The Ten passenger Shannon Princess II is the largest luxury hotel barge cruising the Lower Shannon. Newly commissioned for late 2002, her thoughtfully designed interior includes twin or double beds with Lough views, a comfortable saloon, dining area and full length sun deck. Her experienced Captain and crew go out of their way to ensure your every need is accommodated. Your chef was trained at the Ballymaloe School and distinguishes herself at every meal with signature dishes such as parcels of wild salmon, roast of spring lamb, variations of shellfish stew with fresh herbs and of course a grand selection of desserts.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1, Sunday: Guests shall be met at 3.00 pm at Dublin city centre hotel and transferred by coach to the Shannon Princess at Quigley’s Marina. Your Captain and his crew welcome you onboard the delightful Shannon Princess with Champagne, Black Velvets or Irish Coffees!
Day 2, Monday: This morning we begin our cruise around the beautiful “Inner Lakes” of Lough Ree and then continue north to Lough Ree as we explore some of the 365 islands on the lake. We then circle back to the river and on to our mooring in Athlone Town. After lunch we depart by bus to Belvedere House and Gardens. Here we enjoy a guided tour of the house giving an insight into the “upstairs downstairs” life in the 18th century.
Day 3, Tuesday: The Shannon Princess descends through Athlone Lock and heads south through Europe’s richest example of “Callow” landscape. The countryside has changed little in over 1000 years. This is one of Ireland’s premier wildfowl reserves. We moor at the ruins of Clonmacnoise, a famed 6th century university and early Christian settlement. After a visit to the interpretative centre, we enjoy lunch onboard whilst cruising to Shannon Bridge, arriving mid-afternoon at this typical Irish riverside town. Shortly after arrival we depart by bus to Leap Castle, reputed to be Ireland’s most haunted house. You will be greeted by Sean Ryan and his family who will invite you in to their unusual home and Sean, a renowned musician, will tell you the fascinating history of the castle and the part it played in founding the American Constitution. Sean will gladly play a few tunes with possibly the added bonus of being joined by his talented young daughter who will demonstrate her amazing dancing skills.
Day 4, Wednesday: We travel a very pretty stretch of the Shannon with an ever-changing landscape slipping by. Traveling down through Meelick lock, we pause 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, the family seat of the Earls of Ross. Lunch in The Derg Inn in the village.
Day 5, Thursday: 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 and set sail 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.
Day 6, Friday: This morning we sail 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. After lunch we set off on our excursion 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.
Day 7, Saturday: Depart the barge after a last leisurely breakfast on board.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Open bar
- Free wines
- Gourmet cuisine
- Entry fees to excursions
Suite per person $4,200
Single supplement $1,200
Charter 10 passengers whole boat $39,000
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Ireland
Cultural Journey
Boating and Sailing
Email it to a friend:
Click here to email this vacation to a friend
|
