Cruise In Ireland On The Shannon River Aboard The Deluxe Hotel-Barge SHANNON PRINCESS

SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS

The 10-passenger Shannon Princess II is the largest luxury hotel barge cruising the Lower Shannon River. Her thoughtfully designed interior includes five equal but individually designed twin or double cabins. All are riverside cabins with large opening picture windows, and bright airy bathrooms. Forward of the guest cabins is a spacious salon area, with its own fore deck sun area. On the top deck is a large panoramic sun deck. Her experienced owners, Ruairi Gibbons and Olivia Power, who serve as Captain and Chef, go out of their way to accommodate your every need. Olivia was trained at the Ballymaloe School and distinguishes herself at every meal with signature dishes such as parcels of wild salmon, roast of spring lamb, variations of shellfish stew with fresh herbs and of course, a grand selection of desserts.

The River Shannon: Far removed from the hustle and bustle of modern living, lies the mighty river Shannon. It is the most extensive inland waterway in Ireland and Britain, with over 300km of navigable flowing waters. The Shannon is set amidst one of Europe’s most environmentally pure and spectacular landscapes. It’s tranquil atmosphere and unhurried pace invites you to completely unwind and savour the pleasures of floating through Ireland’s inland waterways.

Explore the lengends and myths: What better way to explore the very heart of Ireland than to cruise on the lovely SHANNON PRINCESS II. Come along and explore this river wrapped in legends, myths and the gentle mists of time. Slip gently through a countryside that has withstood the test of time, and experience the ancient monasteries, prehistoric cities, fairy forts and Celtic villages. Viking towers cast a watchful eye on the SHANNON PRINCESS II as she floats through Ireland’s unspoiled waterways. Set your watch to Shannon time, as wandering waters pass fishermen, wild deer and grazing horses. Kingfishers and wild orchids splash color across the day. Gliding birds of prey swoop and dive for leaping salmon on their way upstream. We pass through locks, bridges, forest park and ancient mountains as we set our course for any of the Shannon’s charming villages.

For your excursions, you will visit intriguing historical sites, pretty towns and villages while passing by gentle hills and dappled woods. The sleepy villages along the way, are transformed by the presence of towering castles, prehistoric remains, ruined abbeys & churches, ancient town walls and the lingering tall tales and legends of a lost age.

Features

• Size of barge: 105 ft by 20 ft
• Number of Passengers: 10
• Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 5
• Crew: 5
• Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Central heating. Air-conditioning not required.
• Salon: Large salon with two sofas and armchairs, dining area and panoramic windows
• Bar: Open bar
• Deck: Full length upper observation deck with steamer chairs, reclining chairs and deck furniture.
• Spa Tub: No
• Cabin Features: 5 twin or queen bed suites, all 131 sq ft each with large opening panoramic windows and ensuite bathroom with shower.
• Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: 12-seater air-conditioned minibus.
• Accessibility: No steps from the salon to the cabins, 11 steps from the saloon to the upper deck
• Bicycles: No bicycles on board but can be hired at no charge.

Shannon Princess's Deck Plan

Dining Aboard The Shannon Princess:
SAMPLE MENU

• Cold poached wild salmon on a bed of rocket greens with salsa verde
• Confit of rabbit legs with a bean & green tomato cassoulet
• Mussel & artichoke risotto
• Nanny goat cheese & honeyed onion tartlettes
• A selection of salads such as heritage pea & lettuce hearts, sweet chilli & roast pepper salad,
  braised fennel salad, basil & aubergine salad, nasturtium & burnette salad
• Irish cheese platter

• Duck livers with apple & verbana French toast
• Seafood platter of bass, smoked oysters & scallops with herb & leaf salad
• Village style crab with herb & heirloom tomato salsa
• Nettle soup
• A roast fillet of beef with porcini & chanterelle tartlet
• A warm turbot, white truffle & prosciutto terrine, mizuna leaves, asparagus, vine tomato & chervil
  scented vinagrette
• Roast garlic spiked rumps of lamb served rare with caramelized beets, chickpeas and balsamic vinegar
• Serrano wrapped goose liver & porcini pate, rosemary crackling and a confit of bramble berries
• Seared King scallops and a souffle of saffron & crab with grilled chichory & gazpacho broth
• Farmers market handmade Irish cheeses served with oatcakes, prune chutney & vintage port

• Loganberry sorbet
• Elderberry sorbet
• Rosehip & geranium leaf sorbet
• Lemon verbena sorbet
• Summer puddings
• Elderflower & fig sabayon and almond tuiles
• Vanilla ice cream with salted caramel tuiles
• Liqueur coffee with homemade chocolates and fudge are served after every dinner

Passenger Comments:

*Note: Cruise directions and sample itineraries may be in reverse and are subject to change and may depend on bookings and local navigation conditions. Alternate excursions of equal appeal are substituted when needed. For charter cruises special itineraries can be arranged.

Please visit our Special Offers page to see potential discounts for this barge or many others.
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