Family Adventure Barge Cruise Itinerary
Special, quality time with the family is priceless. Enjoying the things you love and discovering exciting new ones... that’s what this Family Barge Cruise is all about. Experience a European scenic river cruise with fun activities for all ages.
While this cruise includes many popular excursions, we can add other cruise choices to design your own bespoke charter. It could be a unique shore visit to local artists or artisan food producers, zip lining, archery, horse-riding through beautiful countryside, ghillie fishing in the local weirs, guided kayaking or SUP, walking or cycling, or you could add a round of golf at one of Ireland’s legendary courses. The choice is yours – just get in touch and we can discuss the kind of vacation you’d like.
Sunday, Day 1 - Glasson
Guests are met in Dublin and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Shannon Princess. Your Captain and his crew welcome you onboard with champagne, Black Velvets or Irish coffees. Family BBQ on deck weather permitting.
Monday, Day 2 - Glasson to Athlone
Half or full day at a local adventure centre, with zip lining, archery, orienteering and rock wall climbing. More traditional activities include horseback riding, SUP, kayaking and an inflatable water park for all ages. The barge’s surrounding waters are ideal for open water swimming from the barge or at various moorings. In the evening, we’ll explore Athlone Castle and enjoy a visit to Ireland’s oldest pub with traditional music.
Tuesday, Day 3 - Athlone to Shannonbridge
We moor at Clonmacnoise ruins, followed by a guided tour and visit to its interpretive centre. Alternatively, for energetic souls wishing to linger and explore, a picnic lunch can be arranged, before a guided cycle along rural byways to re-join the barge at her overnight mooring in Shannonbridge. Later on, you’ll have the opportunity to go ghost hunting at Leap Castle – Ireland’s most haunted castle; plus a visit to the award-winning Mossfield Farm where they demonstrate organic farming and cheese making. This evening, enjoy music in Kileen’s pub for all the family after dinner on board.
Wednesday, Day 4 - Shannonbridge to Terryglass
We moor at the foot of a gentle hill that slopes up to Terryglass village with time to explore this charming Hamlet. After lunch, we set off to Oliver Walsh’s spectacular Flower Hill Country House Equestrian Centre for some of the best horse-riding Ireland has to offer. This is a chance to experience a natural cross-country course with the infamous Galway Blazer Fox Hunt stone walls.
Thursday, Day 5 - Terryglass to Mountshannon
Early morning cruise to Mountshannon, with breakfast on board, followed by a visit to the magnificent Cliffs of Moher. This is regarded as one of the top places to see in Ireland and a designated UNESCO Geo Park. The Cliffs are 214m high at the highest point and range for 8 kilometres over the Atlantic Ocean on the western seaboard of County Clare.
Friday, Day 6 - Mountshannon to Killaloe
Today we set sail across Lough Derg, re-joining the River Shannon to moor at Killaloe. After exploring this elegant little town, we lunch on board, then set off to Adare Manor, a magnificent estate located on the banks of the River Maigue. Here, in the setting of the Walled Garden, we gain a real insight into the history and tradition of falconry and have the opportunity to ‘get up close and personal’ with birds of prey such as owls, falcons and eagles – a magical experience. We end the afternoon by visiting a traditional Irish hand-weaving workshop. ‘Salinte’ cocktail reception and Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
Saturday, Day 7 - Killaloe
After breakfast you will be transferred by luxury coach to your designated drop off point.
NOTE:
- Our luxury bus and driver is in attendance on all walks, allowing walkers the freedom to extend walks or return to the barge at their wish.
- On alternate weeks the barge cruise is in the reverse direction.
- Itineraries are subject to change.
- Walking themed barge cruises are charter only.
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