Discover the scenery and historic structures throughout Ireland during this 7-day cruise aboard Shannon Princess. Cruise through the most beautiful stretch of River Shannon and pass by the Portumna swinging bridge that opens up as you glide by. Explore the Leap Castle, rumored to be one of Ireland's most haunted houses. Enjoy traditional Irish music and hospitality onboard as the guests will be served by the owners of the barge themselves, Captain Ruiari and Chef Olivia, a couple who will make your tour an unforgettable experience!
Highlights
Partake in a day excursion to Portumna Castle and Galway
Explore the Leap Castle, rumored to be one of Ireland's most haunted houses
Tour the famous Birr Castle’s Gardens and Science Center
Visit Kilbeggan Distillery, the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Guests are met in Dublin and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to the Shannon Princess. Your Captain and his crew welcome you on board with champagne, Black Velvets or Irish coffees. You might have time perhaps for a gentle stroll before your first dinner on board.
This morning you begin your cruise around the beautiful “Inner Lakes” of Lough Ree and then continue north as you explore some of the 365 islands on the lake. You will then circle back to the River Shannon and onto your mooring in Athlone Town. After lunch, you will visit the Kilbeggan Whiskey Distillery, dating from 1757 and the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world. On the return journey there is time for a visit to Ballinahown, an artisan craft village. Dinner on board.
Today you will navigate Athlone Lock and head south through Europe’s richest example of “Callow” landscape. You will moor at Clonmacnoise ruins, a famed 6th century university and an early monastic settlement. Following a tour, you will cruise on to our mooring at Shannonbridge. Then, after lunch you can visit Leap Castle, reputed to be Ireland’s most haunted house. You will be given a personal tour by the eccentric owner Sean Ryan, whom with traditional Irish musicians, will relate to you the fascinating history of the castle and its part in founding the American Constitution. After dinner on board, perhaps join the captain for a pint in Killeen’s pub and an evening with the locals.
This morning, you will cruise a very pretty stretch of the River Shannon through Meelick lock, pausing as Portumna swing bridge is opened to allow passage onto idyllic Lough Derg and then moor at Terryglass Harbour. This afternoon you will visit Birr Castle, still resided in by the Earl of Rosse and family. You will see the magnificent gardens, the fascinating Science Centre and admire the historic Great Telescope. Dinner on board.
Today, your tour will head to the walled gardens of Portumna Castle, then on to Galway, a lively University City and cultural centre for Irish-speaking regions in Western Ireland. Visit the Galway crystal, craft and linen shops and then lunch at a traditional Guinness & Oyster pub. You will then return to Shannon Princess and set sail across beautiful Lough Derg, passing Forrest Park and ancient mountains as you enjoy your dinner and sunset cruise to Mountshannon – a lovely lakeside village perched above the Lough.
Today you will set sail across south Lough Derg, re-joining the River Shannon to moor at Killaloe, once home to the court of the greatest High King of Ireland, Brian Boru. After exploring this elegant little town, you will have lunch on board, then set off to Adare Manor, a magnificent estate located on the banks of the River Maigue. Here, in the setting of the Walled Garden, you will gain a real insight into the history and tradition of falconry and have the opportunity to ‘get up close and personal’ with birds of prey such as owls, falcons and eagles – a magical experience. You will end the afternoon by visiting a traditional Irish hand-weaving workshop. ‘Sláinte’ cocktail reception and Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
Day 7: Killaloe
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Dublin.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$4,8502-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
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Suite
Twin/double, 130 sq. ft., cabin suites with picture windows, stylishly furnished and each is air-conditioned, centrally heated, and accompanied by a modern en-suite shower room.
Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Credit card, check, and bank transfer. All final payments by credit card subject to a surcharge of 2.5% and maximum of $20,000 charge
This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Karen Snider
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
1 day ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
3 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
