Suggested cruising options Carrick-on-Shannon*

A cultural cruise along the River Shannon

Dromod: industrial heritage of Ireland

Dromod Port, now entirely dedicated to boating and waterways activities (available at the Shannon River Adventure Centre), was once a busy commercial port through which convoys of Guinness and other goods passed. Dromod's activity was focused around its railway line which connected it to Leitrim and the coal mines of Arigna. You can experience a steam train journey at the Railway Museum, where collectables from both World Wars are also on display. Also, relax by the Weeping Tree fountain, carved from a single piece of oak, and found in the city centre.

Lanesborough: a small village at the gates of Lough Ree

Heading back towards Carrick-on-Shannon, moor your Nicols canal boat at Lanesborough Marina. After this village, you leave Lough Ree and resume navigation on the River Shannon. Take advantage of the stopover to stretch your legs in the small village and take a trip to the local distillery (Lough Ree Distillery) to taste its whiskey and restock your boat in the grocery store.

Lough Ree: hikes and islands for adventure

At a vast 105km², Lough Ree is especially popular with fishermen, but also offers a large number of other activities to be enjoyed such as Liliput Way hiking trail, holy well of Saint Faithleach, Rathcline castle and cemetery with its Celtic crosses. However, the island of Inchcleraun wins the title of the most popular tourist attraction of the lake with its 6th century monastery classified as a "national monument" by the Republic of Ireland. The island appears in a Celtic legend according to which Medb, warrior queen of the province of Connacht, was murdered there by a man armed with a slingshot... and a piece of cheese!

Athlone: a dynamic city on the banks of the Shannon

Life is in full swing in Athlone, the largest town on the banks of the River Shannon. In Athlone, shopping lovers will be happy! There is also something here for the whole family… don't miss a visit to the castle, which will take you back 800 years via several exhibitions and fun experiences. Then go admire the stained glass windows of the church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Finally, your boating holiday in Ireland wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Sean's Bar - holder of the title of being the oldest pub in Ireland!

Your boating holiday on the River Shannon is coming to an end. Turn your canal boat around and resume navigation towards Carrick