Ireland Boutique Barge Cruise

USA River Cruises is so excited to be able to offer this fantastic cruise in Ireland! Cruising the small lakes and rivers of central Ireland, the Shannon Princess will give you an intimate look at Irish countryside, with expert guides to lead you through Irish history, culture, folklore, cuisine and more! The onboard chef is a master of creating modern menus using traditional Irish ingredients; your guides will walk you through history and introduce you to local Irish artists; and your floating hotel will give you the best views of pastoral Ireland without having to worry about driving on the wrong side of the road.

On this trip through the gorgeous countryside, after leaving Dublin, you visit Killaloe, Mountshannon, Terryglass Village in county Tipperary, Portumna Castle, Galway, Banagher, Athlone, and Glasson Village.

7 Days & 6 Nights

from $4,600 pp/do*

from $6,200 pp

Shannon Princess

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or call 800.578.1479

*Per person/double occupancy. Special single rates apply where listed. Excludes port fees.
Itineraries may operate in reverse.

Your Itinerary

1Dublin to Killaloe
You’ll be picked up by your chauffeur in Dublin and transferred to the Shannon Princess where you’ll be greeted by your crew with a Champagne Reception.

2To the Waters and the Wild
This morning, the Shannon Princess will release from its moorings and ‘go with the flow’ of the Lough Derg, past its islands and medieval strongholds. The views of banks dotted with wild horses will have you reaching for your camera! We’ll moor at the old estate village of Mountshannon. The Captain will accompany you to the ‘Cragganaunowen Project,’ a recreation of Celtic culture, life and religions practices.

3County Tipperary
Further down the Lough Derg, we’ll moor at the foot of a hill sloping up to Terryglass village. Enjoy lunch in the village. The renowned musician, Sean Ryan, will receive you in his home for a guided visit of Leap Castle, Ireland’s most haunted house. Make a wish in one of Terryglass’ ‘Holy Wells’ before returning to the barge for your gourmet dinner.

4The Ancient Kingdoms of Connaught and Leinster
Portumna Castle and the walled gardens sit on the lake. Visit the abbey, castle, formal gardens and 17th century walled kitchen garden. Then to something a bit more modern, head to Galway – a university town. Lunch at an authentic Guinness and Oyster Bar! Relax this afternoon as you watch the landscape sweep by – we’re cruising the River Shannon. We’ll pause at the Portumna Swing Bridge, and head through the Meelick Lock before we reach the Georgian town of Banagher.

5The Broad Majestic Shannon and Athlone
Watch the Irish meadows and floodplains roll by as we continue up the Shannon River. This is Ireland’s premier wildfowl and flora reserves. We’ll moor at the ancient burial grounds of the High Kings of Tara and Connaught, Clonmacniose. We’ll have a guided tour of the 6th century monastic settlement. Then we’ll moor at Athlone, a bustling town with craft and antique shops for you to visit.

6Lough Ree and Westmeath
Take in your second-to-the-last morning with a stroll through the winding lanes of the ancient town of Athlone. The Shannon Princess will cruise further this morning through an area preserved for its ecological importance. In the afternoon, we’ll tour the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world: Kilbeggan Distillery, established in 1757. Our Farewell ‘Slainte’ dinner will happen back on board before we reach Glasson Village to moor.

7Athlone to Dublin
Our chauffeurs will escort you back to Dublin after breakfast, estimated arrive time being 12pm noon.