All About Hotel Barge Charters: Barging in Ireland

Showing posts with label Barging in Ireland. Show all posts

Saturday, September 10, 2022

Shannon Princess Shares Autumn Fruit Recipes

Making Tasty Treats with Autumn Fruits

We would like to thank Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess for this guest blog post. You can easily understand why Shannon Princess books up over a year in advance.

When summer in Ireland comes to an end there is a slight drop in temperature and the evenings get a little shorter but what comes next is an amazing transformation and the beginning of a new season. Once the leaves begin to fall from the trees, the views of the countryside become a wonderful glow of golden and orange. With these seasonal colours it is a sign that Autumn is here.

Autumn foods

There is also a change in the types of food available. In autumn, an abundance of fruits and nuts begin to appear on trees and shrubs across the country. It is a feast for birds and insects but also perfect for human consumption where it is a busy time for foraging. A whole range of tasty treats can be made with what is gathered.

Tasty treats made with autumn fruits

Crab apples normally ripen in October and are very easy to retrieve from branches of the tree. Tasty crab apples are used for making apple tarts, crumbles or pies. Sloes, the fruits of the blackthorn tree also begin to ripen in autumn. As they have a very bitter taste, they are normally used for making wine or gin.

Time for blackberry picking

Blackberry picking is one of Ireland's favourite autumn past-times and the berries should be ripe enough and ready to pick now. They are rich in vitamins, plump and shiny in appearance and come off the plant easily once you grasp them.

Here is a treat for you... we have put together a simple Blackberry Jam recipe for you to try for yourself.

Traditional Blackberry Jam

Ingredients

1 kg Sugar
1 kg Blackberries, washed
1 Lemon
Sterilized jam jars & jam pot covers

Method

Place 1kg of sugar, 1kg of blackberries and juice and zest of one lemon in a large heavy bottomed pot.
Bring the mixture to the boil, stirring all the time until all the sugar has dissolves. Cook the jam for approximately 15 minutes or until it reaches 105˚C on a sugar thermometer.
Remove from the heat and carefully transfer to sterilised jars, cover each with a disc of wax paper and seal tightly with a lid.
Kept in a cool dark place the jam will keep for up to 12 months if you can keep it that long.

Autumn brings a number of food and harvesting festivals taking place in a celebration of the best of Irish food. Popular festivals include the Belfast Food and Drink Festival, the Waterford Harvest Festival, the Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival and a number of other food events happening nationwide. Along with the popularity of food festivals, a number of food trails take place where you can discover and forage the best foods. Find out more about Ireland's food festivals and food trails on discoverireland.com

On the Shannon Princess we celebrate the new autumn season using a whole range natural ingredients creating gourmet dishes from breakfast through to dinner. As we cruise on our luxury barge you will have time to sit back and appreciate the landscape of the Irish countryside and taste the best of Irish food. Book now to enjoy a truly unique experience no matter what time of year.

Thank you very much, Olivia.

What goes better with homemade jam than a homemade seed and honey bread? You will find Olivia's delicious recipe here.

Enjoy!

About The Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess

Shannon Princess Barging Cruises In Ireland

Route: The Lower Shannon River, Ireland - Between Glasson and Killaloe
Up to 10 guests in 5 cabins. All on the main level.
Charters and Cabin cruises
Itineraries: Standard classic, Artisan Food Trail, Biking/Cycling, Family, Golf, Walking
Learn More: Online Brochure

Shannon Princess

The Shannon Princess has been thoughtfully designed throughout. The barge's inviting interior makes a charming floating living space – a perfect "Home away from home" for guests to enjoy. The welcoming atmosphere is enhanced by Ruairi and Olivia’s love of antiquities, crafts, pottery and art with many works by established and local Irish artists. Onboard the barge a friendly & relaxed mood has been created by carefully mixing casual informality with quality service.

The Shannon Princess provides accommodation for up to 10 guests in 5 cabins which can be configured as double or twins, each with ensuite facilities. This barge is owner-operated with a total of five professional crew in attendance.You will be charmed with excellent but friendly service, gorgeous food & wines, and share in a slice of local life and knowledge.

Inquire / Book Now

See Ireland from a different point of view

View Special Offers / Discounts

Contact Paradise Connections to book SHANNON PRINCESS
View Shannon Princess' online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com

#Recipes #BargingInIreland #BargeShannonPrincess #BargeCharters #BargeCruises #RiverCruises #Ireland

Friday, July 22, 2022

Shannon Princess: 2 open weeks

Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess

Last Minute Cabins Available

Looking for a Quick Getaway?

This is a great opportunity for a couple (or single) wanting a barge curise in Ireland this summer. If this is of interest, please don't wait as Shannon Princess is fully booked for 2023.

Need a bit more incentive? These two weeks are offered at a 15% discount.

Availability:

August 14-20: 1 cabin open, Classic cruise
August 21-27: 1 cabin open, Classic cruise

Price:

Normal price: $5,350/person, double occupancy. Single supp = $1800
2 people = $9,095 includes 15% discount
Single person = $6,077 (includes single supplement & 15% discount)

About The Shannon Princess

Shannon Princess Barging Cruises In Ireland

Route: The Lower Shannon River, Ireland - Between Glasson and Killaloe
Up to 10 guests in 5 cabins. All on the main level.
Charters and Cabin cruises
Itineraries: Standard classic, Artisan Food Trail, Family, Golf, Walking
Learn More: Online Brochure

The Shannon Princess has been thoughtfully designed throughout. The barge's inviting interior makes a charming floating living space – a perfect "Home away from home" for guests to enjoy. The welcoming atmosphere is enhanced by Ruairi and Olivia’s love of antiquities, crafts, pottery and art with many works by established and local Irish artists. Onboard the barge, a friendly and relaxed mood has been created by carefully mixing casual informality with quality service.

The Shannon Princess provides accommodation for up to 10 guests in 5 cabins which can be configured as double or twins, each with ensuite facilities. This barge is owner-operated with a total of five professional crew in attendance.You will be charmed with excellent but friendly service, gorgeous food & wines, and share in a slice of local life and knowledge.

Learn more about the Shannon River region of Ireland on our destination page HERE.

See Ireland from a different point of view

Inquire / Book Now

View Special Offers / Discounts

Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book SHANNON PRINCESS
View Shannon Princess' online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com

#barginginireland #shannonrivercruises #shannonprincess #bargecharters

Wednesday, April 06, 2022

Special Offers Updated

Save on 2022 Barge Cruises

L'Impressionniste - Burgundy, France

We have updated our Special Offers & Discount page. We hope you can take advantage of these savings.

For example:

We have added new special discounts for a few summer weeks.
Spirit of Scotland has two weeks open for private charter. They are offering the week of May 22nd at a 20% discount and the week of June 26 at 10% off. Score!

Dutch tulip season has arrived. Adagio is offering a 30% discount on open weeks for charters in Holland. Panache is fully booked for Holland EXCEPT they have 2 cabins open for April 17 at a 20% discount.

Shannon Princess in Ireland is usually fully booked for the season by this time but they still have a few openings at discounted rates. Let's fill their calendar!

Aurora is offering a 10% discount on their 14-night, 3-country cruise from Rotterdam in Holland to Paris France, June 19 - July 3, 2022

Special rates for select weeks in France, Scotland, and Italy.

Single Travelers: There's something for you, too.

Plus there's more...

If you have been dreaming about barging, perhaps now is the time to fulfill those dreams.

Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com

#BargeCharters #Cruises #SpecialOffers #Discounts #BargingInFrance #DutchTulipCruises #BargingInHolland

Wednesday, March 16, 2022

Shannon Princess has open weeks for 2022

Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess

Rare Event !

The Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess has a few opening this season for Lower Shannon River barging cruises in Ireland between Glasson and Killaloe. They are usually fully booked by this time of the year so grab your dates quickly!

Did we mention they have a special discount for some of these weeks?

~~April 24-30, 2022~~: 10% off cabin cruise - BOOKED
May 8-14, 2022: 10% off private charter - Open
May 15-21,2022: 10% off private charter - Open
May 22-28, 2022: 10% off cabin cruise - 1 cabin open
~~June 5-11, 2022~~: BOOKED
~~July 10-16, 2022~~: BOOKED

Current rules for travelling to Ireland

From Sunday 6 March 2022, travellers to Ireland are not required to show proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or a negative PCR test result upon arrival.
There are no post-arrival testing or quarantine requirements for travellers to Ireland.
Any individual that develops COVID-19 symptoms while in Ireland should follow the HSE guidance in relation to isolation and undertaking antigen or PCR testing as appropriate.

Read the official notice HERE.

About The Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess

Shannon Princess Barging Cruises In Ireland

Route: The Lower Shannon River, Ireland - Between Glasson and Killaloe
Up to 10 guests in 5 cabins. All on the main level.
Charters and Cabin cruises
Itineraries: Standard classic, Artisan Food Trail, Family, Golf, Walking
Learn More: Online Brochure

The Shannon Princess has been thoughtfully designed throughout. The barge's inviting interior makes a charming floating living space – a perfect "Home away from home" for guests to enjoy. The welcoming atmosphere is enhanced by Ruairi and Olivia’s love of antiquities, crafts, pottery and art with many works by established and local Irish artists. Onboard the barge, a friendly and relaxed mood has been created by carefully mixing casual informality with quality service.

The Shannon Princess provides accommodation for up to 10 guests in 5 cabins which can be configured as double or twins, each with ensuite facilities. This barge is owner-operated with a total of five professional crew in attendance.You will be charmed with excellent but friendly service, gorgeous food & wines, and share in a slice of local life and knowledge.

Shannon Princess has been awarded the COVID 19 Safety Charter by Failte Ireland (the Irish Tourism board) which is endorsed by the Government of Ireland. This included ongoing onboard inspections to assess us for compliance, best practice and the successful implementation of the charter. All our crew have completed an approved course that meets the requirements of Failte Ireland's COVID 19 Safety Charter. This course covers procedures relating to COVID 19 prevention within the hospitality industry.

Learn more about the Shannon River region of Ireland on our destination page HERE.

See Ireland from a different point of view

Inquire / Book Now

View Special Offers / Discounts

#barginginireland #shannonrivercruises #shannonprincess #bargecharters

Tuesday, March 15, 2022

Updated Special Offers for 2022 Barge Cruises

Save on 2022 Barge Cruises

L'Impressionniste - Burgundy, France

We have updated our Special Offers & Discount page. We hope you can take advantage of these savings.

See updated post (April 6, 2022) HERE

If you have been dreaming about barging, perhaps now is the time to fulfill those dreams.

Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com

#BargeCharters #Cruises #SpecialOffers #Discounts #BargingInFrance #DutchTulipCruises #BargingInHolland

Sunday, December 19, 2021

Delicious & Easy Christmas Treats

Olivia Gibbons, co-owner and chef of the popular Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess, shares a delectable mince pie recipe for the holiday season.

Mince Pies

Did you know that the origin of the humble mince pie lies in the Middle East? It eventually made its way west and became part of the Christmas tradition throughout the UK and Ireland.

These little treats are a welcome sight leading up to and during the festive season. Lovely with a cup of tea and if you are feeling indulgent, add a spoonful of brandy cream.

Ingredients

225g/ 8oz Plain Flour
125g/ 4oz Golden Caster Sugar
100g Ground Almonds
125g/ 4oz Butter or Margarine (room temperature)
1 Egg (beaten)
A little water, if necessary
450g/ 1lb Jar Mincemeat
Icing sugar

Method

Preheat oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas 6. Lightly grease patty/bun tins.
Put flour, sugar and ground almonds into a mixing bowl and mix well together.
Rub butter/margarine through the dry ingredients. Add the beaten egg (and water if required) and mix to a soft dough.
Turn onto a lightly floured board and gently knead.
Cover with cling film and keep in fridge until ready to use. The pastry will keep for about three days.
Roll pastry on a floured board and cut rounds or stars with a cutter to fit greased bun/patty tins. Put a teaspoon of mincemeat in each and cut a lid from remaining pastry to put on top. Bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Dust with icing sugar.

Enjoy!

About The Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess

Shannon Princess Barging Cruises In Ireland

Route: The Lower Shannon River, Ireland - Between Glasson and Killaloe
Up to 10 guests in 5 cabins. All on the main level.
Charters and Cabin cruises
Itineraries: Standard classic, Artisan Food Trail, Family, Golf, Walking
Learn More: Online Brochure

Shannon Princess

Shannon Princess is completely booked for 2022. There are some openings for 2023 but hurry, they book quickly.

Inquire / Book Now

See Ireland from a different point of view

View Special Offers / Discounts

Sunday, January 24, 2021

RECIPES: 5-Seed Honey Bread from Shannon Princess

5-Seed Honey Bread Recipe from

Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess

Olivia Gibbons, co-owner and chef of the popular Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess, shares one of her recipe for 5-Seed Honey Bread. This would pair wonderfully with her Homemade Butter Recipe that you can find HERE.

Ingredients

500g strong white bread flour
7g sachet easy-bake dried yeast (or 2 tsp Quick dried yeast)
1½ tsp salt
1 Tbsp honey
1 Tbsp butter
1 tsp allspice
1 Tbsp sunflower seeds
1 Tbsp each of sesame,flax ,pumpkin and poppy seeds, plus extra for sprinkling

Method

Mix the honey and yeast with the warm water. Let it rest for a couple of minutes to bubble
Mix the flour, butter, seeds and salt in a large bowl. Add the warm yeast mixture and mix until it comes together as a soft, not too sticky, dough. Gather it into a ball with your hands.
Put the dough onto a very lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it feels smooth and slightly springy to touch. Pop into an oiled bowl and cover with cling film. Leave for approximately 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Knock back the dough by gently kneading just 3-4 times.
Shape into individual loaf. Place on a prepared oven tray, dust with flour or just egg. Wash and sprinkle some seeds.
Cover and leave for 40-45 mins, or until about doubled in size.
Bake at 220C/200C fan/gas 7 for 30-35 mins or until golden. Remove and cool on a wire rack. If you tap the underneath of the loaf if should be firm and sound hollow.

Enjoy!

About The Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess

Shannon Princess Barging Cruises In Ireland

Route: The Lower Shannon River, Ireland - Between Glasson and Killaloe
Up to 10 guests in 5 cabins. All on the main level.
Charters and Cabin cruises
Itineraries: Standard classic, Artisan Food Trail, Biking/Cycling, Family, Golf, Walking
Learn More: Online Brochure

Shannon Princess

Inquire / Book Now

See Ireland from a different point of view

View Special Offers / Discounts

Sunday, January 03, 2021

RECIPES: Homemade Butter from Shannon Princess

Homemade Butter Recipe from

Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess

Olivia Gibbons, co-owner and chef of the popular Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess, shares one of her most popular recipes: barge-made country butter. Olivia makes both cow and goat butters on board. “We also add different flavours. Our homemade butters are served with our galley-made breads, scones and pastries and are also used to add flavours to meats and fish dishes” says Olivia.

Ingredients

500 ml thick cream – from either cows or goats
20 ml uncultured buttermilk
1 tsp flaked sea salt
Optional flavours: lemon, chilli, roast garlic, herbs etc…

Method

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl, cover with a clean tea towel and leave to rest at room temperature for 24 hours
After 24 hours, chill the mixture for a couple of hours in a fridge. Once chilled, place the cream in a food blender and whip it vigorously until it splits
Squeeze the buttermilk from the butter, and set it aside if you’re going to make the scones
Place the butter on a piece of muslin or cloth for a few minutes to absorb any excess moisture
Serve as is, or add whatever flavours you wish to make a herb, garlic or even a fruit butter!

Enjoy!

About The Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess

Shannon Princess Barging Cruises In Ireland

Route: The Lower Shannon River, Ireland - Between Glasson and Killaloe
Up to 10 guests in 5 cabins. All on the main level.
Charters and Cabin cruises
Itineraries: Standard classic, Artisan Food Trail, Biking/Cycling, Family, Golf, Walking
Learn More: Online Brochure

Shannon Princess

Inquire / Book Now

See Ireland from a different point of view

View Special Offers / Discounts

Thursday, September 17, 2020

RECIPE: Autumn Jams - Elderberries and Blackberries

Here's a recipe for autumn jams from Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess.

Elderberry Jam

1 kg elderberries (remove from the stalks with a fork)
1 kg jam sugar (or 1 kg sugar with the juice of 1 lemon)

Method

As elderberries have no pectin, is it best to use jam sugar or else use regular sugar and the juice of one lemon.
For the jars, make sure that they are washed in warm, soapy water, rinsed and then put into a moderate oven or microwave to sterilise.
Put the elderberries into a heavy based or stainless steel saucepan and cover with water. Bring to the boil and simmer for about 15 minutes - until the berries have softened.
To strain the berry juice you can use a jelly bag or a fine sieve.
Measure the strained juice and for every 1 litre use 1kg of your preferred sugar.
Pour this elderberries juice back into the pot and bring to the boil. When it has come nearly to the boil add the sugar and stir until the sugar has melted. Again bring it back up to a rolling boil and when it has reached boiling point, use a jam thermometer or time it for 4 minutes.
When setting point is reached turn off the heat & pour the juice into a measuring jug and carefully fill the jars. Cover with wax disc and jam pot cover and lids.

Thanks, Olivia

About The Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess

Shannon Princess Barging Cruises In Ireland

Route: The Lower Shannon River, Ireland - Between Glasson and Killaloe
Up to 10 guests in 5 cabins. All on the main level.
Charters and Cabin cruises
Itineraries: Standard classic, Artisan Food Trail, Biking/Cycling, Family, Golf, Walking
Learn More: Online Brochure

Shannon Princess

Inquire / Book Now

Currently, there is one week open in 2021 for a private charter and a few weeks open for cabin cruises.

View Special Offers / Discounts

Sunday, February 09, 2020

Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess Charters

Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess

SOLD OUT FOR 2020

Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess

We have had several inquiries recently for the Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess but unfortunately, they are sold out for the 2020 barging season. In fact, they were completely booked up before Christmas.

Book Now For 2021

Why is Shannon Princess so popular? A big part of the Shannon Princess’ beauty is an itinerary that delves into Irish history, culture, and gastronomic offerings. From the moment you come aboard, you’re greeted with Irish coffee and ‘black velvets’ – a traditional Irish cocktail of stout beer and champagne – and are instantly transported into a world of ancient customs and lore. Their excursions include tours of magnificent estates, castles, medieval architecture, as well as samplings of traditional Irish fare such as Guinness, whiskey and oysters. It even features a private display of Ireland’s ancient art of falconry!

The River Shannon

At more than 224 miles, the River Shannon is the longest river in Ireland, flowing through 11 counties and boasting more than fifteen hundred years of incredible Irish history. A cruise on the river is like taking a journey back in time, with dramatic natural views that have been practically unchanged for centuries. They include castles, forts, noble estates, and monastic settlements that attest to the important role the river has played in the country’s history.

The Shannon Princess will also sail across Lough Derg – one of Ireland’s most beautiful lakes and Christianity’s oldest pilgrimage site, passing one of the country’s rare forest parks. Guests will enjoy dinner on board and watch the sunset on their way to the picturesque lakeside village of Mountshannon. One of the cruise’s most memorable experiences is a birds of prey demonstration featuring owls, falcons, and eagles, held within the walled garden of the Adare Manor estate, located on the banks of the River Maigue. The demonstration includes an opportunity for guests to take pictures with a bird safely perched on their arms.

Ireland’s extraordinary landscape of rolling green hills and lush green vales have justly helped the country earn its title as the ‘Emerald Isle’. The Shannon Princess’ cruise through the heart of Ireland offers a truly memorable immersion into one of the world’s most captivating destinations.

Highlights

Key highlights on this charming itinerary include a tour of the Clonmacnoise ruins, a famed 6th-century university and early monastic settlement that is still haunted by the ghosts of saints and scholars from Ireland’s Golden Age of learning. Guests will tour the crumbling remains of its cathedral, churches, towers and high crosses, as well as the large collection of early Christian gravestones. The itinerary also includes a visit to Leap Castle, considered one of Ireland’s most haunted establishments. Guests will be treated to a private tour by its eccentric owner, who will relate the castle’s chilling history of murderous greed and suicide – all while Irish musicians serenade them. After dinner on board the boat that evening, guests can join the captain for a pint with the friendly locals at nearby Killeen’s pub.

Other itinerary highlights include a visit to Birr Castle, where the Earl of Rosse and his family still reside. Guests can stroll through its lavish gardens and tour the science center, which houses the Great Telescope. Designed by the Third Earl of Rosse in the 1840s, it was the largest in the world for more than 70 years and is the largest historic scientific instrument still working today. Another fascinating excursion is the visit to Kilbeggan Whiskey Distillery – the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world, dating back to 1757, where guests can tour the ancient stills and sample some of the "Uisce beatha" (water of life).

About The Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess

Shannon Princess Barging Cruises In Ireland

Route: The Lower Shannon River, Ireland - Between Glasson and Killaloe
Up to 10 guests in 5 cabins. All on the main level.
Charters and Cabin cruises
Itineraries: Standard classic, Artisan Food Trail, Biking/Cycling, Family, Golf, Walking
Learn More: Online Brochure

Shannon Princess

Inquire / Book Now

PLEASE

Avoid disappointment and book early for 2021.

View Special Offers / Discounts