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Starting at Tully
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Starting at Carrick
Starting at Banagher
Starting at Coleraine
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Lower Shannon
From Athlone, the Shannon lazes through undulating lush countryside
that is steeped in history as well as real Irish character. The river
slowly snakes past Clonmacnois, the ancient Christian capital of
Ireland and worthy of a long visit, and finally to Banagher, our third
marina station.
Life slows down along this stretch of the Shannon and boats begin to
pass less frequently - the noise of nature takes over once more.
To the south looms the mighty Lough Derg, the largest lake on the
waterway system. Lough Derg is famous for the idyllic little towns and
villages that fringe its shores with small harbours with plenty of
moorings. Good restaurants and pubs abound in this area and many a
yarn can be overheard in the bars.
This is the place to go to "get away from it all" and to experience
the peacefulness, the beautiful dramatic scenery and really good
cruising waters. Portumna National Park is on the northern shore with
it's own harbour and the park's secluded nature trail is well worth a
long visit.
Cruising south still further takes you straight to Killaloe, the most
southerly navigable point on the Shannon. A warm welcome awaits
cruising parties here and this pretty town's restaurants serve fine
food and drink with customary Irish hospitality and humour.
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Athlone
The largest town on the Shannon with all modern facilities including
shops, supermarkets, banks, post office, pharmacy, hotels, leisure
centres, theatres and many bars and restaurants. It has always been
considered an important crossing point on the Shannon and is known as
the Capital of the Midlands. The Tourist Information Centre is located
in the Castle and you will find details here of 2 very interesting
town trails - The Connaught Walk, 3km long and the Leinster Walk, 2 km
long. Both walks start at the jetty and take you around the most
interesting historic sites of the town.
Shopping
The location of Athlone in the centre of Ireland makes it a very busy
shopping town attracting both locals and visitors. You'll find a good
selection of Celtic crafts and souvenirs in the many gift shops and
shopping centres. Athlone Town Centre is a large shopping mall and has
many high street shops and department stores. For groceries, Golden
Island shopping centre has a number of supermarkets as well as a
multiscreen cinema. Athlone Farmers Market takes place on Saturdays
from 10am to 3pm in the Market Square.
Visitor Attractions
Athlone Castle and Visitor Centre Tel +353 (0)90 64 92912
This Norman Castle dominates the town centre and features exhibitions
and audio visual presentations on the siege of Athlone, John Count
McCormack, River Shannon wildlife and history with folk and military
museums. Tearooms, gift shop and Tourist Information Office on
location
Derryglad Folk Museum Tel +353 (0)90 6488192
www.derrygladfolkmuseum.com
View a wide range of indoor and outdoor rural artifacts from farm and
folk life in Ireland dating back to the 18th century.
Glendeer Pet Farm Tel +353 (0)90 64 37147
A 6 acre open farm with over 50 species of animals and birds. Also has
a coffee shop and a large picnic and play area.
Leisure Activities
Athlone Regional Sports Centre Tel +353 (0)90 64 7097
www.athlonesportscentre.ie
This state of the art health, sports and fitness centre includes a 25m
heated indoor swimming pool, a toddler's pool, separate family
changing areas, jacuzzi, sauna and steam-rooms, children's outdoor
playground and the recently developed outdoor skatepark. The Centre
also has a coffee shop and créche service.
Athlone Leisure World Tel +353 (0)90 6494766
Featuring Kids Adventureland, Ten Pin Bowling, Quasar, Pool tables,
video game simulators and a fully equipped leisure centre. A great
alternative for a rainy day!
Multiplex Cinema Tel +353 (0) 90 64 76655
Located at the Golden Island shopping centre.
Krazy Kids Tel +353 (0)90 64 86882
Children's indoor play area with ball pools, climbing frames, slides
and mazes -
great fun for the under 12s. Separate section for under 5s.
Taxi
Athlone Cabs Tel +353 (0)90 64 74400
Dial-a-Cab Tel +353 (0)90 64 93030
Athlone City Cabs Tel +353 (0)90 64 74888
Car Hire
Hertz Car Hire Tel +353 (0)90 64 92325
Lower Shannon
Clonmacnois
Founded by St. Ciaran in 545 AD, Clonmacnois was one of the great
monastic cities of early Europe. There are now a number of churches
(10th to 13th century), 2 round towers, 3 high celtic crosses and
stone temples. The long and varied history is recounted in an
audio-visual presentation shown in the visitor centre. Guided tours of
the site are available. The visitor centre also has a coffee shop, a
gift shop and a tourist office.
Shannonbridge
Shannonbridge is the first stop north of Banagher, just where the
River Suck meets the Shannon. The strategic location made it very
important during the Napoleonic era and the fortifications can still
be seen today. Known as the Shannon Callows, this is an important
nature conservation area and is surrounded by boglands. Home to the
Bord Na Mona power station, which harvests the peat from the
surrounding area and transports it using a narrow gauge railway. The
famous 16 arch bridge is one of the oldest across the Shannon and was
completed in 1757. The Tourist Information Centre is located in the
lockhouse at the harbour and there is a post office, 2 shops and 3
pubs. Also a Supermacs fast food takeaway is available.
Visitor Attractions
Clonmacnois and West Offaly Railway Tel +353 (0)90 9674114
A narrow gauge railway, principally used to transport the peat to the
power station from the surrounding area. The guided Bog Rail Tour
takes a 5 mile circular route around the Blackwater Bog, providing an
insight into the history and present use of the bog. An opportunity to
see the wonderful flora and fauna in this area. Lasts 45 minutes and
departs every hour.
Shannonbridge Pottery Tel +353 (0)90 9674333
A full range of table and giftware produced at their factory shop in
Shannonbridge
Ballinasloe
Just north of Banagher, a deviation on the Shannon leads to the River
Suck, which is navigable as far as Ballinasloe. It is a large town
with all modern facilities including ATM machines, post office, shops,
hotels and tourist information centre (in the local travel agents
during July and August). With 3 hotels, over 20 pubs and numerous
restaurants and coffee shops, you won't have any problem finding an
eating house here. It is well known for the Ballinasloe Horse Fair,
which is one of the oldest in Europe and takes place at the beginning
of October each year.
The River Suck runs deep and slow, providing excellent coarse
fishing, particularly for bream and rudd.
Visitor Attractions
Battle of Aughrim Interpretative Centre Tel +353 (0)90 96 73939
Commemorates the Battle of Aughrim of 1691, with story panels and
audio visual displays. About 3 miles from the town centre.
Ballinasloe Leisure Centre Tel +353 (0)90 96 45755
Extensive facilities including swimming pool, childrens pool, leisure
centre, sauna and steam room.
Creagh Pitch and Putt Tel +353 (0)87 6419415
An 18 hole par 3 course on a 12 acre site.
Ballinasloe Famine Park
Burial ground for victims of the famine as well as a memorial park.
Taxi Kenny Kabs Tel +353 (0)90 96 44444
Shannon Harbour
The historic harbour where the Grand Canal meets the Shannon. Passage
is allowed onto the Grand Canal for the Carlow class only.
Banagher
Banagher is an easy-going, modern town with a long history, dating
back to the 17th century. It was a strategic river crossing for over
600 years and the most recent bridge was built in the 1800's, along
with its Napoleonic fort to protect the town against a French invasion
from the West of Ireland. The only inland Martello tower in Ireland,
Fanesker, built about 1812, can be seen on the west shore of the river
at Banagher. The old walls on the East shore replace an ancient
fortification of the 1600's known as Fort Falkland and Fort Eliza is
just downstream of Banagher on the east bank. Victorian authors
Anthony Trollope and Charlotte Bronte both stayed in Banagher for a
time and Bronte's husband, Rev. Arthur Bell Nichols is buried in the
Church of Ireland graveyard here.
Banagher is now a very important location for visitors to the River
Shannon. Nature lovers will enjoy the variety of bird and plant life
and the sound of the corncrake around the meadows and peatlands on
both sides of the river in this area, known as the Shannon Callows.
This region of the Shannon is also very popular for fishing. A map
board is located at the entrance to the marina, which will give more
information on the town's facilities and a Tourist Information Centre
is in Crank House on Main Street.
The town of Banagher is centred on the main street, which could easily
be walked in 10 minutes. All amenities including grocery shops, banks,
post office and pharmacy are located in the town centre. Most of the
town's supermarkets will deliver your groceries to your boat.
Heritage Sites
Cloughan Castle, 3 miles from Banagher Tel +353 (0)57 91 51650
Medieval castle in Lusmagh, just south of Banagher which offers tours
to pre-booked groups and also offers B&B.
Birr Castle Demesne, 8 miles from Banagher Tel +353 (0)57 91 20336
A magnificent demesne and castle with picturesque gardens, Ireland's
historic science centre and the famous Great Telescope.
Clonfert Cathedral, 6 miles from Banagher on the western side of the
Shannon.
12th century Cathedral with a magnificent Romanesque style doorway.
There are also traces of a 6th century monastic settlement founded by
St. Brendan the Navigator.
Other Activites
Pitch and Putt Tel +353 (0)57 91 51421 18 hole course located over the
bridge.
Shannon Adventure Canoeing Tel +353 (0)57 91 51411 Canoe hire per day.
Taxi Pat Cox Tel +353 (0)87 958 9506
Meelick
The first stop to make south of Banagher is at Meelick Quay and lock
(Victoria Lock). This remote location is steeped in history, with
ruins of ancient fortications, including a Martello Tower dating from
the 1800s and Keelogue Battery on the East Shore. Meelick Church, a
Franciscan settlement established around 1414 is thought to be the
oldest Roman Catholic church in continuous use. It is still in use
today and is within walking distance of the Quay. It is also worth
taking a look at the old canal and the disused Hamilton Lock, which is
where the very first lock on the Shannon was constructed in the
1750's. This area is teeming with wildflowers and numerous bird
species and it is one of the few places where you can still hear the
cry of the corncrake. Once you pass through the lock, the great
expanse of Lough Derg opens up before you.
Lough Derg
Portumna
There are 2 marinas in Portumna at opposite ends of the town, both
with full facilities. Castle Harbour is on Lough Derg and the Emerald
Star harbour is north of the lifting bridge. You will find all
amenities in this attractive town including a good range of shops,
ATMs, Post Office and pharmacy. The Tourist Information Centre is
located in Abbey Street and is open from June to September. Gala
Supermarket will have everything you need and will deliver groceries
to your boat (090 9747135). There is an excellent children's play area
located just behind the Castle, near the Shannon Oaks Hotel.
Portumna Castle and Forest Park
The main attraction here is Portumna Castle and Forest Park Tel +353
(0)90 9741 658.
The original castle was constructed around 1616, but completely
destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1864. The present castle is actually
the third castle to be built on the site and it has recently been
restored and is now open to the public. The Forest Park contains 1500
acres of parkland with an abundance of flora and fauna including a
herd of rare Irish red deer. There are many lovely walks and nature
trails and it is a great site for a picnic. The ruins of the Dominican
Priory are also within the boundaries of the Forest Park, close to
Castle Harbour.
Terryglass
A charming little village on the eastern shores of Lough Derg.
The marina alone is worth a visit with its picnic area, children's
play area and breathtaking views of Lough Derg. The village is around
10 minutes walk from the moorings and is on the site of 6th century
monastery, of which little remains. The village is quite small with 2
pubs, a shop and post office located beside the Derg Inn and a craft
shop housed in Oldcourt Church. There are 2 historic spring wells, the
Eye Well located at the harbour and the Headache Well, located in the
village, both of which are said to have curative properties. The 13th
century Oldcourt Castle is nearby.
Kilgarvan
A very remote location with a small restauraunt, Brockna-on-the-Water
about 5 minutes from the marina. The only other place of interest here
is a small antiques centre, the Antigone Centre, Tel +353 (0)67 22047.
A 20 minute walk from Kilgarvan Quay will take you to the small
village of Ballinderry with further pubs and restaurants.
Rossmore
This is a very small remote location on the western shore of Lough
Derg. There are no facilites, but is very good for fishing.
Williamstown/Drumman harbour
Wiliamstown is the base for Shannon Castle Line hire cruisers and just
south of it, is the public marina of Drumman. There are no amenities
here, but you will find shops and restaurants in the small village of
Whitegate, about 30 minutes walk away.
Dromineer
The pretty village of Dromineer is a very popular stop off point. It
is home to Lough Derg Yacht Club, one of oldest yacht clubs in the
world and the RNLI Lifeboat station. There are many water-based
businesses here such as Nenagh Rowing Club and Shannon Sailing. There
is a small shop but supplies are quite basic.
There is a very good children's play area beside the harbour and a
little beach area . The ruins of the 16th century Dromineer Castle are
located on the quay, and nearby in the old graveyard, are the remains
of a small Romanesque church dating from the 12th century.
Dromineer is the start of the long distance Lough Derg Way which goes
as far as Killaloe and it is a pleasant walk for the first few
kilometres along the shores of the Lough.
For a taxi from Dromineer, contact Mike Roberts +353 (0)87 6737447
Mountshannon
Built as a model village on a green field site around 1740,
Mountshannon sits on a hill with fantastic views of Lough Derg and the
surrounding area. It has many amenities and lots of things to do. A
map board is located at the harbour with up to date information on
local attractions and amenities. There are shops, a post office,
pharmacy, and many pubs and restaurants. With the backdrop of the
Slieve Aughty Mountains, there are many opportunities for walking and
cycling in the area.
There are 3 grocery shops in the village. One is attached to Keane's
Bar in the centre of the village, there is a shop at the petrol
station on the Scariff Road and the newly opened Bourke's Grocery
Store and Food Emporium which has a very good hot and cold deli
counter. The town has 5 pubs and many have live music at weekends.
A number of looped walks, which are part of the long distance East
Clare Way, start and finish in Mountshannon. They vary in length from
3km to 16km.
Visitor Attractions
Aistear Iniscealtra
A community park in the centre of the village between the harbour and
the main street. The main feature is a maze with a pathway through the
history of spirituality. There is also a childrens play area, a picnic
area and a labyrinth.
Callura Pottery Tel +353 (0)61 927 909
Makers of unique pieces of colourful pottery on the Main Street
Taxi For a taxi from Mountshannon, contact Patrick Minogue +353 (0)87
6433550
Holy Island
Not accessible on your cruiser, but if you have a dinghy and outboard,
you should moor at Mountshannon and take the dinghy to Holy Island. If
you don't have an outboard, there are ferry services from Mountshannon
harbour to Holy Island.
The Island was once a monastic settlement and is associated with many
early Irish Saints. There are churches dating back to the 9th century,
high crosses, a holy well and a round tower. It is also home to
ancient burial grounds.
Garrykennedy
The views of Lough Derg are spectacular from this location. You can
moor in the old harbour or at the new floating jetties. It is a very
popular stop for fans of traditional Irish music as both pubs in the
village have regular music sessions.
Walking
Garrykennedy Lakeside Forest Walk . Starts in Garrykennedy, with
picnic areas
Castlelough Lakeside Forest Walk, 3 miles from Garrykennedy. On the
Lough Derg way.
Scarriff
The limit of navigation on the Scariff River will take you to the most
western point on Lough Derg and the small town of Scariff - a market
town built on a hill, about a 10 minute walk from the harbour. You
will find all the main amenities here, including ATM machine, post
office, pharmacy and shops. The riverside park at Scariff is a lovely
place to pass an hour or so. What looks like a tower house in the
grounds of the Spanish owned timber factory is in fact a water tower
erected in the 19th century for an infamous workhouse that was built
nearby.
A number of looped walks, which are part of the long distance East
Clare Way, start and finish in Scarriff. They vary in length from 5km
to 19km.
Reddan's Quay, Tuamgraney
A short journey along the winding, tree-lined Scarriff River will take
you to Reddan's Quay, in the small village of Tuamgraney. It is home
to one of the oldest churches in Ireland still in use, St. Cronan's,
used by the Church of Ireland community. Parts of the church are said
to date back to the 10th century and it has links with Brian Boru, the
legendary High King of Ireland. It now houses the East Clare heritage
centre, Tel +353 (0)61 921351, with exhibitions and audio visual
presentations on the history and heritage in the area. Nearby are the
remains of a 16th century O'Grady Castle and a Famine Memorial Park.
Raheen Oak Wood contains the remains of the primeval wood that once
covered all of East Clare. It has some very interesting oak trees,
reputedly the oldest in Ireland.
It is about a 10 minute walk from here to the town of Scariff.
Shopping
Tuamgraney is home to some of the traditional Irish industries
McKernan's Handweavers Tel +353 (0)61 921527 www.mckernanscarves.com
Beautiful handmade scarves. Visitors are welcome in the shop and
showroom where the scarves are made on 19th century looms.
Wildes Irish Handmade Chocolates.
Killaloe/Ballina
The most southern navigable point on Lough Derg takes you to the twin
towns of Killaloe, on the western side of the lough and Ballina to the
east, separated by the 13 arch stone bridge. Killaloe is famous as the
home of Brian Boru, the legendary High King of Ireland. It is the
largest town on Lough Derg and has all the facilities you would expect
including ATM machines, post office, pharmacy and grocery shops. It
also has a number of quaint shops and boutiques and a surprising
number of hair and beauty salons! Killaloe is characterised by it's
narrow, winding streets which lead uphill to the RC church while
Ballina is mostly concentrated on the road that runs parallel to the
river.
For grocery shopping, go to Queally's Supervalu in the Convent Hill
Shopping Centre
Tel +353 61 620230 and they will deliver to your boat free of charge.
Although it is a modern town with all the amenities you would expect,
it is steeped in history and all around, there is evidence of its past
as the capital of 11th Century Ireland..
History and Heritage
Killaloe is an important town in the history of Ireland and had a role
to play in most of the major conflicts throughout the years. As a
result, there is much here to interest the historians among us. The
tourist office is situated in the heritage centre, so make this your
first stop and you will find a lot of information on places to visit
in the area. Below are a few examples. There are also many church
ruins and holy wells with links to the Great High King Brian Boru
whose birthplace was Killaloe.
Brian Boru Heritage Centre Tel +353 (0)61 376866
An exhibition on the life of Ireland's Great High King whose armies
defeated the invading Vikings in the Battle of Clontarf. The
exhibition also traces the development of the River Shannon as a
transport system. The Heritage Centre is located in what was the lock
keepers residence and you will also find a Tourist Information Centre
and gift shop here.
St. Flannan's Cathedral
13th century cathedral unique for its interesting stone carvings
St. Flannan's Oratory
12th century oratory. The building may have been intended to house the
remains of St. Flannan himself and it is currently used to store some
early inscribed stones and slabs.
Leisure Activities
Lakeside Hotel and Leisure Centre Tel +353 (0)61 376122
www.lakesidehotel.ie
Fully equipped leisure centre with indoor pool featuring a figure of 8
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