THE SHANNON

The River Shannon is the longest river and contains the largest area of inland waters in Britain and Ireland. It rises in Derrylahan in Co. Cavan and flows 350 km southwards through the City of Limerick, the only city on its course, to the Atlantic. Along its shores are colourful small towns, friendly villages, ancient fortifications, abbeys and castles.

It is navigable for 220 km with only six locks and is non-tidal for 205 km. There is a small fee for locking up.

Lough Ree and Lough Derg resemble inland seas and the skipper should enquire about weather conditions before entering them. It is advisable to wait for another boat before crossing these very large lakes.

Along its great length is a wealth of bird life, particularly the stretch between Athlone and Meelick, which enjoys worldwide recognition for its bird population. Examples of some of the last unworked peat bogs in Europe are here too. Fascinating flora adorns the riverbanks and there is much ancient woodland to explore including the lovely nature trails at Portumna Castle on the shores of Lough Derg and Lough Key Forest Park.

The Shannon has always been an important and strategic waterway in the annals of Irish history, since it was the principal means of communication to the interior. Vikings and Irish chieftains struggled for control of these waters. Influential monastic settlements occupied many sites along the river and the remains of these are still an impressive sight. Clonmacnois and Inchleraun on Lough Ree are of particular interest, as is Boyle Abbey, just off the river near Lough Key.

Fortifications, from ancient ring forts and the 'dun' at Jamestown, to Norman Castles and fortified houses, are all part of the landscape of the river. Shannonbridge and Banagher have some particularly fine examples of 19th-century fortifications. These were erected at a time when a French invasion from the west was feared by imcumbent British forces.

This enchanting waterway is a paradise for fishermen. Fast flowing waters good for roach, and still waters round the reed-lines lakes where perch, rudd and pike are plentiful, make the Shannon an exciting fishing ground. Many locations have produced prize specimen fish. There is no shortage of information about the best places to fish. You will find the locals more than willing to share their secrets and what better way than over a pint of Guinness.

Moorings along the river are entirely free. There are hundreds of places of interest where you can stop off for as long as you like. Don't forget to bring your golf clubs or your fishing rods, for there are plenty of opportunities for both. If however you prefer the quiet life then you can just while away the hours relaxing and enjoying a quiet drink in an Irish country tavern in any number of our historic towns or villages. There is much to interest the historian and the archaeologist in these out of the way places, so if after you are suitable refreshed you feel so inclined, take a stroll and visit some of these places of interest yourself. Meet some of the local people whose reputation for friendliness and hospitality is the very cornerstone on which Irish tourism has been built.

All holidays commence on Saturdays unless by prior arrangement.

There are many different type of craft available. They are diesel-powered and equipped to the highest possible standard to meet the requirements of Bord Failte, the Irish Tourist Board. This includes the provision of central heating, hot and cold water supply, shower, gas cooker, electricity, flush toilet, refrigerator, all bedding, kitchen-ware etc., and stereo radio cassette on larger models. In addition at no extra cost a rowing dinghy is also provided, this is useful for exploring and picnicking on islands in shallow water. Also included of course are buoyancy aids, binoculars, fire extinguishers, navigation maps etc…

The following cruisers would be based in the heart of Ireland between the two great lakes, Lough Ree and Lough Derg, and only one mile from the Grand Canal. The base at Banagher, Co. Offaly is the ideal starting point for any Shannon Cruise. In the unlikely event of a breakdown, experienced technicians are always available to offer assistance. Mobile service vehicles are in constant radio contact to ensure that you are on your way in the shortest possible time.

TYPE A - A small cruiser suitable for 2 adults or small family, 2 singles in the forward cabin, 1 double in the main saloon, open plan, refrigerator, gas cooker, central heating, hot and cold water. Large open cockpit can be quickly enclosed by folding car type hood and side screens. All classes have shower and toilet.

TYPE B - Basic 4+2 berth cruiser with 1 double bed in saloon, 2 singles forward and 2 singles aft, single steering, 2 toilets and shower, refrigerator, gas cooker, central heating, hot and cold water. Centre wheelhouse can be enclosed by detachable hood and side screens.

TYPE C - This extremely popular spacious 6 berth with 3 cabins, sliding patio doors, dual steering with flying bridge, wash basin in each cabin, electric toilet, shower, stereo radio/cassette, refrigerator, gas cooker, central heating, hot and cold water. Full 6 berth lay-out with extra spacious living accommodation

TYPE D - Another new luxury design 5/6 berth in 3 cabins, dual steering, magnificent sun deck, all round stainless steel safety hand rail, swimming platform, 2 toilets, 2 showers, stereo radio/cassette, refrigerator, gas cooker, central heating, hot and cold water. Double bed in aft state room with toilet and shower en suite. 2 singles in forward cabin converts to double berth. This superb cruiser is beautifully fitted out to a high standard

TYPE E - New luxury design 6/7 berth in 3 cabins, dual steering, magnificent sun deck, all round stainless steel safety hand rail, swimming platform, 2 toilets, 2 showers, stereo/cassette, refrigerator, gas cooker, central heating, hot and cold water. Double bed in aft stateroom can convert into 2 singles.

TYPE F - This modern 8 berth in 4 cabins has large sun decks, dual steering, flying bridge, all round stainless steel safety rail, swimming platform, 2 toilets, 2 showers, wash basin in each cabin, stereo/radio cassette, hot and cold water, refrigerator, gas cooker and central heating.