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Starting at Tully Bay
Starting at Carrick
Starting at Banagher

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Lower Shannon
Carrickcraft's marina station on the Lower Shannon is at Banagher in County Offaly, a typical rural Irish market town. From here, you can head North to Athlone or you can head South into Lough Derg with its spectacular mountain scenery.

 

   

Banagher
Banagher is located at the foot of Banagher bridge and dates back to the 17th century. The bridge itself is a famous attraction with its Napoleonic fort built in the 1800's to protect the town against a French invasion from the West of Ireland.  The other ancient defences that can be viewed include the only inland Martello Tower in Ireland, Fort Falkland and Fort Eliza. There is a 17th century church within walking distance. A map board is located at the entrance to the marina, which will give more information.  The length and breadth of the town could easily be walked in 10 minutes. The town itself offers many facilities from ATM machine, grocery shops, and computer facilities at the library and a Tourist Information Centre at the Crank House. Nightly entertainment is provided in the famous Hough's Pub.  There is a Pitch and Putt course that is located over the bridge, which has a fine pathway around the course and is a scenic walk.
Birr (8 miles from Banagher) boasts a castle with picturesque gardens, science museum and the famous Ross telescope. Birr is also home to a fine links style golf course. A taxi can be arranged for you by our receptionist.
Clonfert (6 miles from Banagher ) is home to a 12th century Cathedral and traces of a 6th century monastic settlement founded by St. Brendan can be found. A taxi can be arranged for you by our receptionist.

North from Banagher
Shannonbridge
. Popular with tourists and locals. Has a famous bridge fortified during the Napoleonic era. The Tourist Information Centre is located at the harbour where you can enquire about the Bog Train, which will take you on an extensive journey through the famous boglands of Ireland. Evening entertainment is available at the famous Killeens Pub. There is a fine restaurant in the old fort on the western bank and a good eatery in the Bog Oak pub.
Ballinasloe. The River Suck is navigable to Ballinasloe, which is a large town with all modern facilities, an ATM machine and supermarkets. Tourist Information is available at the local travel agent in the town during July/August. There are many pubs including some with Irish Traditional Music and some good restaurants.
Other attractions include Aughrim Interpretive Centre, about 3 miles from the town centre. Creagh Equestrian Centre offers horse riding lessons for young and old. Most pubs offer in-house entertainment.
Clonmacnois. Ancient monastic ruins and heritage centre overlooking the Shannon. There are guided tours including a video show, and refreshments are available at the coffee shop. A tourist office and gift shop is located in the car park. A stop off is a must.
Athlone. The largest of all the towns situated on this stretch of the Shannon. All modern facilities are available including cinema, bowling and leisure centre with children's play area. Athlone is a great shopping area with many clothes shops, gift shops, bookshops etc located in the centre and at the many shopping centres. Across the bridge from the public harbour is Athlone Castle, which houses the Tourist Information Centre where all up to date information on local attractions and amenities, is available. A tour around the Castle is a must. A map board is located outside the Castle grounds containing a map of the town and places to visit. You are advised to moor in the marina and not at the quay walls for security reasons.

South from Banagher
Meelick. The first stop to make south of Banagher is at Meelick Quay. This remote location is steeped in history and Meelick Abbey is 10 minutes walk from the mooring. There is a pub called The Shop just beside the Abbey which is open Thursday to Sunday.  A short cruise further south will bring you to Victoria Lock.
Portumna. Has on offer many facilities including two harbours, located at the opposite ends of the town, an ATM machine, different restaurants, a Pizza Parlour and a children's play area beside the Shannon Oaks Hotel. Portumna's major attraction is Portumna Castle with surrounding Forest and Priory. The Forest Park offers many different nature walks. Traditional music can be found at An Caislean Pub. For those who want to party all night, the Web Nightclub is open until the small hours. The Tourist Information Centre is at the Boat House gift shop in the town.
Terryglass. The marina alone is worth visiting with its picnic area and breathtaking views of Lough Derg. The village is quite small and is roughly 10 minutes walk from the moorings. Here you can stock up on bread and milk, post any cards and sample some Guinness in the local pubs which serve great food. The 13th century Oldcourt Castle is located here.
Kilgarvan. A remote location with an Antique centre not too far from the harbour which you will pass if you decide to venture along the road on one of the many peaceful nature walks in this location. There is also a fine restaurant located in a cottage nearby.
Dromineer. A small, pretty village that has a small shop, a pub with good food and a hotel. The children will also enjoy the play area located beside the harbour.
Garrykennedy. The views of Lough Derg are spectacular from this location. There are two pubs to choose from. One serves very good food.
Killaloe. A large town with all facilities, ATM machines, supermarkets and beauty & hair salons. Visit Killaloe Tourist and Heritage Centre located at the foot of the bridge. Horse riding is available at Carrowbaun Farm. The Anchor bar is worth a visit especially on Wednesday evenings when you can join in the Irish Set Dancing which is suitable for both young and old. A map board is located across from the Heritage Centre.
Scarriff. A small village where you can stock up on groceries. There is an ATM machine in the town, a hotel, restaurants and pubs. The walk to the village will take at least 10 minutes.
Mountshannon. This little town has many features from pitch-n-putt to pony trekking. A traditional Irish dance session is held each Wednesday with live entertainment at weekends at the local Cois-na-Habhna Pub. A map board is located at the harbour with up to date information on local attractions and amenities. The Tourist Information Centre can be found at the local Post Office where you can enquire about a trip to Holy Island unless you have an outboard motor and can go on your own. This Island is associated with many early Irish Saints, many myths and legends and is home to ancient holy burial grounds and numerous churches dating back to the 9th century.

 


Erne Leisure Development Company Limited, Kinnego Marina, Oxford Island
Lurgan BT66 6NJ, Tel: 028 3834 4993, Reg. Company NI27882