Embark on a 7-day cruise aboard the Shannon Princess. Explore Ireland’s River Shannon, starting in Glasson and ending in Killaloe. This cruise includes guided visits to Kilbeggan Whiskey Distillery, Clonmacnoise monastic ruins, Leap Castle, Birr Castle, Portumna Castle, Galway, and Adare Manor. Activities include whiskey tasting, historical site tours, and a hands-on falconry experience. Pass through Lough Ree and Lough Derg, visit traditional villages such as Terryglass and Mountshannon, and enjoy lunch at a local pub in Galway. The cruise route navigates scenic waterways, locks, and bridges, offering daily excursions that blend culture, history, and local traditions.
Highlights
Explore Lough Ree’s forested islands and elegant country estates
Tour Kilbeggan Distillery, the world’s oldest licensed whiskey site
Visit Clonmacnoise, a major 6th-century monastic university site
Experience Leap Castle with music and stories from its owner
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. Upon arrival, the Captain and crew welcome you aboard with a choice of champagne, black velvet cocktails, or Irish coffee, followed by your first dinner on board.
This morning, begin cruising through the scenic inner lakes of Lough Ree, passing elegant country estates and wooded islands. Continuing north, explore some of the lake’s 365 islands before returning to the River Shannon and mooring in Athlone Town. After lunch, visit Kilbeggan Whiskey Distillery, established in 1757 and recognized as the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery. Dinner is served on board.
Today, negotiate Athlone Lock and head south through Europe’s richest example of “Callow” landscape. You moor at Clonmacnoise ruins, a famed 6th-century university and an early monastic settlement. Following a tour, cruise on to your mooring at Shannonbridge. Then, after lunch, visit Leap Castle, reputed to be Ireland’s most haunted house. The eccentric owner, Sean Ryan, will give you a personal tour, accompanied by traditional Irish musicians who will share with you the fascinating history of the castle and its role in the founding of the American Constitution—dinner on board.
This morning, cruise a very pretty stretch of the River Shannon through Meelick Lock, pausing as the Portumna swing bridge is opened to allow passage onto idyllic Lough Derg and then moor at Terryglass Harbor. This afternoon, visit Birr Castle, still resided in by the Earl of Rosse and family, to see the magnificent gardens, the fascinating Science Center, and admire the historic Great Telescope. Dinner on board.
Today, your tour begins with a visit to the walled gardens of Portumna Castle, followed by a trip to Galway, a lively University City and cultural center for the Irish-speaking regions of Western Ireland. Visit Galway’s crystal, craft, and linen shops and then lunch at a traditional Guinness & oyster pub. 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. Dinner on board.
Today, 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, 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 can 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. End the afternoon by visiting a traditional Irish hand-weaving workshop. ‘Sláinte’ cocktail reception and Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
Day 7: Killaloe | Disembark
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.
$6,450
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
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
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