Small old stone church surrounded by green grass & stone crosses with calm river in the background on a sunny day during the Classic Ireland River Cruise.
Bald eagle rests on a woman's gloved hand in a falconry demonstration during the Classic Ireland River Cruise.
Line of whiskey barrels sits in a row along green grass & a stone building, seen during an Ireland barge cruise.
Calm, wide River Shannon running under the large stone bridge at Athlone under a sunny sky during an Ireland barge cruise.
4 men play traditional Irish music in a pub during the Classic Ireland River Cruise.
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Europe Northern Europe Cruise

Classic Ireland River Cruise

When it comes to river cruises, Ireland remains one of the most fascinating undiscovered locations in the world. Offering a mixture of folklore, quaint customs, friendly locals and the sort of lush green landscapes which earn the island its nickname of The Emerald Isle, this Classic Ireland River Cruise is sure to satisfy even the most demanding enthusiasts! During this Classic Ireland River Cruise, the nation’s very soul is placed within reach, including experiences of Irish music, crafts such as weaving, and a drop or more of their wonderful whiskey.

The Shannon is perhaps the ultimate location to enjoy the best river cruises. The country’s rolling green pastures, ancient Celtic monasteries and an abundance of wildlife are common place on this Ireland barge cruise’s carefully chosen route. Shannon River cruises in Ireland reveal legends and fables as well as the warm and hospitable Irish people. The people’s extraordinary history has been varied and sometimes difficult but they will always find the time to chat and pass the time of day.

Each departure operates round-trip from Dublin, Ireland, either cruising from Glasson south to Killaloe and returning via overland transfer back to Dublin, or in reverse starting with an overland transfer to Killaloe and cruising north back to Glasson with a return overland transfer back to Dublin. Each departure’s direction is typically confirmed 6-8 weeks in advance.

Cruise aboard the 10-passenger Shannon Princess, a spacious and powerful river cruise vessel specifically adapted for this waterway. She provides Shannon River cruises in Ireland throughout the season. Her experienced captain and crew go out of their way to ensure guests’ every need is accommodated. The onboard Master Chef was trained at the renowned Ballmaloe School and offers distinguished creations and signature dishes.

Consider securing Shannon Princess for private charter cruises in Ireland, with themes including cycling, golf, fishing, pony-trekking, antiques, crafts and even spa treatments, or customize your own itinerary.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Northern Europe cruises and Northern Europe trips.



Itinerary

Classic Cruise—Ireland Itinerary

The main Classic Ireland River Cruise operates round-trip from Dublin, with an overland transfer to and from the ship. Embark in Glasson and cruise south to Killaloe. Along the way, explore castles, pubs, the world’s oldest licensed whisky distillery and artisan craft villages.

Route map of Classic Ireland River Cruise, operating round-trip from Glasson, along the River Shannon, with visits to Athlone, Shannonbridge, Terryglass, Mountshannon & Killaloe.
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Day 1
SUN - Depart Dublin to Glasson, Ireland & Embark

Be met in Dublin and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to the ship. The captain and crew welcome with champagne, Black Velvets or Irish coffees. Time perhaps for a gentle stroll before the first dinner on board.

Accommodations

Shannon Princess

Meals

dinner

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Day 2
MON - Glasson to Athlone

This morning, begin the cruise around the beautiful inner lakes of Lough Ree and then continue north to explore some of the 365 islands on the lake. Circle back to the River Shannon and onto the ship’s mooring in Athlone Town. After lunch, 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.

Accommodations

Shannon Princess

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 3
TUE - Athlone to Shannonbridge

Today the ship negotiates Athlone Lock and heads south through Europe’s richest example of Callow landscape. Moor at Clonmacnoise ruins, a famed 6th century university and an early monastic settlement. Following a tour, cruise on to the ship’s mooring at Shannonbridge. After lunch visit Leap Castle, reputed to be Ireland’s most haunted house. Enjoy a personal tour by the eccentric owner Sean Ryan who, along with traditional Irish musicians, will explain 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.

Accommodations

Shannon Princess

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 4
WED - Shannonbridge to Terryglass

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

Accommodations

Shannon Princess

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 5
THU - Terryglass to Mountshannon

Today, the first tour is to the walled gardens of Portumna Castle, then on to Galway, a lively university city and cultural center for Irish-speaking regions in Western Ireland. Visit the Galway crystal, craft and linen shops and then lunch at a traditional Guinness & Oyster pub. Return to the ship and set sail across beautiful Lough Derg, passing Forrest Park and ancient mountains while enjoying dinner and a sunset cruise to Mountshannona lovely lakeside village perched above the Lough.

Accommodations

Shannon Princess

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 6
FRI - Mount Shannon to Killaloe

Today 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, enjoy 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, 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 eaglesa magical experience. End the afternoon by visiting a traditional Irish hand-weaving workshop. Sláinte cocktail reception and captain’s farewell dinner on board.

Accommodations

Shannon Princess

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 7
SAT - Disembark Killaloe, Ireland, Transfer to Dublin & Depart

After breakfast, disembark the ship and be transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Dublin.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Read More
Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Local transfers between Dublin and the hotel barge (the approximate transfer duration is 2 hours or 2.5 hours depending on the cruise direction), a luxury 6-night cruise, all meals on board catered for by the onboard Master Chef, an open bar 24/7 with a large range of alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks, all wines served throughout the cruise, excursions and admittance fees as per the itinerary, the services of crew members and use of barge facilities including wireless internet access, spa-pool and bicycles on request.

Exclusions

Air transportation; insurance of any kind; gratuities.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 25% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
91 or more days – 100% of deposit
90-0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The main Classic Ireland River Cruise operates round-trip from Dublin, Ireland (DUB), with an overland transfer to the embarkation point of Glasson. Cruise to Killaloe and end with an overland transfer back to Dublin. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive to Dublin (DUB) in time for the 3:00pm group transfer from the Brooks Hotel, Dublin to the ship on Day 1 of the itinerary. Disembarkation follows breakfast on the final day. Plan flights to depart Dublin no earlier than 2:00pm on the final day, or opt to be transferred back to your choice of location in Dublin, or the Dublin airport by 12:00pm Noon. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Activities

European barge cruises operate at a relaxed pace, with options for walking and biking when weather and time permit.

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy room may do so at a supplement of $1,680 (value departures 2024) or $1,900 (regular departures 2024) in addition to the per-person listed rate in select cabins upon availability.

Families & Children

Children 12 years and older are welcomed aboard all departure dates; children 11 years and under are allowed on special Family Departures or any charter. Children under the age of 18 are eligible for $300 off the double occupancy rate.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

Reverse Classic Cruise—Ireland Itinerary

The reverse Classic Ireland River Cruise operates round-trip from Dublin, with an overland transfer to and from the ship. Embark in Killaloe and cruise north to Glasson. Along the way, explore castles, pubs, the world’s oldest licensed whisky distillery and artisan craft villages.

Route map of Classic Ireland River Cruise, operating round-trip from Glasson, along the River Shannon, with visits to Athlone, Shannonbridge, Terryglass, Mountshannon & Killaloe.
Read More
Day 1
SUN - Depart Dublin to Killaloe, Ireland & Embark

Be met in Dublin and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to the ship. The captain and his crew welcome all on board with
champagne, Black Velvets or Irish coffees, then time for a stroll and perhaps a visit to St. Flannan’s Cathedral. Dinner on board.

Accommodations

Shannon Princess

Meals

dinner

Read More
Day 2
MON - Killaloe to Mountshannon

Begin today’s cruise by moving through from the fjord-like reaches of the River Shannon into lovely Lough Derg and on to the ship’s mooring at Mountshannon. After lunch on board, set off to Adare Manor, a magnificent estate located on the banks of the River Maigue. Here, in the setting of the Walled Garden, 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 eaglesa magical experience. End the afternoon by visiting a traditional Irish hand-weaving workshop. Dinner on board.

Accommodations

Shannon Princess

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 3
TUE - Mountshannon to Terryglass

This morning, during a leisurely cruise across beautiful Lough Derg with its ever-changing backdrop, pass the island of Illamore to moor in the harbor of Terryglass, a picturesque, waterside village. After lunch, visit Leap Castle, reputed to be Ireland’s most haunted house. Enjoy a personal tour by the eccentric owner Sean Ryan who, along with traditional Irish musicians, will explain the fascinating history of the castle and its part in founding the American Constitution. Dinner on board.

Accommodations

Shannon Princess

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 4
WED - Terryglass to Banagher

Today’s first tour is to the walled gardens of Portumna Castle, then on to Galway, a lively University City and cultural center for Irish-speaking regions in Western Ireland. Visit the Galway crystal, craft and linen shops and then lunch at a traditional Guinness & Oyster pub. Return to the ship and enjoy an afternoon cruise, negotiating the Portumna swing bridge and Meelick lock along the way, while enjoying dinner and a sunset cruise to arrive at Banagher, on the County Offaly shoreline.

Accommodations

Shannon Princess

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 5
THU - Banagher to Athlone

Today’s cruise is towards the riverside town of Athlone, mooring en route at Clonmacnoise ruins, a famed 6th century university and early monastic settlement. Following a tour, continue the cruise north through Europe’s richest example of Callow landscape, countryside little changed in over 1,000 years and one of Ireland’s premier wildfowl reserves, to arrive in Athlone. Take time to explore the town before dinner on board.

Accommodations

Shannon Princess

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 6
FRI - Athlone to Glasson

The final cruise to Glasson is northwards around the beautiful inner lakes of Lough Ree ; explore some of the 365 islands on the lake. After lunch, visit the Kilbeggan whiskey distillery, dating from 1757 and the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in Ireland, for a tour and, of course, a tasting. Sláinte cocktail reception and captain’s farewell dinner on board.

Accommodations

Shannon Princess

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 7
SAT - Disembark Glasson, Ireland, Transfer to Dublin & Depart

After breakfast, disembark the ship and be transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Dublin.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Read More
Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Local transfers between Dublin and the hotel barge (the approximate transfer duration is 2 hours or 2.5 hours depending on the cruise direction), a luxury 6-night cruise, all meals on board catered for by the onboard Master Chef, an open bar 24/7 with a large range of alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks, all wines served throughout the cruise, excursions and admittance fees as per the itinerary, the services of crew members and use of barge facilities including wireless internet access, spa-pool and bicycles on request.

Exclusions

Air transportation; insurance of any kind; gratuities.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 25% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
91 or more days – 100% of deposit
90-0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The reverse Classic Ireland River Cruise operates round-trip from Dublin, Ireland (DUB), with an overland transfer to the embarkation point of Killaloe. Cruise to Glasson and end with an overland transfer back to Dublin. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive to Dublin (DUB) in time for the 3:00pm group transfer from the Brooks Hotel, Dublin to the ship on Day 1 of the itinerary. Disembarkation follows breakfast on the final day. Plan flights to depart Dublin no earlier than 2:00pm on the final day, or opt to be transferred to your choice of location in Dublin, or the Dublin airport by 12:00pm Noon. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Activities

European barge cruises operate at a relaxed pace, with options for walking and biking when weather and time permit.

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy room may do so at a supplement of $1,680 (value departures 2024) or $1,900 (regular departures 2024) in addition to the per-person listed rate in select cabins upon availability.

Families & Children

Children 12 years and older are welcomed aboard all departure dates; children 11 years and under are allowed on special Family Departures or any charter. Children under the age of 18 are eligible for $300 off the double occupancy rate.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

Note: Each departure’s direction is typically confirmed 6-8 weeks in advance, with every departure operating round-trip from Dublin.

This ship is an AdventureSmith favorite for private charter. Contact us for charter pricing and details.

Aug 11 - Aug 17, 2024
Shannon Princess • 7 days
From $5650USD
Per Person
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Sep 22 - Sep 28, 2024
Shannon Princess • 7 days
From $5650USD
Per Person
Read More
Read More
Accommodation

Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary

Riverboat
Shannon Princess

The 10-guest Shannon Princess barge offers a classic River Shannon cruise in Ireland, with gourmet meals, chef-selected wines, onboard bikes & fishing options. Or charter for cycling, golf, fishing, pony-trekking, antiques, crafts or spa treatments.

Expert Review

Reviews from Our Experts So You Know What to Expect

Lisa Exley-Smith • September 1st, 2022
Expert Review: What It's Like on a European Barge Cruise

Bagpipes, whiskey, falcons, towpaths and lochs greeted AdventureSmith’s Lisa as she explored Scotland via a 12-guest barge. Learn all about the European barge cruise experience in this detailed review.

Book with the confidence that comes from experience.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

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