Group Travel Tour Operator and DMC for Athlone, Ireland
Cruising the Shannon and Irish Lakes
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Viking Cruises, Athlone, Co Westmeath, Ireland
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Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum ©Courtesy of Carsten Krieger, Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland
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Boats on the River Shannon, Athlone, Co Westmeath ©Photographer Chris Hill, Failte Ireland, Tourism Ireland
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Moon River, Carrick On Shannon, Ireland - The Boat
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Moon River, Carrick On Shannon, Ireland - Inside the Boat
The River Shannon is Ireland’s longest river and is closely bound up with the country’s social, cultural, military, economic and political history. See Ireland’s history from the water as you cruise on this mighty river and its lakes.
Discover our other Irish tours here
Cruising the Shannon and Irish Lakes map
Dates
March - October 2024 & 2025
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Depart the UK
Take the afternoon ferry crossing from Holyhead to Dublin, then a short drive to your hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2
Clonmacnoise Monastic Settlement and Cruise
We head for Athlone, with an en route stop at Clonmacnoise, an early Christian site on the banks of the River Shannon, after we board our boat for a scenic cruise to Athlone, our base for three nights.
Day 3
Carrick-on-Shannon and Strokestown Park
Today, visit Carrick-on-Shannon, the cruising capital of the Shannon. The town is steeped in history and boasts a beautiful marina, here we enjoy a scenic cruise on the River Shannon, taking in some stunning vistas. Afternoon visit to Strokestown Park & House, a beautifully restored mansion set in 300 acres.
Day 4
Athlone Castle and Lake Cruise
(Coach driver’s rest day)
Enjoy a day in Athlone, where we visit the castle and enjoy an afternoon cruise along the Shannon and into Lough Ree known locally as ‘The Lake of Kings, enjoy some of the most beautiful unspoiled scenery in all of Ireland.
Day 5
Shannon Ferry, Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum and Limerick
Depart Athlone, taking the Shannon Ferry we experience the Wild Atlantic Sea and rugged landscape. Visit the Foynes Flying Boat Museum before heading to Limerick City.
Day 6
Dublin
Depart Limerick, following the Shannon we stop in Ballina and Killahoe, for our final sightseeing cruise on the Shannon and Loch Derg. Afternoon we head to Dublin for overnight stop.
Day 7
Return to the UK
After an early breakfast, take the ferry and return home.
Suggested Hotels
Shamrock Lodge Hotel , Athlone ***
This family-run hotel is surrounded by beautiful gardens just 5 minutes’ walk from the restaurants, bars and nightlife of Athlone town centre. Guests can enjoy their meal at the hotel bar and restaurant, renowed in the Midlands for its excellent cuisine. The hotel boasts 40 deluxe and superior bedrooms with free Wi-Fi, TV, and tea & coffee making facilities. Some rooms even have scenic views over the gardens, there are 8 ground floor rooms available.
Sheraton, Athlone ****
In Athlone’s lively town centre, this 4-star Sheraton Hotel has a 20 m pool and free parking. Guests have spacious rooms and a stylish restaurant, and only 1 hours’ drive from Dublin.
Castle Oaks Hotel, Limerick ****
The Castle Oaks House Hotel and Estate is a stunning Georgian House built in the late eighteenth century. Located in the picturesque village of Castleconnell, just 5 minutes from the M7 motorway, the Georgian House is set in 26 acres of beautiful mature gardens & woodlands that lead down to the banks of the River Shannon.
1 x night Dublin + 3 nights Athlone + 1 night Limerick* + 1 night Dublin
| Dates | 7 days / 6 nights |
| 2024 dates | Price on request |
| 2025 dates | From £779.00 per person |
Prices include return ferry. If you would like a price travelling by air, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Single room supplement available upon request.
*Subject to hotel availability in Limerick, alternative accommodation may be offered.
