Private Charter - European Classic Cruise - Ireland Aboard Shannon Princess

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 velvet, 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 then circle back to the River Shannon and onto your mooring in Athlone Town. After lunch, 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 navigate Athlone Lock and head south through Europe’s richest example of “Callow” landscape. Moor at Clonmacnoise ruins, a famed 6th-century university, and an early monastic settlement. Following a tour, you cruise on to our mooring at Shannonbridge. Then, after lunch, visit Leap Castle, reputed to be Ireland’s most haunted house. A personal tour by the eccentric owner Sean Ryan, who with traditional Irish musicians, relates 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, cruise a beautiful 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 visit Birr Castle still resided in by the Earl of Rosse and family. See the magnificent gardens, the fascinating Science Centre and admire the historic Great Telescope. Dinner on board.

Today, head to the walled gardens of Portumna Castle, then on to Galway, a lively University City and cultural center 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 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 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, 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, 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.

After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Dublin.