16-day trip | River Shannon Cruise & the Irish Northwest

Dublin Airport - Carrick On Shannon

Day 1: Welcome to Ireland

Upon arrival at Dublin Airport, you’ll be picked up by a driver who will take you to Carrick-on-Shannon. A thriving town within County Leitrim, it’s steeped in history and we recommend you take a stroll through the town to discover its interesting historical buildings.

Known as the 'Port Capital of Ireland', the marina is an attractive focal point of the town and this area offers a wide range of restaurants and cafes, as well as nightly entertainment including lively traditional music sessions with many talented musicians. Enjoy your evening on land before taking to the water tomorrow.

Carrick On Shannon Marina - Dromod - Roosky

Day 2: Your boat awaits

After an onboarding flash-course this morning you will board your boat which will be your home for the next three nights and begin your journey along the River Shannon. Glide through emerald hills dotted with Celtic ruins and picture-postcard villages as the River Shannon enchants you with every mile you travel.

Today you will stop in the beautiful village of Rooskey, a well-known town along the river. Famous for its angling you’ll find waterways well stocked with perch, roach and bream. Moor up for the evening and spend an enjoyable night in some of Rooskey’s local pubs.

Roosky - Tarmonbarry - Lanesborough

Day 3: Ireland's welcoming towns

Today you will sail to Tarmonbarry, a welcoming town with many vestiges of the past. Here you can discover the hidden abbey in the church grounds, built in the 12th century and enjoy the sights of the grand Carriglas Manor.

Lanesborough - Lough Ree - Athlone

Day 4: Enjoy a little tipple

This morning set sail for the small town of Lanesborough. Home to one of Longford's oldest centres of Christianity, Saint John's Church, take some time to wander around this beautiful building built on an older fifth-century church.

In the afternoon it’s time to try some award-winning gin and whiskey on a visit to Lough Ree Distillery. Afterward return to your boat which can be moored up close to the distillery and enjoy a gentle evening watching the world go by.

Clonmacnoise - Carrick On Shannon

Day 5: Ancient crosses

Enjoy the beautiful views of the River Shannon this morning as you make your way to Clonmacnoise. Visit the old monastery that has been lost to nature over time and learn all about the fascinating history of Clonmacnoise. Dig a little deeper at the site’s interpretive visitor centre, which displays a number of cross slabs and the 9th century Cross of the Scriptures.

In the afternoon it’s time to being your journey back to Carrick-on-Shannon as you wind your way down the river enjoying the slow pace of life of the water.

Drumshanbo Distillery - Marble Arch Caves - Donegal

Day 6: Prehistoric landscapes

It’s time to swap water for road today as you pick up your rental car from the port.

Today you will be driving to Donegal but first make sure to make a stop at the nearby Drumshanbo Whiskey Distillery. Enjoy the favourite tipple of the locals and get your hands on the exclusive bottle that you won’t find in the shops.

In the afternoon, drive north to Marble Arch Caves, where you can join a guided walking or boat tour of this sensational landscape that was formed over 340 million years ago. Enjoy the range of caves, rivers, mountains, ancient woodlands, waterfalls and gorges this astonishing area has to offer.

Continue onwards to Donegal later in the afternoon and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Glenveagh National Park

Day 7: Irish grandeur

Today you will visit the breath-taking Glenveagh National Park and castle of the same name.

The castle was built in the 1800s by an Irish emigrant who found wealth in the US and returned to Glenveagh to build a summer residence for his wife. Visit this beautiful castle and wander through the rooms left untouched since the owner lived there. The estate also boasts a Botanical and a Victorian Walled Garden, as well as a picturesque walkway through the forest. You can spend hours strolling through the grounds or hire a bike to discover more of the park. When you’re feeling peckish, make sure to stop by the teahouse by the castle for some hearty Irish cuisine.  

Ardara - Slieve League - Killybegs

Day 8: Majestic scenery

Begin your day today was a stunning drive along the Glengesh Pass which is a winding road connecting Ardara to Glencolmcille. Soak in the magnificent scenery before reaching the cliffs of Slieve League in County Donegal. Highly rated to be one of the most spectacular destinations in Ireland, these 1800ft cliffs drop dramatically down to the Atlantic below. Join a guided hike or set sail on a boat trip along the cliffs and learn all about the local flora and fauna as well as potentially spotting dolphins, seals and even whales in the surrounding waters!

This afternoon continue along the coast and arrive at the pretty fishing port of Killybegs, which is considered to be the most important Irish fishing port. Spend the evening soaking up local life as you stroll along the docks and enjoy a drink at the traditional local pub.

Sligo - Strandhill - Westport

Day 9: Yeats country

Today you will continue to follow the West Atlantic Way into the north-west of Ireland.

In the morning drive through County Sligo, an area of outstanding mountain scenery, lakes, waterfalls and beautiful beaches. This areas is known as Yeats Country due to it having been the inspiration of many great works by the Nobel Prize winning Irish writer, Yeats.

Visit the lively town of Sligo before visiting Benbulben, an extraordinary table-top mountain which you can hike to the top of for beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

Following this, visit the final resting place of Yeats at Drumcliff, before continuing on to Westport town. On route you will pass by world famous surfing beaches such as Strandhill or Streedagh, and if you’re in the mood for a dip be sure to stop off at Rosses Point or Bundoran beach.

Achill Island

Day 10: Pirate queens

This morning you will drive to Achill Island which is located in far western County Mayo. On the drive be sure to stop and take photographs of the numerous beautiful, mountains and cliffs in the area.

In the afternoon, visit Kildavnet Castle, built by the O'Malley clan, home of the infamous Irish pirate queen, Grace O'Malley. Also take some time to visit the Deserted Village, an abandoned village which testifies to the devastating impact of the Great Famine in the mid-19th Century.

Kylemore Abbey & Gardens - Clifden - Galway

Day 11: Romantic landscapes of Connemara

Today you will visit the famous Connemara region, known for its profound beauty this area boasts deep black lakes, spectacular mountain scenery, and wild Connemara ponies. A region of folklore and myths, today you will get lost in the romantic wild landscape of this stunning region.

A must-do today is a visit to Kylemore Abbey & Gardens, an estate run by Benedict nuns with a castle right out of a fairy-tale. Spend the afternoon wandering around this breath-taking estate, or for a more active walk Connemara Nation Park has several hiking trails for all skill levels. For those who enjoy horseback riding, head over to Knockillaree Riding Centre for a different way to experience the area.

Island Of Inishmore

Day 12: Prehistoric hill forts

Hop on a passenger ferry today heading to Inishmore, the largest of the three Aran Islands. If you’re lucky you might spot dolphins or whales as your cross the water. Once you have arrived choose to hike, bike or join a small group to learn all about this beautiful island.

A visit to Dun Aonghasa is a must today! Sitting on the edge of a 300ft cliff, this 3000-year-old site is the best known of the several prehistoric hill forts on the Aran Islands.

Afterwards make sure to visit the Wormhole, the Seven Churches, the Seal Colony and Kilmurvey Beach before heading back to the mainland.

Burren - Poulnabrone Dolmen - Cliffs Of Moher

Day 13: Marvel at the Cliffs of Moher

Today you will see a very different side to the Irish landscape. First visit Burren, a 40 square miles 330-year-old limestone plateau with a unique flora for this part of the world, before making your way along Black Head Drive which is the costal road along the edge of the Atlantic.

Later in the morning stop off at the Poulnabrone prehistoric monument, which dates back 5500 years and is believed to have been used to celebrate the dead. Explore the Ailwee Cave, where Ireland’s only brown bear bone was found, and take a walk along the 700ft high Cliffs of Moher. The views here over the Aran Islands, Connemara, and the Atlantic are truly breath-taking.

Enjoy the evening in one of the many live traditional Irish music venues.

Clonmacnoise - Kilbeggan Distillery - Dublin

Day 14: Distillery en route to Dublin

Today you drive east towards Dublin but not before returning to Clonmacnoise. Further on your way why not stop at the Kilbeggan Distilliery, which is one of the oldest licensed whiskey distilleries in Ireland? You will learn all about the history and the now modern art of producing Irish “Gold”. 

Arrive back in Dublin to spend the night. 

Dublin

Day 15: The delights of Dublin

Spend today soaking up the rich culture of this lively capital city. Learn about its history with a visit to the iconic Trinity College and view the early Christian Book of Kells, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Kilmainam Jail. You may also consider a guided tour of the Teeling Distillery or a ramble around the Guinness Storehouse.

Don’t forget to dive into Temple Bar, where you find live music all day, and most of the night! We recommend you use a hop-on hop-off bus as these busses stop at every great site you can think off. Alternatively use a personal guide for half of the day for a private walking tour, which we would be happy to arrange this for you.

Dublin Airport

Day 16: Farewell!

It’s time to bid a farewell to Ireland as you drop off your rental car at the airport in time for your onward flight.