'Shannon Princess II' provides an outstanding cruise experience along some of Ireland's loveliest waterways. Skipper Ruairí Gibbons and his wife Olivia, a renowned chef, invite you to make their lovely barge your home for six wonderful nights in magical Ireland.

Buoyed by spectacular scenery and the country’s legendary hospitality, you’ll be enchanted by the history and culture of this fascinating land.

Sunday:
Meet in Dublin at Aberdeen Lodge Hotel and transfer to Killaloe to board ‘Shannon Princess II.’ After a champagne welcome, explore the charming riverside town dinner on board.

Monday:
Cruise the waters of the River Shannon onto lovely Lough Derg. At the lake’s widest point, ease westward to a mooring at Mountshannon, perched high above the water. After lunch, visit Ireland’s living past at the Craggaunowen Project, a re-creation of everyday life in the Iron Age and early Christian Ireland.

Tuesday:
Cruise to Terryglass, a small and beautifully maintained village. Have lunch ashore at the quaint Derg Restaurant, followed by an excursion to Leap Castle, Ireland’s most haunted house. Learn the fascinating history of the castle from Sean Ryan and his family who, as they demonstrate, are also talented traditional musicians.

Wednesday:
Take an excursion to the lively university town of Galway, Ireland’s third-largest city and a stronghold of the Irish language. Legend has it that Christopher Columbus prayed in Galway’s Lady Chapel at the Church of St. Nicholas before setting off for the New World. Today’s visit includes a tour of the famed Irish crystal factory and lunch at the popular Quay Street Restaurant. After lunch, there is time to shop before rejoining lunch, there is time to shop before rejoining ‘Shannon Princess II’ at Banagher.

Thursday:
Travel toward the riverside town of Athlone, stopping en route at the ruins of Clonmacnoise, a famed 6th-century university and early Christian settlement. Continue north through Europe’s richest examples of “callows” landscape in one of Ireland’s finest wildflower reserves.

Friday:
Cruise to Lough Ree to explore some of the 365 islands, mooring at pretty Quigley’s Marina on the beautiful “Inner Lakes” of the Lough. After lunch, visit Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre with its excavated bog road built of oak in 148 BC. Return to ‘Shannon Princess II’ for a final farewell dinner on board.

Saturday:
After breakfast, transfer back to Dublin where your tour ends on arrival at the Aberdeen Lodge Hotel.

Note: This route is run in reverse on alternate weeks.

Length: 105 feet Width: 20 feet Passengers: 10 Crew: 5 Cabins: 5 twin/double suites All outside facing staterooms with en-suite bathrooms

For more information on any of the fabulous A&K Barge Tours drop us a note or call Rex Travel at 800-777-7739