Destinations

Shannon

Celtic Legends

Banagher to Carrick on Shannon, 7 nights

From Banagher to Carrick-on-Shannon, glide along the Shannon past thousand-year-old monasteries, secret Celtic crosses and legends that inhabit Lough Ree.

Departure :

Banagher

Via :

Clonmacnoise

Arrival :

Carrick on Shannon

From

The must-sees
Our tips for your cruise

Relive history at Clonmacnoise Monastery

Founded in 544, this site embodies Irish Christianity and offers exceptional views over the Shannon.

Discover Athlone and its medieval castle

A lively town offering shops and the famous Sean’s Bar. The interactive castle experience makes history come alive for families — fun, educational, and memorable.

Sail on Lough Ree

With its 105 km², Lough Ree is popular with anglers but also offers many activities: hiking the Liliput Way trail, visiting Saint Faithleach’s holy well, and exploring Rathcline’s castle and cemetery with its Celtic crosses. The lake’s most visited attraction is Inchcleraun Island, home to a 6th-century monastery recognized as a national monument by the Irish government. Legend says Queen Medb of Connacht was killed here—with a slingshot and a piece of cheese.

The itinerary
The steps of your cruise

Clonmacnoise

Athlone

Lough Ree

Lanesborough

Dromod

Carrick-on-Shannon

Clonmacnoise

Located along the Shannon, Clonmacnoise is an unmissable stop on your river cruise. Also known as “The Seven Churches,” this monastery,founded in 544,quickly became one of the most famous religious sites in Ireland. Wander among the ruins, try to identify the different buildings, decipher ancient tombstones, and admire the intricate detail of the Celtic crosses. Don’t miss the Whispering Door, where during the yellow plague, sinners could confess without risk of infection. Try its unique acoustics: whisper near the right-hand moulding, and the sound will travel along the arch to reach the listener’s ear on the left-hand side,without anyone else around being able to hear.

Athlone

Life is bustling in Athlone, the largest town on the banks of the River Shannon. Shopping enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy here. For the whole family, a visit to the castle is a must,travel back 800 years through interactive exhibits and engaging displays. Then, admire the stained-glass windows of Saints Peter and Paul Church. And no river cruise in Ireland would be complete without a stop at Sean’s Bar, officially recognized as the oldest pub in Ireland.

Lough Ree

Covering 105 km², Lough Ree is primarily loved by anglers but also offers diverse activities: hiking the Liliput Way trail, visiting the sacred well of Saint Faithleach, and exploring the castle and cemetery at Rathcline with Celtic crosses. The most visited attraction, Inchcleraun Island, is home to a 6th-century monastery designated a National Monument by Ireland. Legend has it that Queen Medb was killed here,by a slingshot… and a piece of cheese.

Lanesborough

As you head north toward Carrick-on-Shannon, moor your boat at the marina in Lanesborough. After this village, you’ll leave Lough Ree behind and rejoin the Shannon. It’s a great place for a walk, a whisky tasting at the Lough Ree Distillery, or a quick grocery stop before cruising on.

Dromod

Now a leisure port, Dromod was once a commercial hub for Guinness shipments and a railway town. Visit the Railway Museum for steam engine rides and WWI/WWII memorabilia. Relax at the town’s unique Weeping Tree fountain carved from a single oak trunk.

Carrick-on-Shannon

Explore this charming riverside town with its Thursday market, clock tower, and the Costello Chapel,Europe’s smallest chapel at just 17m². If you’re cruising in early June, don’t miss the Carrick Carnival: nighttime parades, concerts, street performers, vintage cars and fireworks. Your one-way river journey ends here,return your boat at Carrick’s marina.