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The River Shannon: Far removed from the hustle and bustle of modern living, lies the lordly river Shannon. A profusion of lakes and streams, meandering effortlessly through some of the most beautiful scenery in Ireland. The most extensive inland waterway in Ireland and Britain, with over 300km of navigable flowing waters. The Shannon is set amidst one of Europe’s most environmentally pure and spectacular landscapes. It’s tranquil atmosphere and unhurried pace invites you to completely unwind and savour the pleasures of floating through Ireland’s inland waterways.
Explore the legends and myths: What better way to explore the very heart of Ireland than cruising on the lovely SHANNON PRINCESS II. Unshroud a river wrapped in legends, myths and the gentle mists of time, slip through a countryside little changed over the centuries as we pass by ancient monasteries, prehistoric cities, fairy forts and Celtic villages. Norman keeps and Viking towers cast a watchful eye on the SHANNON PRINCESS II as she floats through the Shannon’s unspoiled waterways. Set your watch to Shannon time, as wandering waters pass fishermen, wild deer and grazing horses. Kingfishers and wild orchids splash colour across our day. Gliding birds of prey swoop and dive for leaping salmon on their way upstream. We pass through locks, bridges, forest park and ancient mountains as we set our course for any of the Shannon’s charming villages.
Visit intriguing historical sites, pretty towns and villages, gentle hills and dappled woods, all the while the River Shannon provides an absorbing trail to follow. Sleepy villages are transformed by the presence of awesome castles, prehistoric remains, ruined abbeys & churches, ancient town walls & legends of a lost age.
Features:
- Size of barge: 105 ft by 19 ft
- Number of Passengers: 10
- Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 5
- Crew: 5
- Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Central heating. No air-conditioning.
- Salon: Large salon with two sofas and armchairs, dining area and panoramic windows
- Bar: Open bar
- Deck: Full length upper observation deck with steamer chairs, reclining chairs and deck furniture.
- Spa Tub: No
- Cabin Features: 5 twin or queen bed suites, all 131 sq ft each with large opening panoramic windows and en-suite bathroom with shower.
- Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: 12-seater air-conditioned minibus.
- Accessibility: No steps from the salon to the cabins, 11 steps from the saloon to the upper deck
- Bicycles: No bicycles on board but can be hired at no charge.
Sample Itinerary:
Sunday - Quigley's Marina, Glasson Guests shall be met at 3.00pm at the Dublin city centre hotel and transferred by coach to the Shannon Princess at Quigley's Marina. Your Captain and his crew welcome you on board the delightful Shannon Princess with Champagne, Black Velvets or Irish Coffees! Dinner on board.
Monday - Quigley's Marina to Athlone 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 onto our mooring in Athlone Town. After lunch we depart by bus to the "Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre." The centre interprets an Iron Age bog road which was built in the year 148 BC across the Boglands close to the River Shannon. The oak road is the largest of its kind to have been uncovered in Europe and was excavated over the years by Professor Barry Raferty of University College Dublin. Dinner on board.
Tuesday - Athlone to Shannonbridge The Shannon Princess descends through Athlone Lock and heads south through Europe's richest example of "Callow" landscape. Countryside little changed in over 1000 years. This is one of Ireland's premier Wildfowl Reserves. We moor at Clonmacnoise ruins, a famed 6th Century University and early Christian settlement. After a visit to the interpretive centre we lunch onboard enroute to Shannon Bridge arriving mid-afternoon to this typical Irish riverside town. After Lunch we depart by bus to "Birr Castle," Ireland's Historical Science Centre and home of the Oldest Telescope in the World, with its glorious landscaped gardens dating from the 17th Century and family seat of the Earls of Ross. Dinner on board.
Wednesday - Shannonbridge to Terryglass We travel a very pretty stretch of the Shannon with an ever-changing landscape slipping by. Traveling down through Meelick lock, pausing as Portumna swing bridge is opened to allow the Shannon Princess passage onto idyllic Lough Derg. We moor at Terryglass Harbour. Lunch at the Derg Inn in the Village. Time to explore this charming Hamlet before an afternoon excursion 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. Dinner on board.
Thursday - Terryglass to Galway to Mountshannon 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 and 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. Dinner on board.
Friday - Mountshannon to Killaloe This morning we set 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, with plenty of time for you to visit the town. After lunch on board, we set off by bus on our excursion to a unique project set in the grounds of Graggaunowen Castle, designed to bring Bronze Age and 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. Dinner on board.
Saturday - Killaloe to Dublin Transfer by coach to the Aberdeen Lodge Hotel.
Notes: Itinerary is subject to change and runs in reverse direction on alternate weeks. Cruise directions and sample itineraries may be in reverse and are subject to change and may depend on bookings and local navigation conditions. Alternate excursions of equal appeal are substituted when needed. For charter cruises special itineraries can be arranged.
Shannon Princess II, 2010 Season Cruise Schedule
Week Route Season
Apr 18 Athlone-Killaloe Value
Apr 25 Killaloe-Athlone Value
May 2 Athlone-Killaloe Value
May 9 Killaloe-Athlone Value
May 16 Athlone-Killaloe Regular
May 23 Killaloe-Athlone Regular
May 30 Athlone-Killaloe Regular
Jun 6 Killaloe-Athlone Regular
Jun 13 Athlone-Killaloe Regular
Jun 20 Killaloe-Athlone Regular
Jun 27 Athlone-Killaloe Regular
Jul 4 Killaloe-Athlone Regular
Jul 11 Athlone-Killaloe Regular
Jul 18 Killaloe-Athlone Regular
Jul 25 Athlone-Killaloe Regular
Aug 1 Killaloe-Athlone Regular
Aug 8 Athlone-Killaloe Regular
Aug 15 Killaloe-Athlone Regular
Aug 22 Athlone-Killaloe Regular
Aug 29 Killaloe-Athlone Regular
Sep 5 Athlone-Killaloe Regular
Sep 12 Killaloe-Athlone Regular
Sep 19 Athlone-Killaloe Regular
Sep 26 Killaloe-Athlone Regular
SHANNON PRINCESS II 2010 PRICES in US DOLLARS -- Same as 2009!
Suite (per person, double occupancy) $3,700 VALUE, $4,200 REGULAR
Suite Single Supplement: $1,200 USD BOTH SEASONS
Charter for up to 10 guests: $35,000 VALUE, $39,000 REGULAR
Golf Cruise Charter Supplement for up to 10 guests: $7,000 USD BOTH SEASONS
All rates and availabilities are subject to availability and may fluctuate.
For complete price information and availability, please contact us: kate@specialgrouptours.com or 866 725 5250
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