7 days - Dublin/Dublin

LIMITED TO 10 GUESTS
All departures guaranteed

Brendan Gold's Travel Value Includes

Six nights in an outside cabin

Transfers from/to Dublin meeting point

All meals, including wine with dinner aboard ship

Open bar on board

Sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary including: Craggaunowen Project; Leap Castle; Galway excursion; Clonmacnoise Ruins and Intrepretive Centre; Lough Ree; Birr Castle Gardens

Brendan Gold flight bag and portfolio of travel documents

Itinerary

Day 1, Sun. DUBLIN / KILLALOE.
Meet at the Aberdeen Lodge in Dublin and transfer to the Shannon Princess anchored in historic Killaloe. There is time for a stroll around the picturesque town. You might want to visit St. Flannan's Cathedral, built in the 13th century. It has many artifacts predating the 13th century, including an ancient Ogham stone. Then, gather on board for your first delicious dinner. (D)

Day 2, Mon. KILLALOE / MOUNTSHANNON.
Begin your cruise, gliding from the fjord-like reaches of the Shannon into lovely Lough Derg. En route pass Holy Island, Deer Rock and Derry Castle. Moor at Mountshannon. After lunch, depart for a visit to the Craggaunowen Project, a reconstructed Celtic Bronze Age settlement or "Crannog." There is time to stroll around the the site to see the ring fort, a reproduction of a 4th century home, and a replica of St. Brendan's boat. (B,L,D)

Day 3, Tue. MOUNTSHANNON / TERRYGLASS.
Cruise leisurely through a variety of lake and shoreline scenery, passing the island of Illamore. Dock near quaint Terryglass, a tiny, picturesque village a few hundred yards from the harbor. Lunch is ashore today in the quaint Derg Inn. Afterwards, travel to Leap Castle, reputed to be Ireland's most haunted house. You will be greeted by the family and invited into their unusual home. Later, transfer back to the ship. (B,L,D)

Day 4, Wed. TERRYGLASS / GALWAY / BANAGHER.
Depart Terryglass by mini-coach for a shopping trip to Galway and a tour of the Galway Crystal Factory. Then enjoy lunch at a local Galway restaurant. Return to the Shannon Princess and continue cruising. This evening, travel through the Portumna Swing Bridge, leaving Lough Derg and rejoining the River. Enter the Meelick Lock and rise up to meet the Meelick waters, which will carry you to your destination, Banagher. (B,L,D)

Day 5, Thu. BANAGHER / ATHLONE.
Glide along the peaceful waters towards the riverside town of Athlone. Stop en route at Clonmacnoise, a 6th century Christian settlement and school. After a visit to the interpretative center, continue cruising north. (B,L,D)

Day 6, Fri. ATHLONE TOWN / QUIGLEY'S MARINA.
Sail north to Lough Ree and explore some of the 365 islands. Moor at Quigley's Marina on the beautiful "Inner Lakes" of Lough Ree. Next, travel to Birr Castle Gardens and Science Museum, home to one of the oldest telescopes in the world. (B,L,D)

Day 7, Sat. ATHLONE / DEPART DUBLIN.
Transfer to Dublin Airport for your onward flight leaving no earlier than 2 p.m. Extra nights are available if you wish to extend your stay. (B)