Buoyed by spectacular scenery and Ireland's legendary hospitality, cruising on 'Shannon Princess II' through the fjord-like reaches of the River Shannon onto Lough Derg puts you in the center of the enchanting history and culture of the land. Your Irish captain, Ruairí Gibbons, and his wife Olivia, a renowned chef, invite you to see for yourself how their barge earned a spot in the book Once in a Lifetime Trips.
Save on select 'Shannon Princess II' hotel sailings and charters when you reserve by May 31.
Passengers: 10
Crew: 5
Length: 105 feet
Width: 20 feet
Cabins: 5 double/twin - each with en suite bathroom
Cabin Size(s): 120 square feet
Departs: Sundays from Dublin
Meet in Dublin and transfer to ‘Shannon Princess II,’ moored at Quigley Marina in Glasson. After a champagne welcome, take some time to relax on deck before sitting down to a gourmet dinner.
'Shannon Princess II' | Meals: DTime for an early stroll along the scenic, twisted lanes before a morning cruise on the River Shannon's "inner lakes" to Athlone. After lunch, visit Kilbeggan Distillery for a tasting. Dating from 1757, it is the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world. Return to the barge by way of the village of Ballinahown with its artisan crafts.
'Shannon Princess II' | Meals: B,L,D‘Shannon Princess II’ cruises through the callows, a protected area of lush meadows and grasslands. Moor below the ruins of Clonmacnoise, a famous sixth-century university and early Christian settlement. Have lunch as the barge continues cruising to Shannonbridge. Visit to family-owned Meadowsweet Farm to sample wild Irish honey and other fresh organic produce. After dinner this evening, call at Killeen's Pub for traditional music and a chat with the locals.
'Shannon Princess II' | Meals: B,L,DToday’s idyllic cruise passes changing landscapes dotted with ivy-covered ruins, medieval garrisons and sleepy market villages. After Meelick Lock, pause as Portumna Swing Bridge is opened to allow access to Lough Derg; moor at the foot of Terryglass. After lunch, visit Mossfield Organic Farm to sample the award-winning cheeses. Continue to Leap Castle, Ireland’s most haunted house. Learn the castle’s history from Sean Ryan and his family who, as they demonstrate, are also talented traditional musicians.
'Shannon Princess II' | Meals: B,L,DVisit Portumna Castle and its walled kitchen gardens this morning. Continue to the university city of Galway, a stronghold of the Irish language, for lunch at the authentic Guinness and Oyster Bar. Return to ‘Shannon Princess II’ for a leisurely cruise to Mountshannon, perhaps to enjoy a moonlit ramble in the old estate village or dancing at the local hotel.
'Shannon Princess II' | Meals: B,L,DCruise through charming stretches of Lough Derg to the twin towns of Killaloe & Ballina. Enjoy a private tour of the belfry of St. Flannan's Anglican Church, hosted by the Choir Master. Then visit the Craggaunowen Project, where ring forts, ancient dwellings and farmsteads bring to life Ireland's "living past". Continue to a traditional hand weavers workshop and studio to learn how small cottage industries still thrive. Return to the barge for a gala farewell dinner this evening.
'Shannon Princess II' | Meals: B,L,DAfter breakfast, transfer back to Dublin where your journey ends.
Meals: BPrice displayed is per person, or in the case of Canal & River Cruising, could represent charter price for the cruise.
For availability and reservations, call 800 554 7016.
| May. 26, 2013 - Jun. 01, 2013 | $2,660 (was $4,660) | Cabin | Available |
| May. 26, 2013 - Jun. 01, 2013 | $2,660 (was $4,660) | Cabin | Available |
| May. 26, 2013 - Jun. 01, 2013 | $43,330 | 6-night charter | Available |
| Jun. 02, 2013 - Jun. 08, 2013 | $4,660 | Cabin | Available |
| Jun. 02, 2013 - Jun. 08, 2013 | $43,330 | 6-night charter | Available |
| Jun. 09, 2013 - Jun. 15, 2013 | $2,660 (was $4,660) | Cabin | Available |
| Jun. 09, 2013 - Jun. 15, 2013 | $2,660 (was $4,660) | Cabin | Available |
| Jun. 09, 2013 - Jun. 15, 2013 | $43,330 | 6-night charter | Available |
| Jun. 16, 2013 - Jun. 22, 2013 | $4,660 | Cabin | Available |
| Jun. 16, 2013 - Jun. 22, 2013 | $43,330 | 6-night charter | Available |
| Jun. 23, 2013 - Jun. 29, 2013 | $4,660 | Cabin | Available |
| Jun. 23, 2013 - Jun. 29, 2013 | $38,997 (was $43,330) | 6-night charter | Available |
| Jun. 23, 2013 - Jun. 29, 2013 | $38,997 (was $43,330) | 6-night charter | Available |
| Jun. 30, 2013 - Jul. 06, 2013 | $2,660 (was $4,660) | Cabin | Available |
| Jun. 30, 2013 - Jul. 06, 2013 | $43,330 | 6-night charter | Available |
| Jul. 07, 2013 - Jul. 13, 2013 | $4,660 | Cabin | Available |
| Jul. 07, 2013 - Jul. 13, 2013 | $43,330 | 6-night charter | Available |
| Jul. 14, 2013 - Jul. 20, 2013 | $4,660 | Cabin | Available |
| Jul. 14, 2013 - Jul. 20, 2013 | $43,330 | 6-night charter | Available |
| Jul. 21, 2013 - Jul. 27, 2013 | $4,660 | Cabin | Available |
| Jul. 21, 2013 - Jul. 27, 2013 | $38,997 (was $43,330) | 6-night charter | Available |
| Jul. 28, 2013 - Aug. 03, 2013 | $4,660 | Cabin | Available |
| Jul. 28, 2013 - Aug. 03, 2013 | $43,330 | 6-night charter | Available |
| Aug. 04, 2013 - Aug. 10, 2013 | $4,660 | Cabin | Available |
| Aug. 04, 2013 - Aug. 10, 2013 | $38,997 (was $43,330) | 6-night charter | Available |
| Aug. 11, 2013 - Aug. 17, 2013 | $3,660 (was $4,660) | Cabin | Available |
| Aug. 11, 2013 - Aug. 17, 2013 | $43,330 | 6-night charter | Available |
| Aug. 18, 2013 - Aug. 24, 2013 | $4,660 | Cabin | Available |
| Aug. 18, 2013 - Aug. 24, 2013 | $43,330 | 6-night charter | Available |
| Aug. 25, 2013 - Aug. 31, 2013 | $4,660 | Cabin | Available |
| Aug. 25, 2013 - Aug. 31, 2013 | $38,997 (was $43,330) | 6-night charter | Available |
| Sep. 01, 2013 - Sep. 07, 2013 | $4,660 | Cabin | Available |
| Sep. 01, 2013 - Sep. 07, 2013 | $43,330 | 6-night charter | Available |
| Sep. 08, 2013 - Sep. 14, 2013 | $4,660 | Cabin | Available |
| Sep. 08, 2013 - Sep. 14, 2013 | $43,330 | 6-night charter | Available |
| Sep. 15, 2013 - Sep. 21, 2013 | $4,660 | Cabin | Available |
| Sep. 15, 2013 - Sep. 21, 2013 | $43,330 | 6-night charter | Available |
| Sep. 22, 2013 - Sep. 28, 2013 | $4,660 | Cabin | Available |
| Sep. 22, 2013 - Sep. 28, 2013 | $43,330 | 6-night charter | Available |
| Sep. 29, 2013 - Oct. 05, 2013 | $4,660 | Cabin | Available |
| Sep. 29, 2013 - Oct. 05, 2013 | $43,330 | 6-night charter | Available |
| Oct. 06, 2013 - Oct. 12, 2013 | $4,660 | Cabin | Available |
| Oct. 06, 2013 - Oct. 12, 2013 | $43,330 | 6-night charter | Available |
Please ask about special prices for charters with 6 or 8 passengers.
Cruise itinerary is subject to change and may operate in reverse direction.
Minimum number of passengers is required to operate hotel sailings.