Why not take a trip on the majestic Shannon with a choice of sailings from Viking Tours?
Viking Tours run from February to November. The Shannon/ Lough Ree cruise sails daily north of Athlone, into Lough Ree and circles some of the islands, usually calling at the Hodson Bay and returning to Athlone; this sailing takes about 75 minutes.
The Clonmacnois Cruise (bookings only ) sails south to the famous monastic settlement and takes 90 minutes one way. Live commentary is provided on local, Viking, and religious history, flora and fauna, and the environment, and there is a complement of books on board on these subjects for passengers to peruse.
There is a snack shop and full bar on board or passengers can bring their own drinks. Tea, coffee, and biscuits are complimentary. Other food requests and BBQs can be catered for, along with weddings, corporate, hen and stag groups, etc, and the ship can be chartered for such events. Live music can be provided.
The ship also gives the option of a daily pick-up/ drop-off at the Hodson Bay or, for groups, to and from Killinure Chalets, Coosan Point, Glasson Hotel & Golf Club, and the Wineport Lodge.
The ship has great character; it is a 21-metre long wooden ‘loose’ replica of a Viking Knarr and is the longest serving timber passenger ship on the inland waterways in either Ireland or the UK. In fine weather most of the vessel can be open, creating a cooling breeze and a lovely experience of cruising on water.
The ship is wheelchair accessible but please give advance notice if wheelchairs are coming on board.
Contact Michael Mc Donnell, Viking Tours at 7 St Mary’s Place, Athlone. Tel (086 ) 2621136 or see www.vikingtoursireland.ie for more information. The new-look website now updates sailing times daily.
