All About Hotel Barge Charters: Shannon Princess

Showing posts with label Shannon Princess. Show all posts

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PLEASE

Avoid disappointment and book early for 2021.

View Special Offers / Discounts

Sunday, May 12, 2019

From Shannon Princess: Irish Bluebells And Their Folklore

From the Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess

It's that time of year when much of our Emerald Isle is in fact blue. There are carpets of bluebells in woodland and forests, also in hedgerows where their presence indicates ancient woodland. They represent constancy and everlasting love... their Latin name is Endymion and Endymion was the lover of the moon Goddess, Selene. He was so beautiful that Selene cast a spell on him, putting him into an eternal sleep so that she alone could enjoy him..

In the old days, potions were made from bluebells and used to treat everything from nightmares to leprosy, spider-bites to tuberculosis. The sticky sap of the bluebell bulb made a good starch and a glue for binding books and sticking feathers on arrows. It's also said that if you put a wreath of bluebells around someone's neck, they'll be compelled to speak only the truth!

If you shake the flower, a bell rings that can only be heard by faeries. Be careful though! Faeries will use the lovely blue flowers to entice you. If you stand inside a clump of them for any more than a moment, a spell will be cast over you and you'll disappear, never to be seen again!

Thanks, Olivia

Shannon Princess only has one week open in 2019:

2 cabins open for June 2-8, 2019
$5350/person, double occupancy

Book Now

Don't feel that you have time to organize a barge trip in 2019? Book early for 2020 and benefit from 2019 rates.

About The Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess

Shannon Princess entering a lock

Route: The Lower Shannon River, Ireland - Between Glasson and Killaloe
Up to 10 guests
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. On board 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.

Book now! Contact Paradise Connections
CLICK HERE

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES FOR VALENTINES DAY

Let's Make Chocolate Truffles for Valentines

The Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess has an easy recipe to make chocolate truffles for Valentines Day. Let's check it out!

Yummy Delights

Olivia says:

For me Chocolates and St Valentine’s Day go hand in hand. Chocolate is always delicious as a treat & perhaps the most romantic gift after red roses. As a committed Chocoholic I look for any excuse to cook with and eat chocolate! To make this as guilt free as possible I always share with family and friends.

Ingredients

1 lb. of 70% Dark Chocolate
1 pint of Double Cream.
1 big splash of Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur
1 teaspoon of Flaked Sea Salt.
Cocoa powder or pistachio nuts to decorate

Method

Pour the cream into a heavy bottomed saucepan over a gentle heat until the cream reaches the simmering stage.
Remove from the heat and then pour over the chocolate. Stir gently until you have a smooth silky texture.
Add the Bailey’s Cream Liqueur along with a pinch of sea salt to the mixture. Pour the mixture into a tub and allow to set in fridge for a couple of hours.
Fill a cup with boiling water and heat a melon baller or a spoon by dipping into the boiling water. Use this method to shape the truffles.
Coat your truffles in cocoa powder or pistachio nuts immediately after shaping.
Place on a plate and allow to set in the fridge for an hour. Then share for guilt free enjoyment!

About The Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess

Shannon Princess entering a lock

Route: The Lower Shannon River, Ireland - Between Glasson and Killaloe
Up to 10 guests
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. On board 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.

Book now! Contact Paradise Connections
CLICK HERE

Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess : Walking Themed Cruise 2020

Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess

I was surprised to receive this itinerary for the 2020 Shannon Princess' Walking Themed Cruise (see below, scroll down). This coming season is 2019... is it a typo? No, because...

Once again, the Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess is fully booked (except for 1 cabin) for 2019 and it is only January! This is a very popular barge and must be booked well in advance. They already have 4 weeks booked for 2020.

Shannon Princess - Crewed Hotel Barge - River Shannon, Ireland

If you are interested in their last cabin for the 2019 season, the week is August 4-10. The rate for this individual cabin is $5350/person, double occupancy.

View Their Online Brochure

While their standard cruise is lovely, check out their various themed cruises (for private charters) CLICK HERE

2020 Walking Itinerary

Ireland has some of the finest scenery in the world. This isn’t just us boasting! According to a number of the world's leading travel sites, there is an abundance of natural and unspoilt beauty. The Lonely Planet refer to Ireland’s "breathtaking, ancient landscape" while Rough Guide describes how "an uncommon geological richness and the warming effect of the Atlantic produce an astonishing diversity of terrain on this small island".

With all this scenery on our doorstep, we believe the best way to see some of it is on foot. We've developed a walking itinerary to enable our guests to incorporate a walking holiday with a luxury cruise, visiting carefully selected areas of interest and taking place over 5 days of the 6-nights cruise.

Relax and enjoy the first of many gourmet dinners on the day of arrival

The first day of the vacation is all about settling in onboard the luxurious Shannon Princess and enjoying the first of many gourmet dinners, so the guided walks commence on day 2.

Walk 1 – The Grand Canal

The first walk incorporates a pleasant stroll through middle Ireland, along the towpaths of the Grand Canal.

The Grand Canal offers a peaceful and scenic introductory walk

The canal commenced building in 1756 to connect Dublin with the West of Ireland. All goods manufactured in Dublin and required in the West of Ireland were taken via barge to the Shannon and further afield. It was the motorway or railroad of its day.

We will also see peat or as it is more commonly known in Ireland ‘turf’ being saved. It will be a quiet and peaceful introductory walk.

Dinner will be served on board the Shannon Princess at 7:00 pm.

Walk 2 – Kinnitty Castle

The second walk brings us to Kinnitty Village in County Offaly.

A walk through woodland and forestry tracks

This tranquil woodland loop on forestry tracks passes close to the grounds of Kinnitty Castle (now a hotel) and fords several tinkling little streams which passes the scant ruins of Glinsk Castle with many fine broadleaf trees evident. There are beautiful views over Co.Offaly and the surrounding mountain valleys.

This walk may be amended to accommodate a visit to Leap Castle reputed to be "Ireland’' most haunted house." You will be greeted by Sean Ryan and his family who will invite you in to their unusual home and Sean, a renowned musician, will tell you the fascinating history of the castle and the part it played in founding the American Constitution.

Dinner will be served on board Shannon Princess at 7:00pm.

Walk 3 – Lough (Lake) Derg

Today we travel along a very pretty stretch of the Shannon River onto the idyllic Lough (Lake) Derg where an ever-changing landscape slips by.

After lunch in the village, the walkers will depart with their walking guide to the nearby Slieve Bloom Mountains. Steeped in history and folklore, the Slieve Blooms dominate the landscape as it straddles the border of counties Offaly and Laois. Its highest peak, 529m Arderin, translates from Irish as the height of Ireland.

Connections with the past are everywhere as the area is dusted with monuments dating back as far as 4,500 years. This is a 3 to 4 hour walk along riverside paths & bog tracks and through woodland trails.

Dinner will be served on board the Shannon Princess at 7:00pm.

Walk 4 – The East Clare Way

For the penultimate walk we depart after lunch for The East Clare Way walk which starts in Mountshannon and will be conducted by the walking guide. This is a 127km route of marked Highways and Byways. You will be guided through what is considered the most beautiful section.

Enjoy the stunning views overlooking Lough Derg

A gentle climb takes us up through riverside villages and into the Slieve Bernagh hills until we overlook some of the most spectacular scenery in the whole of Munster. Here, Lough Derg and its many islands are at our feet creating a landscape rich in beauty, colour and variety.

This is a 3 to 4 hour walk on natural terrain and trails with moderate gradients.

Dinner will be served on board the Shannon Princess at 7:00pm.

Walk 5 – Arra Mountains

Our final walk commences after lunch, where the walkers will depart with the walking guide for a hike into the Arra Mountains. At The Summit of Tountinna is the "Graves of the Leinstermen", today one stone is standing, the rest are covered in undergrowth. The site may have originally been a stone circle or a Neolithic Tomb.

The Arra Mountains provide magnificent views

Keep a lookout for evidence of the area's great slate quarrying tradition. Magnificent views can be had from these parts, and blanket bog and several varieties of heather add to the allure of the landscape.

This is an excellent walk and can take between 3 to 5 hours, walking on natural terrain with moderate gradients.

About The Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess

Shannon Princess entering a lock

Route: The Lower Shannon River, Ireland - Between Glasson and Killaloe
Up to 10 guests
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. On board 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.

Book now! Contact Paradise Connections
CLICK HERE