Shannon Princess
Barging in Ireland

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

2012 Value Season Rates

Whole Boat Charter of 10: $38,880
Whole Boat charter of 8: $33,330
Whole Boat charter of 6: $30,550
Individuals: $4,110 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: $1,330

2012 Value Season dates

April 15 - 21	April 29 - May 5
Aprill 22 - 28	May 6 - 12

2012 regular Season rates

Whole-Boat Charter of 10: $43,330
Whole Boat Charter of 8: $38,880
Whole Boat Charter of 6: $34,440
Individuals: $4,660 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: $1,330

2012 regular Season dates

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

**Special Offer** 5% discount on a Charter of up to 10 passengers on all August dates booked and deposited by February 29, 2012. Valid only for new bookings.

Barge Lady's Amy and Tom Aldrich loved their April 2008 SHANNON PRINCESS cruise!
Click here for Amy's day-to-day cruise diary 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, pictured above. 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 above, 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, pictured at right - 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
Shannon Princess will be moored in Killaloe. You will depart at 9:00am and chauffeured back to your transfer point in central Dublin. Estimated arrival in Dublin is 11:00am – 11:30 am. Upon request, you can be taken to Dublin airport. Estimated arrival time to Dublin airport is noon. Please make all onward travel plans the day of departure strictly on the basis of this timetable. Breakfast is your last on-board meal.

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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
Board in a Charming Riverside Town
Guests shall be met by the Barge Guide at 3:00pm at The Aberdeen Lodge Hotel, pictured at right, and transferred by luxury coach to the 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
Celtic Life and Times on Display
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
Glorious Gardens at Birr Castle
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, pictured at left, 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
Morning in Lively Galway City
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, pictured below, 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
Meander through Classic Irish Landscapes
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
Bronze Age Bog Road and Other finds
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 in the 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
A Sad Farewell
Shannon Princess will be moored at Quigley's Marina, near to Athlone. You will depart at 9:00am and chauffeured back to your transfer point in central Dublin. Estimated arrival in Dublin is 11:00am – 11:30 am. Upon request, you can be taken to Dublin airport. Estimated arrival time to Dublin airport is noon. Please make all onward travel plans the day of departure strictly on the basis of this timetable. Breakfast is your last on-board meal.


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.

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NEW for 2011 Walking Itinerary

Discovering the Treasures of a Fabled Waterway

Our Luxury bur driver is in attendance on all walks allowing walkers the freedom to extend walks or return to the barge at their wish.

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 to the Shannon Princess in Killaloe. We are moored on the Tipperary side of these picturesque little Ecclesiastical towns. Killaloe was once home to the court of the last High King of Ireland. "Dead Mile Failte," (a hundred thousand welcomes!) 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: Morning Walk, the Graves of the Leinstermen
We take a hike into the Arra Mountains from our mooring in Killaloe. At the summit of Toutinna is the "Graves of the Leinstermen", today one stone is standing, the rest are covered in undergrowth. The site may have originally been a stone circle or a Meolithic Tomb. Keep a look out for evidence of the area's great slate quarrying tradition. Magnificent views can be had from these parts, and blanket bog and several varieties of heather add to the allure of the landscape. This is an excellent walk and can take between 3 to 5 hours to walk. We are walking on natural terrain with moderate gradients. We slip our moorings at Killaloe, and start our journey up river. This afternoon 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. We moor at the lovely old estate village of Mountshannon, perched prettily about the Lough. After a gourmet dinner aboard, enjoy a moonlit ramble around Mountshannon.

Tuesday: Morning Walk, the East Clare Hills
The East Clare Way walk starts from overnight mooring in Mountshannon. This is a 127km route of marked Highways and Byways. You will be guided through what is considered the most beautiful section. A gentle climb up through riverside villages and into the Slieve Bernagh hills until we overlook some of the most spectacular scenery in the whole of Munster with Lough Derg and its many islands at our feet creating a landscape rich in beauty, color and variety. This is a 3 to 4 hour walk on natural terrain and trails with moderate gradients.
This afternoon, 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: Morning Walk, the Slieve Bloom Way - Cadens Town and Kinnity
We travel by luxury coach to the nearby Slieve Bloom Mountains. Steeped in history and folklore, the Slieve Blooms dominate the landscape as it straddles the boarder of counties Offaly and Laois. It's the highest peak, 529m Arderin, translates from Irish as the height of Ireland. Connections with the past are everywhere as the area is dusted with monuments dating back as far as 4,500 years. This is a 3 to 4 hour walk along riverside paths and bog tracks and through woodland trails. Refreshment at Leap Castle hosted by owner and Traditional Musician Sean Ryan.
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 village of Shannonbridge.

Thursday: Morning Walk, the Pilgrim's Path
After a short cruise, we moor at Clonmacnoise ruins - an atmospheric and spiritual 6th Century monastic settlement soaked in history and myth. Clonmacnoise was the ancient burial grounds of the High Kings of Tara and Connaught and quickly became a popular place of pilgrimage. Here on the Shannon Riverbanks we start our walking trail on THE PILGRIM's PATH. This ancient walking route crossed early historic Ireland from east to west and was known in Gaelic as An tSli Mor, the Great Road. The modern Pilgrim Path covers an intact stretch of that ancient route which winds along the Esker Riada and provides the alker with an elevated view of the bog and river Shannon rich in wildlife and flowers. We follow the trail for 3 to 4 hours, over gently undulating and natural terrain.
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. 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, Afternoon Walk
This morning 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. We moor at Quigley's Marina near Glasson Village. This afternoon we visit TAIN BO CULAINE - the legendary route taken across Ireland by Queen Maedbh of Connacht in her attempts at the theft of her husband's riches and his prized Brown Bull of Cooley. The Tain Trail is steeped in mythology and history as it retraces the journey and battles between Maeve and her armies and the Warrior hero Cuchulainn. We join the Tain Trail along the Shores of Lough Ree where Maeve met a bloody end. We follow the trail for 3 to 4 hours. This is a charming lakeshore byway on natural surfaces with only slight gradients. Farewell "Slainte" Gourmet Dinner.

Saturday: Athlone to Dublin
Shannon Princess will be moored at Quigley's Marina, near to Athlone. You will depart at 9:00am and chauffeured back to your transfer point in central Dublin. Estimated arrival in Dublin is 11:00am – 11:30 am. Upon request, you can be taken to Dublin airport. Estimated arrival time to Dublin airport is noon. Please make all onward travel plans the day of departure strictly on the basis of this timetable. Breakfast is your last on-board meal.


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

"The barge was just terrific.  We had lots of laughs, lots of ADC (another damn castle!) and incredible food.  Olivia, the chef and co-owner on the barge is just as fabulous as advertised.  We all waddled off the barge.  They took very good care of us and Rauri, the captain and Olivia's husband, did a great job of getting us to various stops and making us feel at home.

 

Of course our crowd also hit the pubs in the small towns, which in a couple of the towns were the only things there, and we were made to feel so very welcome.  The Irish folks are delightful and good-humored and seemed to go out of their way to help us.  I would recommend this barge trip for someone looking to do a slow trip in Ireland.  The historical stops that are done from the barge are really good and again, the service is great.  We were all very glad that we did it with a group that were easy travelers and enjoyed each other's company."

-Jack and Jo Hill, cruised August 2011

"The Shannon Princess was FABULOUS.  All our expectations were exceeded and the food was OUT OF THIS WORLD!"

-Kathy Sarber, cruised August 2011

 

"The Shannon Princess experience is in a word, sublime.

The moment we arrived at the barge and met our crew, Capt. Rauiri, Chef Olivia,  Stewardess Ali,  and First Mate Ross, we felt quite welcome and comfortable.  The Shannon Princess is very well appointed, maintained and  has the warmth of a home.

Every expectation we had was exceeded. (In fact, Olivia's remarkable talent has ruined us for any culinary foray going forward)!  She is simply amazing.

Rauiri’s incredible wealth of knowledge in Irish history, countryside acumen, and spontaneous creativity, spawned even more unique, rich and priceless “in country” experiences when the planned itinerary changed due to weather conditions on the river.  He never ceased to amaze us with his incredible and unflappable skill, whether at the helm, or arranging our next adventure.

We highly recommend The Shannon Princess as it is truly a unique and fulfilling experience due to the extraordinary “hands on” care, personalized service and expertise the Gibbon's family puts into every detail.

 It shall remain our most memorable trip".

-Sam and Doug Cheek - cruised May 2011

"Our experience on the 'Shannon Queen' barge exceeded all expectations. First, having the owner as the captain with his wife as chef adds a real personal touch to the experience. They went out of their way to make our experience a memorable one. Second, we never expected a gourmet chef on a barge in Ireland. Olivia was better then most chefs we have had almost anywhere. Creative, tasteful, self-taught with wonderful family recipes, she makes everything from scratch including the breads and deserts. An added bonus was their 10 year old son, Ross, who was an absolute delight as the 'second mate'. All in all, a trip we would long cherish and recommend to anyone."
- Simon and Ellen Atlas, 2010

"The quality and choices of the dining on board

exceeded our expectations. Our hosts Raurie, Olivia, and son Ross, as well as the first mate, Hannah, could not have been more friendly and willing to take care of every need we may have had. The term magical is an apt description of our experience."

- Mr. and Mrs. David Mandelbaum, 2010

"Our week spent on the Shannon Princess II was perfect in every way. The barge was very comfortable, the crew extremely attentive, and the food was absolutely the best. Olivia is a very creative chef, using all local ingredients. Everything was presented beautifully, along with local cheese and wines for lunch and dinner. Our excursions were interesting and fun. The casualness of this trip makes for a very relaxing and memorable vacation."
- Mr & Mrs. Donald Fisher, 2010


"The Shannon Princess cruise was wonderful and exceeded my expectations. The staff were very attentive and friendly - the chef, Olivia, is a master chef - food beyond compare - all fresh, local. Every crew member made sure your smallest needs were cared for. Olivia and Ruairi are one in a million - the best. We also enjoyed the other guests. I would love to go again!"
- Geraldine Sammon, 2010

"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.

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
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!
- Wifi on board