Ireland in Depth

Featuring Back-Roads Touring and Luxury Hotel Barge Shannon Princess

Click on the above picture for the online brochure

Views of spellbinding scenery. Stories of maritime towns and picture-book villages. Ancient castles steeped in history, and country inns full of character. The further we go into Southern Ireland’s enchanting landscapes, the deeper you’ll fall under its spell!

And after 8 days of sightseeing on your own, private tour, it will be time to board your exclusive Luxury Hotel Barge for a magical 7-day cruise along the River Shannon, the longest river in the Republic of Ireland and, along with its lakes, represents Ireland at its finest. The river flows down the middle of the country and divides east and west. During your cruise, you will experience true immersion into the heritage and traditions of this part of Ireland.

Tour Highlights:

Visit Molly Gallivan’s Cottage and learn the story of a widow who supported her children by brewing illicit whiskey
Discover a traditional Irish craft as you tour the famous House of Waterford Crystal
Uncover the magnificent Cliffs of Moher – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS:

6 Nights’ accommodation in airconditioned, en-suite cabins
All gourmet meals aboard and ashore
Selected regional wines
Champagne welcome
Open bar
All excursions and admittance fees
Use of bicycles

Tour the legendary 6thC Clonmacnoise ruins | Full day excursion to Portumna Castle and Galway | Traditional Guinness and oyster lunch | Visit the unusual haunted Leap Castle | Tour Birr Castle’s

Gardens and Science Centre | Birds of prey demonstration at Adare Manor | Tour of the Kilbeggan Whiskey Distillery with a private tasting | Visit a traditional Irish hand-weaving workshop | Hear traditional Irish music | Excellent walking and fishing opportunities

CRUISE INCLUDES:

6 Nights’ accommodation in airconditioned, en-suite cabins
All gourmet meals aboard and ashore
Selected regional wines
Champagne welcome
Open bar
All excursions and admittance fees
Use of bicycles

ITINERARY

Saturday, Day 1: Dublin

Historic and full of character, Dublin is where we’ll meet the group and begin our adventure. This evening is an opportunity to get to know one another over a delicious welcome dinner. Accommodation: Iveagh Garden (or similar) D

Sunday, Day 2: Dublin to Kildare to Ennis

After breakfast, we’ll hit the road to our first stop: County Kildare, where we’ve an appointment with the Irish National Stud. After being treated to a private tour and the chance to explore the fascinating museum, we’ll move on to the award-winning gardens of Birr Castle Demesne. Take some time to wander around the grounds and admire the awe-inspiring science and engineering that has been invested in creating such a unique residence. This evening will see us checking into our hotel in Ennis, where we’ll enjoy some free time to spend at our leisure. Accommodation: The Old Ground Hotel (or similar) B

Monday, Day 3: Ennis to Cliffs of Moher to Killarney

First today: an orientation tour through Ennis’ character-filled avenues, where we’ll hear enthralling myths, mysteries and tales of rebellions and riots. Then: prepare to be amazed by the rugged natural beauty of the Cliffs of Moher. The keen-eyed among us – or perhaps just those who packed binoculars – may even spot a resident puffin or two. After an invigorating afternoon, we’ll travel across the Shannon Estuary to Killarney: the gateway to the panoramic Ring of Kerry. Accommodation: The Cahernane House Hotel (or similar) B, D

Tuesday, Day 4: Killarney to Ring of Kerry to Killarney

This morning will see us begin our journey around the awe-inspiring Ring of Kerry. Our first stop of the day: the Skellig Experience, where we’ll gain a fascinating insight into the lives of the early Christian monks that once broke bread at the Skellig Michael monastery. A real treat is in store upon our return to Killarney – where we’ll enjoy a performance of traditional Irish music and dance at a Celtic Steps concert. Accommodation: The Cahernane House Hotel (or similar) B

Wednesday, Day 5: Killarney to Kenmare to Kinsale

This morning we’ll make our way to Molly Gallivan’s Cottage – which, at first glance, appears to be an unassuming rustic farmhouse. But there’s more to it than first meets the eye! More than 200 years ago, Mrs Gallivan supported her seven children by brewing illicit whiskey – and her home was, in fact, a clandestine pub. We’ll learn stories of the enterprising Mrs Gallivan’s antics before travelling onwards to the medieval town of Kinsale, where coastal views, cosy pubs and brightly coloured houses await us. Accommodation: The Trident Hotel (or similar) B

Thursday, Day 6: Kinsale

The cobbled streets that curve around Kinsale’s pretty bay are just begging to be explored, so we’ll spend this morning on a walking tour with a local guide. Bearings established, you’ll be free to seek out the town’s hidden treasures at your own pace. Hailed as the Gourmet Capital of Ireland – we recommend selecting a local restaurant for dinner to savour some delicious cuisine from the surrounding region. Accommodation: The Trident Hotel (or similar) B

Friday, Day 7: Kinsale to Waterford

This morning we’ll move on to the charming waterfront town of Cobh. Interestingly, Cobh was the departure point for the last 123 passengers who boarded the Titanic – and you’ll notice poignant markers of this as you make your way around. Later, we’ll continue to Waterford. Dating back to Viking times, Waterford is Ireland’s oldest city – with over 1,000 years’ worth of history to explore. Gain a fascinating insight into how the city’s famed crystal is made before we reconvene for tonight’s final meal with the group. Accommodation: Faithlegg Hotel (or similar) B, D

Saturday, Day 8: Waterford to Dublin

After breakfast, we’ll return to cosmopolitan Dublin where you will have time at leisure. Accommodation: Iveagh Garden (or similar) B

Sunday, Day 9: Dublin – Shannon Princess

Enjoy your free morning in Dublin before being transferred to your Luxury Hotel Barge, the Shannon Princess. Your Captain and crew welcome you on board with champagne, Black Velvets or Irish coffees. Time perhaps for a gentle stroll before your first dinner on board.

MONDAY, DAY 10: GLASSON TO ATHLONE

This morning we begin our cruise around the beautiful “Inner Lakes” of Lough Ree and then continue north as we explore some of the 365 islands on the lake. We then circle back to the River Shannon and onto our mooring in Athlone Town. After lunch we visit the Kilbeggan Whiskey Distillery, dating from 1757 and the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world. On the return journey there is time for a visit to Ballinahown, an artisan craft village. Dinner on board.

TUESDAY, DAY 11: ATHLONE TO SHANNONBRIDGE

Today we negotiate Athlone Lock and head south through Europe’s richest example of “Callow” landscape. We moor at Clonmacnoise ruins, a famed 6th century university and an early monastic settlement. Following a tour, we cruise on to our mooring at Shannonbridge. Then, after lunch we visit Leap Castle, reputed to be Ireland’s most haunted house. You will be given a personal tour by the eccentric owner Sean Ryan, whom with traditional Irish musicians, will relate to you the fascinating history of the castle and its part in founding the American Constitution. After dinner on board, perhaps join the captain for a pint in Killeen’s pub and an evening with the locals.

WEDNESDAY, DAY 12: SHANNONBRIDGE TO TERRYGLASS

This morning, we cruise a very pretty stretch of the River Shannon through Meelick lock, pausing as Portumna swing bridge is opened to allow us passage onto idyllic Lough Derg and then moor at Terryglass Harbour. This afternoon we visit Birr Castle, still resided in by the Earl of Rosse and family, to see the magnificent gardens, the fascinating Science Centre and admire the historic Great Telescope. Dinner on board.

THURSDAY, DAY 13: TERRYGLASS TO MOUNTSHANNON

Today, our tour is firstly, to the walled gardens of Portumna Castle, then on to Galway, a lively University City and cultural centre for Irish-speaking regions in Western Ireland. Visit the Galway crystal, craft and linen shops and then lunch at a traditional Guinness & Oyster pub. We return to Shannon Princess and set sail across beautiful Lough Derg, passing Forrest Park and ancient mountains as we enjoy our dinner and sunset cruise to Mountshannon – a lovely lakeside village perched above the Lough.

FRIDAY, DAY 14: MOUNTSHANNON TO KILLALOE

Today we set sail across south Lough Derg, re-joining the River Shannon to moor at Killaloe, once home to the court of the greatest High King of Ireland, Brian Boru. After exploring this elegant little town, we lunch on board, then set off to Adare Manor, a magnificent estate located on the banks of the River Maigue. Here, in the setting of the Walled Garden, we gain a real insight into the history and tradition of falconry and have the opportunity to ‘get up close and personal’ with birds of prey such as owls, falcons and eagles – a magical experience. We end the afternoon by visiting a traditional Irish hand-weaving workshop. ‘Sláinte’ cocktail reception and Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.

SATURDAY, DAY 15: KILLALOE

After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Dublin.

This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.