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 saloon area, with its own fore deck sun area. On the top deck is a large panoramic sun deck. Her experienced owners, who serve as Captain and chef, go out of their way to accommodate your every need. Your chef 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 lordly river Shannon. A profusion of lakes and streams, meandering effortlessly through some of the most beautiful scenery in Ireland. 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 cruising on the lovely SHANNON PRINCESS II. Unshroud a river wrapped in legends, myths and the gentle mists of time, slip through a countryside little changed over the centuries as we pass by ancient monasteries, prehistoric cities, fairy forts and Celtic villages. Norman keeps and Viking towers cast a watchful eye on the SHANNON PRINCESS II as she floats through the Shannon’s unspoiled waterways. Set your watch to Shannon time, as wandering waters pass fishermen, wild deer and grazing horses. Kingfishers and wild orchids splash colour across our 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.

Visit intriguing historical sites, pretty towns and villages, gentle hills and dappled woods, all the while the River Shannon provides an absorbing trail to follow. Sleepy villages are transformed by the presence of awesome castles, prehistoric remains, ruined abbeys & churches, ancient town walls & 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

Passenger Comments:

My husband and I, with four other friends, have just completed a trip on the Shannon Princess. We had a marvelous time, loved the boat; the crew was fantastic, the meals were delicious, and the service was outstanding. We were joined by 2 other congenial couples.
--P.W., MD, USA

Sunday - Dublin to Quigley's Marina
Guests are met at the designated Dublin city centre hotel at 3pm and transferred by coach to the Shannon Princess II, moored at Quigley's Marina. Your Captain and his crew welcome you aboard with Champagne, Black Velvet or Irish Coffee!  Dinner aboard.

Monday - Quigley's Marina to Athlone
This morning we cruise along the River Shannon's beautiful "Inner Lakes" passing stately riverside homes and some of its 365 wooded islands. We then circle back to the River Shannon and onto our mooring in bustling Athlone. After lunch we visit the "Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre". The centre interprets ancient archaeological finds, including an intact Iron Age bog road, carbon dated from 148 B.C.  Dinner aboard.

Tuesday - Athlone to Shannonbridge
This morning we descend through Athlone Lock and head south through Europe's richest example of the lush "Callow" landscape, rich with wildlife. We moor at Clonmacnoise ruins, a famed 6th century monastic settlement, soaked in history and myth. After a visit, we lunch onboard en route to Shannonbridge arriving mid-afternoon at this charming Irish riverside town. Then we travel by private bus to Birr Castle, the family seat of the Earl and Countess of Rosse and home to The Great Telescope and Ireland's Historic Science Centre.  Dinner aboard.

Wednesday - Shannonbridge to Terryglass
We cruise a very evocative stretch of the Shannon through Meelick lock, pausing as Portumna swing-bridge is opened to allow the Shannon Princess passage onto idyllic Lough Derg. We moor at Terryglass harbour and enjoy lunch at the Derg Inn in the village, before an afternoon excursion to "Leap Castle", reputed to be Ireland's most haunted house. You will be given a personal tour by the eccentric owner Sean Ryan, who, with traditional Irish musicians, will relate to you the fascinating history of the castle.  Dinner aboard.

Thursday - Terryglass to Galway to Mountshannon
Today, a morning visit to the riverside Portumna Castle with its walled kitchen gardens, then on to Galway City, a lively University City and cultural centre for Irish-speaking regions in Western Ireland. Lunch is at an authentic Guinness and Oyster Bar, with time to browse the town with its profusion of linen and local craft shops. Return to Shannon Princess and cruise through beautiful Lough Derg, passing Forrest Park and ancient mountains as we head for Mountshannon – a lovely lakeside village perched above the Lough.  Dinner aboard.

Friday - Mountshannon to Killaloe
This morning we set sail south through Lough Derg and her many Islands, then rejoin the River Shannon as it carves a dramatic route past medieval landmarks to our mooring at Killaloe, once home to the court of the greatest High King of Ireland, Brian Boru. After visiting this elegant little town, we lunch aboard, and then set off by private minibus on our excursion to the unique project at Craggaunowen Castle, a re-creation of Iron Age life and Celtic culture. "Slainte" cocktail reception and Captain's Farewell Dinner aboard.

Saturday - Killaloe to Dublin
After breakfast, we return you by coach to Dublin for approximately 11:30am.

Note: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction.

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Shannon Princess II 2012 Season Cruise Schedule* Week Route Season Apr 15 Athlone-Killaloe Value Apr 22 Killaloe-Athlone Value Apr 29 Athlone-Killaloe Value May 6 Killaloe-Athlone Value May 13 Athlone-Killaloe Regular May 20 Killaloe-Athlone Regular May 27 Athlone-Killaloe Regular Jun 3 Killaloe-Athlone Regular Jun 10 Athlone-Killaloe Regular Jun 17 Killaloe-Athlone Regular Jun 24 Athlone-Killaloe Regular Jul 1 Killaloe-Athlone Regular Jul 8 Athlone-Killaloe Regular

Cruise Schedule* ... continued Week Route Season Jul 15 Killaloe-Athlone Regular Jul 22 Athlone-Killaloe Regular Jul 29 Killaloe-Athlone Regular Aug 5 Athlone-Killaloe Regular Aug 12 Killaloe-Athlone Regular Aug 19 Athlone-Killaloe Regular Aug 26 Killaloe-Athlone Regular Sep 2 Athlone-Killaloe Regular Sep 9 Killaloe-Athlone Regular Sep 16 Athlone-Killaloe Regular Sep 23 Killaloe-Athlone Regular Sep 30 Athlone-Killaloe Regular Oct 7 Killaloe-Athlone Regular

*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.

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SHANNON PRINCESS II 2012 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS
ACCOMMODATION	VALUE Apr 15 thru May 12	REGULAR May 13 thru Oct 13
Suite (per person, double occupancy)	$4,110	$4,660
Suite Single Supplement	$1,330	$1,330
Charter for 6	$30,550	$34,440
Charter for 8	$33,330	$38,880
Charter for 10	$38,880	$43,330

What's Included

- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge, all cabins with private bath
- transfers from Dublin to the barge and return
- all meals beginning with dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday
- all wines with lunches and dinners
- open bar
- all escorted side-excursions (hot air ballooning, golf, etc. at additional cost)
- use of bicycles

What's Not Included

- suggested 5-7% gratuity for the crew, to be paid in equivalent Euros to the captain
- overseas air transportation to Dublin and return

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Last Update: January 12, 2012

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