entrance of Portumna Fortress. It’s by means of the bridge and you’ll have to time it based on your timetable that you simply’ll obtain from Le Boat, however belief me, it would be best to keep in entrance of the fort.
Portumna Fortress is a gem of Eire and each King James I and Queen Elizabeth I visited this gorgeous fort. You may take a tour of the fort grounds and inside there’s a cafe providing contemporary espresso and meals that may be visited at no cost. Fortunately we had our bike leases and loved a pleasant experience by means of the picturesque Portumna Forest Park.
There are many pubs, eating places and procuring on the town and as is the case with the entire cities and villages on the Shannon River, an attention-grabbing church and a few previous ruins.
The Abbey Ruins situated between the fort and city will be simply explored throughout your stroll and are utterly free to enter. They had been a spotlight of the various issues to see on the River Shannon.
Day 8 – Remaining Night time Portumna Dock
It was a 9 am try the following day, so we left Portumna Fortress within the afternoon to make the ultimate bridge crossing again to the Le Boat dock in Portumna. This dock is an remoted place to ensure to have what you want for the night time. You may order meals and have it delivered for a flat price from city. The Le Boat employees had been good sufficient to make a name for us and we ordered Italian meals for our last night time on the River Shannon.
We spent the night time enjoyable and packing as much as be off the boat and prepared for our shuttle again to Dublin shiny and early.
Our Le Boat journey had come to an finish, however the reminiscences created will final a lifetime.
A couple of Shannon River Cruise
Our route took us from Carrick on Shannon to Portumna. It was an 8-day cruise and we spent about 3 hours every day on the Water.
- Our journey spanned 160 km / 5 locks / 2 Bridges / 20 hours of cruising
- Locks are open Monday – Saturday 09:00am -8 pm and Sundays 10:00am-6:00pm
- When renting a Le Boat, all the things is included. They provide you good playing cards if must function the locks. More often than not they aren’t wanted, however I’ve learn that they’re required on the Shannon Erne.
- Life Jackets have to be worn on the locks.
- That is the right journey for rookies as no expertise is required. The times are enjoyable and also you’ll glide into every city early sufficient to discover and revel in.
Be ready for Irish climate, it might probably flip right away and we skilled lots of rain. We needed to drive from under most days, however we had the warmth on and the snacks flowing as we took within the leisurely tempo of exploring the Shannon.
The wonderful thing about visiting Eire is that if the climate is unhealthy, the pubs are open with pleasant and welcoming individuals ready to heat you up with a pleasant pint of Guinness by the hearth.
