Shannon Princess
Barging in Ireland

Passengers: 10
Size: 107 feet long
Last Visited: 2008
Rating: Deluxe, Families
No Air Conditioning

2010 rates

SPECIAL VALUE SEASON RATES
Whole Boat Charter:
$35,000
Individuals in a double-occupancy cabin:
$3,700
SPECIAL VALUE SEASON DATES

April 4 - 10	May 2 - 8
April 11 - 17	May 9 - 15
April 18 - 24	May 16 - 22
April 25 - May 1

STANDARD SEASON RATES
Whole Boat Charter:
$39,000
Individuals in a double-occupancy cabin:
$4,200
STANDARD SEASON DATES

May 23 - 29	July 18 - 24	September 12 - 18
May 30 - June 5	July 25 - 31	September 19 - 25
June 6 - 12	August 1 - 7	September 26 - October 2
June 13 - 19	August 8 - 14	October 3 - 9
June 20 - 26	August 15 - 21	October10 - 16
June 27 - July 3	August 22 - 28	October 17 - 23
July 4 - 10	August 29 - Sept 4	October 24 - 30
July 11 - 17	September 5 - 11

Barge Lady's Amy and Tom Aldrich loved their April 2008 SHANNON PRINCESS cruise!
Connect here to Amy's day-to-day cruise diary, now up on our Blog!

Shannon Princess II is a modern vessel operated with traditional Irish ambiance by Captain Ruairi Gibbons and Chef Olivia Power. Floating on the idyllic Shannon Waterway between Glasson (near Athlone) and Killaloe, SHANNON PRINCESS combines the best of tranquil landscapes, "new" Irish cuisine, visits to historical sites, local crafts, and singing pubs - not to mention on-board surprises!

Excursions include Leap Castle, reputed to be the most haunted castle in Ireland; the ruins of Clommacnoise, a 6th-Century monastery; the lively city of Galway; and the recreation of a Bronze Age settlement.

The newly converted and spacious barge boasts well-designed cabins, modern bathrooms, a comfortable salon and an extra-large deck. Chef Olivia Power is one of the top chefs in the industry. She trained at the famed Ballymaloe Cookery School, which has been credited with both saving and updating Irish cuisine - and has worked as a professional baker.

Go to the Menus Page to preview cuisine enjoyed by Amy and our other lucky Barge Lady guests.

Shannon Princess

Shannon Waterway Barge Cruise Itinerary

Quigley's Marina to Killaloe

On the Shannon Waterway

Sunday: Dublin to Quigley's Marina
Warm Irish Welcome Aboard
Guests will be met at 3:00pm at the Aberdeen Lodge in Dublin and transferred by coach to the Shannon Princess at Quigley's Marina. Your Captain and his crew welcome you onboard the delightful Shannon Princess with Champagne, Black Velvets or Irish Coffees!

Monday: Quigley's Marina to Athlone Town
Beautiful Lakes Cruise
Today 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 accross the Boglands close to the River Shannon. The oak road is the largest of its kind to have been uncovered in Europe and was excaved over the years by Professor Barry Raferty of University College Dublin.
Tuesday: Athlone Town to Shannonbridge
Moor at 6th Century Monastery Ruins
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, pictured at left, 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" Irelands Historical Science Centre and home of the oldest Telescope in the world, with its glorious landscaped gardens dating from 17th Century and family seat of the Earls of Ross.

Wednesday: Shannonbridge to Terryglass
Ireland's "Most Haunted" House!
We travel a very pretty stretch of the Shannon River with an ever-changing landscape slipping by. Travelling down through Meelick lock, pausing as Portumna swing bridge is opened to allow the Shannon Princess passage onto the 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.

Thursday: Terryglass to Mountshannon
Lunch and shopping in Galway City
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 Guiness 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.

Friday: Mountshannon to Killaloe
Learn about Bronze Age Culture
This morning we set sail south through 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 onboard, we set off by bus on our excursion to a unique project set in the grounds of Craggaunowen Castle, pictured at left, 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.

Saturday: Killaloe to Dublin
A Sad Farewell
Depart at 9:00am after breakfast for your chauffeured transfer back to the Aberdeen Lodge in Dublin. Estimated arrival time is noon.

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Killaloe to Quigley's Marina

On the Shannon Waterway

Sunday: The Court of High Kings...the Twin Towns of Killaloe and Ballina
Guests shall be met by the Barge Guide at 3:00pm at The Aberdeen Lodge Hotel, and transferred by luxury coach tothe Shannon Princess in Killaloe. We are moored on the Tipperary side of these picturesque little Ecclesiastical towns. Your Captain and his crew welcome you aboard the elegant Shannon Princess with a Champagne Reception. Time enough to meet new friends; relax on deck or explore this charming riverside town and local sites of interest. Watch the world float by, as you enjoy your first Gourmet dinner aboard.

Monday: To the Waters and the Wild - County Clare
We slip our moorings at Killaloe, and start our journey up river. This morning we literally go with the flow, up through Lough Derg with its many Islands and Medieval strongholds. Here the Shannon Princess follows a dramatic route carved through the hills and valleys of Munster's North Riding. The River sweeps past banks charmingly dotted with wild horses and crumbling castles. Lunch is served on-board. We moor at the lovely old estate village of Mountshannon, perched prettily about the Lough. The Captain accompanies you on an afternoon excursion to the 'Cragganaunowen Project', which recreates Celtic culture, life, religious practices and warfare. After a gourmet dinner aboard, enjoy a moonlit ramble around Mountshannon.

Tuesday: County Tipperary
Today Shannon Princess meanders effortlessly north through Lough Derg. We moor waterside at the foot of a hill that slopes gently up to Terryglass village. Lunch in the village at the Derg Inn before an afternoon guided visit to the grounds of Birr Castle, family seat of the Earl and Countess of Rosse. Besides enjoying glorious castle gardens and parkland, the Castle is home to Ireland's Historic Centre. At Terryglass take time to explore this rural Hamlet - walk, cycle, swim or make a wish in any of the villages' 'Holy (fairy) Wells'! Gourmet dinner onboard.

Wednesday: Journey through the Ancient Kingdoms of Connaught and Leinster
Today you visit lakeside Portumna Castle and its Walled Gardens, the main seat of the de Burgo family for over 200 years. Here you may visit the Abbey, the castle, formal gardens and 17th century walled kitchen garden. Then it's on to Galway, a lively Anglo-Norman university town and cultural center of Irish speaking regions in the west of Ireland. Lunch is at an authentic Guinness and Oyster Bar in Galway with time to browse in the local craft shops. Return to Shannon Princess for gourmet dinner as we cruise an evocative stretch of the River Shannon. Onwards we head, in the wake of time, floating by dappled woodlands and ancient highways. The ever-changing landscape slipping by, pausing as Portumna Swing Bridge is opened to allow the Shannon Princess pass on by, upwards through Meelick Lock to moor overnight at the little Georgian Literary Town of Banagher. Gourmet dinner on-board.

Thursday: The Broad Majestic Shannon and Athlone
The Shannon Princess continues its meander up the Shannon River towards Athlone, cruising through lush grazing meadows and floodplains. These meadows are considered Ireland's premier wildfowl and flora reserves, and excellent examples of "Callows" landscape. Enroute we moor at Clonmacniose, the ancient burial grounds of the High Kings of Tara and Connaught. Clonmacnoise is an atmospheric and spiritual 6th century monastic settlement. After a guided tour we continue on our way upstream while enjoying lunch on-board. We moor in the heart of the bustling town of Athlone with time to visit some of the many charming craft, antique shops or a visit to any of the town's impromptu traditional music pub. Dinner on-board.

Friday: Lough Ree and Westmeath
There's time for an early morning stroll through the winding lanes and alleys of this old Viking town. Back on-board Shannon Princess sets out to explore a river wrapped int he legends of time, and now more recently a preserved area of ecological importance. The barge slips through countryside little changed through the centuries. Relax and unwind as we float along the Shannon's beautiful "Inner Lakes", passing stately riverside homes and some of its reputed 365 wooded islands. Lunch is served on-board. An afternoon tour of "Corlea Travel Way Visitor Centre" is guided by your Captain. This off the beaten track heritage site interprets some of the many local archaeological finds from Pagan Celtic Ireland. Including a ritual Iron Age wooden bog road, uncovered intact and carbon dated from the year 148 B.C. Return to Shannon Princess for a Farewell "Slainte" gourmet dinner. We moor overnight at Quigley's Marina near Glasson Village.

Saturday: Athlone to Dublin
After breakfast you will be transferred by luxury coach to Aberdeen Lodge Hotel in Dublin where your tour ends. Arrival time is between 11:30am and noon.


Please note: this is a sample itinerary which may be subject to change depending on local conditions. The route will run in reverse on alternate weeks. Contact Us for reservations and more information about barge cruise vacations on the rivers of Ireland Or call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.

Shannon Princess
Guest Book

"Thank you, Ellen - once again you found us a barge that met our requirements in every respect.  Comfortable accommodation, immaculate housekeeping, Ruairi's local knowledge and Olivia's gourmet meals ensured we had another perfect vacation.  The Irish countryside is beautiful whatever the weather and the pace of life was wonderfully relaxed.  The well-chosen range of excursions provided a glimpse into the Irish way of life, countryside and history of the region.  We returned home completely refreshed."
-Margaret Harding, 2008

"We had the great pleasure of taking my two daughters and their husbands along on the trip.  It turned out to be one of our most memorable trips ever.  Exceeded our most ambitious expectations.:
-Howard and Ruth Kosh, 2008

"Wonderful, we hit a beautiful week of weather - highs in the 70's, little or no rain.  The food and hospitality is beyond compare.  The waterways are much larger, wider than those in France, but beautiful.  One night after dinner, 3 men strolled into the salon and began unpacking musical instruments - what a treat!  Father on Irish whistle, son on the banjo, and a friend on keyboard who also sang such beautiful old Irish songs that I couldn't hold back the tears."
-Pat and C.W. Moore, 2008
Pat and C.W. are repeat Barge Lady guests. 


"The scenery was beautiful, the food was fantastic, and the crew were very attentive and a lot of fun."
-Arne and Jeannine Flolo, 2008
Arne and Jeannine are repeat Barge Lady guests. 

"This barge trip was the best vacation that I ever had - I have been raving about the trip to anyone who will listen. Olivia, Ruairi and crew did their utmost to ensure that we all had a wonderful time. The barge itself was so clean and comfortable - my bed in my cabin was more comfortable than my bed at home - I'm still thinking about the great food we were served. I would love to go back on "The Shannon Princess" again. The Irish are a wonderful people."
-Very Satisfied 2007 Guest

"Ellen, thank you for all you did to make our anniversary and Mary Ellen's birthday so enjoyable on board Shannon Princess. Our 13th great-grandchild was born just before our cruise and was named Shannon Elizebeth!"
- Bob and Mary Ellen Mero, 2007

"From our arrival on board up to the moment of our departure, we felt welcome, cared for and even pampered. Olivia is a gifted gourmet chef who coped with several food intolerances gracefully. Ruairi was a competent, congenial captain who kept us happy. Our crew women were delightful, hard working and friendly. Ross - the first mate- was a delight. We had waited for a decade to make this trip and it fulfilled all our hopes and dreams. It was relaxing, but never dull. We can't say too many good things about the Shannon Princess II. "
- John and Carol Graham, 2007

"It was a relaxing way to see part of Ireland. We felt so pampered and catered to by a wonderful staff. We were given information about the history of Ireland and enjoyed having the local musicians play for us one evening. It was a wonderful trip and made us want to do other barge trips. "
- Shannon Princess II guests, 2007

"I have never been to Ireland, and this was the perfect way to go. It was relaxing, fun and a great way to meet new people. We really bonded with the other guests and had so much fun together. The crew and guide were terrific, the food was outstanding, and the beauty of Ireland made my heart skip a beat."
- Isabella Nobilski, 2006

"'No Problem' was certainly the watch word of the week. All the crew -from Captain Rauiri on down all dedicated to satisfying our every whim! Olivia has to be the best chef in the world! The bathroom was much larger than expected; the beds very comfortable. Everything on the cruise gets a 5-Star rating - plus the location and the scenery more than lives up to its billing. Ireland is beautiful and so are its people."
- George and Betty Wolff, 2006

Shannon Princess
Floor Plan

107 Feet long
-Five identical cabins at 131 square feet with choice of twin or queen beds and picture windows
-Newly tiled baths, large shower
-Salon-dining room with panoramic windows
-Very large deck on top affords great views!