Shannon Princess
Barging in Ireland

Passengers: 10	Your Hosts: Ruairi, Olivia and Ross Gibbons
Size: 107 feet long	English Speaking Crew of: 5
Last Visited: 2008	Bicycles: To be advised
Rating: Ultra Deluxe	Air Conditioned: No

Cruise Rate Includes: 6 nights/7 days in a cabin with a private bath, chauffeured transfers from the Aberdeen Lodge in Dublin to the barge & return, all meals, from dinner the first night to breakfast the last morning, all wines with lunch & dinner, open bar, daily escorted excursions.

Cruise Rate Does NOT Include: Airfare to and from Ireland, cancellation insurance and crew gratuity (suggested minimum amount is 5% of the cruise price)

2013 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
NEW- Family Adventure Cruise Charter of 10: $40,880

2013 Value Season dates

Aprill 21 - 27	May 5 - 11
April 28 - May 4

2013 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
NEW- Family Adventure Cruise Charter of 10: $45,330

2013 regular Season dates

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

HELLO FROM IRELAND! We are proud to offer barge cruising with a unique Irish welcome – and hosted by Captain Ruairi Gibbons and Chef Olivia Power, pictured at right. Together, this adorable couple bring a wealth of background in yachting, barging, hospitality, and gourmet cooking. Added to their professionalism is a passion for all things Irish. From the local fruits, vegetables, herbs and cheeses which grace their table to the river tales which add so much interest to the daily sightseeing, Ruairi and Olivia deliver a cruise experience that can be found nowhere else.

New for the 2013 season is the “Authentic Bites and Sights of Ireland” Itinerary. The emphasis is on introducing guests to the people in the villages, shops, farms, and even the pubs along the route! Ireland’s emerging food scene is already well represented by Chef Olivia, a graduate of the Ballymaloe Cookery School, which has been credited with both saving and updating traditional Irish cuisine. Her menus are fresh, seasonal, and ever-changing. Olivia sources most ingredients locally and can introduce guests to producers of handmade cheeses, wild Irish honey and organic vegetables. A visit to the kitchen gardens at Portumna Castle, pictured at left, is delightful. “I find herbs, salads, the best new potatoes, fruits, vegetables and fresh flowers,” says Olivia, adding that a very good friend of hers is the head gardener.

A tasting at the Kilbeggan Whiskey Distillery, founded in 1757 and claiming to be the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, adds another kind of tasting - as does the selection of Old and New world wines served on board.

Shannon Princess cruises through the ancient and scenic heart of Ireland on the Shannon Waterway, a series of lakes, rivers and tiny connecting canals. Explore in villages and walk down country lanes. Sightseeing includes Clonmacnoise, mystic ruins of a 6th century monastery; Galway, a colorful university town where guests can browse in local craft shops; and Leap Castle, reputed to be the most haunted castle in all of Ireland! This is Captain Rauari’s favorite excursion, as he introduces Sean, owner of the castle, who tells the tales murder, mayhem and above all, ghosts. This is the kind of color local character that Shannon Princess guests love to meet. Also pass some time in pubs along the way – You are with Ruairi and will quickly be welcomed into the festivities!

We plan to cruise on Shannon Princess in 2013 and also scout out unusual excursions and experiences in Dublin. We hope to welcome you to Ireland this year!

Shannon Princess

Ireland Shannon Waterways Barge Cruise Itinerary

"Authentic Bites & Sights of Ireland"

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 moored in Glasson. Family-owned and -managed, Shannon Princess delivers one of the warmest welcomes in European barging. We welcome you on board the elegant Shannon Princess with a Champagne Reception. There is time to relax on deck or to mingle and chat with fellow guests & local boat owners. Watch the world float by, as you enjoy your first gourmet dinner on board.

Monday: Glasson to Athlone Town
Whiskey Galore
There’s time for an early morning stroll through twisting country lanes, before we set out on our cruise on the River Shannon’s “Inner Lakes”. Soon after arriving in the lively bustling River Town of Athlone, An afternoon visit is made to a local whiskey distillery. Dating from 1757 the Kilbeggan Distillery is the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world. On the return journey there is time for a visit to the village of Ballinahown, an Artisan Craft Village. Explore at your leisure, time for shopping, antiquing or a visit to any of the towns impromptu traditional music pubs- don’t forget to return on board for gourmet dinner!
Tuesday: Athlone Town to Shannonbridge
Lands of Saints & Scholars
After breakfast, we sail through “The Callows”, lush grazing meadows that remain unchanged in over a 1000 years and are now a Wildfowl & Fauna Reserve. We moor below Clonmacnoise, pictured above, ruins for a visit to the ancient burial grounds of the High Kings of Tara & Connaught. We sail onwards to Shannonbridge and visit a local Apiary, and sample some wild Irish honey and other fresh organic produce at “Meadowsweet Farm” hosted by the owner family. After dinner, join the Captain for a “pint” in Killeen’s pub for music and chat and past some time with the locals


Wednesday: Shannonbridge to Terryglass
The Fighting Irish and Ghosts!
A cruise through ever-changing landscape, crumbling ivy covered ruins, medieval garrisons & sleepy market villages. Shannon Princess arrives at the quaint little village of Terryglass. We visit Mossfield Organic Farm to sample some of their award winning Cheeses and then to neighbouring “Leap Castle”. Reputed to be Ireland’s most haunted house, Leap Castle was once home to one of America’s founding Fathers- John Carroll. You will be hosted by Sean Ryan, a renowned musician and his family who will invites us in to their unusual home.

Thursday: Terryglass to Mountshannon
Lunch and shopping in Galway City
Today take a morning excursion to the Walled Kitchen Gardens of Portumna Castle, and onto Galway, pictured at right, a lively Anglo-Norman university town and cultural centre of Irish speaking regions in the west of Ireland. Lunch is at an authentic Guinness & Oyster Bar with time to browse and explore the colourful shops and streets. Return to “Shannon Princess’ for gourmet dinner as we meander through Lough Derg to Mountshannon – a lovely old estate village perched prettily above the Lough. After dinner enjoy a moonlit ramble around Mountshannon or dancing in the local hotel




Friday: Mountshannon to Killaloe
Slainte and Irish Farewell
A cruise through the charming lower stretches of Lough Derg and the River Shannon arriving into the pretty twin towns of Killaloe & Ballina, a prosperous town with art, history and foodie treats. A private tour of the Belfry of St. Flannan’s Anglican Cathedral will be hosted by the Choir Master. Then a visit to “Craganowen” a Celtic Bronze Age Settlement, pictured at left, where your guide will interpret and bring to life the “Living Past”. Later in the afternoon we drop in on a “Traditional Irish Hand Weavers” workshop and studio where guests will experience a step back in time while also learning how these thriving small cottage industries are dealing with technology and the future. Captains “Farewell” Gourmet Dinner showcasing local produce.

Saturday: Killaloe to Dublin
A Sad Farewell
Shannon Princess will be moored in Killaloe. You will depart after breakfast 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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"Family Adventure Cruises in Ireland "

QUIGLEY'S MARINA TO KILLALOE ON THE SHANNON WATERWAY

FAMILY ADVENTURE CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

- Fun Activities: Walking, Zorbing, Zip Lining, Canoeing, Water-skiing, Trekking, Fishing,
  Cycling, Horse Riding, Water Sports, Traditional Music, Pottery & Crafts, Go cart racing etc.
- Bespoke Cruise each day can be changed and arranged to your immediate requirements
- Culinary/ Gourmet dining or dining of your choice
- Wii and PS3 on board (we carry games for all age groups) as well as DVDs and Satellite TV
- Spectacular unspoiled landscape and atmospheric ancient settlements and ruins
- History, antiquity folklore and music

Sunday: Dublin to Quigley's Marina
Our Family Welcomes Your Family
The Barge Host will meet Guests at 3.00pm at the designated meeting point . The transfer will be in the Barge’s private coach to the Shannon Princess moored in Glasson. Family-owned and -managed, Shannon Princess delivers one of the warmest welcomes in European Barging. We welcome you on board the elegant Shannon Princess with a Champagne Reception. There is time to relax on deck or to mingle and chat with fellow guests & local boat owners. Watch the world float by, as you enjoy your first Family dinner on board. .

Monday: Glasson to Athlone Town
Cruising and Zorbing
There’s time for an early morning stroll through twisting country lanes, before we set out on our cruise on the River Shannon’s “Inner Lakes”. Soon after arriving in the lively bustling River Town of Athlone. After lunch, drive the short distance to the “UpRiver” activity centre and get strapped in for “ZORBING”. Participants are safely harnessed opposite each other before being launched down the Zorbing run. Revolving head over heels, gaining speed with every revolution. Land and sky merge into one as you feel almost weightless – the thrill is intoxicating and totally unique. Afternoon Cupcake & Brownie Cookery lesson in our Galley. Alternative activities today are Kayaking, Rafting and Zip Lining!

Tuesday: Athlone Town to Shannonbridge
Lands of Saints and Racers
After breakfast, we sail through “The Callows”, lush grazing meadows that remain unchanged in over a 1000 years and are now a Wildfowl & Fauna Reserve. We moor below Clonmacnoise ruins for a visit to the ancient burial grounds of the High Kings of Tara & Connaught. We sail onwards to Shannonbridge and after lunch we depart for “Europes Largest GoKarting Track” www.pallaskarting.com. After dinner, join the Captain for a “Pint” in Killeen’s pub for music and chat and pass some time with the locals. Alternative activities today are Cheese Making & Horse Riding.


Wednesday: Shannonbridge to Terryglass
The Fighting Irish and Ghosts!
A cruise through ever-changing landscape, crumbling ivy covered ruins, medieval garrisons and sleepy market villages.Shannon Princess arrives at the quaint little village of Terryglass. After lunch, our coach takes to “Flower Hill” Equestrian Centre. www.flowerhill.net. This is probably Ireland’s prettiest and most exhilarating Horseback riding venue. It is suitable for all grades of riders and will stay in the memory for a long time to come. Alternative activity today is a visit to Leap Castle, Irelands most haunted house.

Thursday: Terryglass to Mountshannon
Explore in a Kitchen Garden
Today take a morning excursion to the Walled Kitchen Gardens of Portumna Castle, and onto Galway, a lively Anglo-Norman university town and cultural centre of Irish speaking regions in the west of Ireland. Lunch is at a quirky old fashioned Fish & Chip restaurant with time to shop and experience local street theatre. Return to “Shannon Princess’ for Cocktails & Alfresco Dinner as we meander through Lough Derg to Mountshannon – a lovely old estate village perched prettily above the Lough. After dinner enjoy a moonlit Treasure Hunt around Mountshannon or dancing in the local hotel.


Friday: Mountshannon to Killaloe
Activity Center on Shore - Boating Skills on Deck
A Cruise through the charming lower stretches of Lough Derg and the River Shannon arriving into the pretty twin towns of Killaloe & Ballina, a prosperous town with art, history and foodie treats. On Deck Knot and Boat Skills with the Captain. After lunch a short trip to the nearby “University of Limerick Activity Centre” Here Guests can choose from an endless list of activities including rope walking, sailing & archery. Capatin's Farewell Dinner.

Saturday: Killaloe to Dublin
Slainte - An Irish Farewell
Shannon Princess will be moored in Killaloe. You will depart after breakfast 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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Walking Itinerary

Discovering the Treasures of a Fabled Waterway

Our Luxury bus 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. "Cead 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
Floor Plan

107 Feet long
Five identical cabins - 131 sq feet
-One queen or two twin beds
-Picture windows
-Newly tiled baths, large shower
-2 bathrobes in each cabin
In the Public Areas
-Salon-dining room with panoramic windows
-Very large deck on top affords great views!
- Wifi on board
4 Bicycles
-2 men’s and 2 lady’s Raleigh Mountain bikes with pumps and helmets.
-Extra bicycles and different sizes/types can be provided upon request.