About Shannon Princess

The Ten passenger Shannon Princess II is the largest luxury hotel barge cruising the Lower Shannon. Newly commissioned for late 2002, her thoughtfully designed interior includes twin or double beds with Lough views, a comfortable saloon, dining area and full length sun deck

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The River Shannon.......... for a relaxing barging vacation

Far removed from the hustle and bustle of modern living, lies the lordly river Shannon. A profusion of lakes and streams, meandering effortlessly through some of the most beautiful scenery in Ireland. The most extensive inland waterway in Ireland and Britain, with over 300km of navigable flowing waters. The Shannon is set amidst one of Europe's most environmentally pure and spectacular landscapes. It's tranquil atmosphere and unhurried pace invites you to completely unwind and savor the pleasures of floating through Ireland's inland waterways

Explore the legends and myths

What better way to explore the very heart of Ireland than cruising on the lovely SHANNON PRINCESS II. Unshroud a river wrapped in legends, myths and the gentle mists of time, Slip through a countryside little changed over the centuries as we pass by Ancient monasteries, prehistoric Cities, Fairy forts and Celtic Villages. Norman Keeps and Viking Towers cast a watchful eye on the SHANNON PRINCESS II as she floats through the Shannon's unspoiled waterways. Set your watch to Shannon time, as wandering waters pass fishermen, wild deer and grazing horses. Kingfishers and wild orchids splash color across our day. Gliding birds of prey swoop and dive for leaping salmon on their way upstream. We pass through locks, bridges, forest park and ancient mountains as we set our course for any of the Shannon's charming villages.

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Luxury Barge Cruise Accommodation

SHANNON PRINCESS II is a 105 x 19 foot newly built barge extensively fitted out in 2003 as a powerful but elegant 10-passenger barge. Accommodation is on two decks. On the main accommodation deck are 5 equal but individual designed twin or double cabins. All are riverside cabins with large opening picture windows, and bright airy bathrooms.

Forward of the guest cabins is a spacious saloon area, with its own fore deck sun area. On the top deck is a large panoramic sun deck.Fully equipped Bathrooms onboard

We can arrange for you to play any of Ireland's top courses, from Ballybunion to the K-Club using private helicopter transfer from the barge to the golf course.

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Sample Golf Itinerary

Sunday

You are met at Aberdeen Lodge Hotel in Dublin at 3pm and transferred by private coach to Shannon Princess in Killaloe. On arrival, enjoy a welcome an Irish Coffee or a pint of Murphy's on tap. The afternoon is free to relax or stroll the picturesque town. Visit St Flannan's Cathedral, which was originally commenced in 1180 but destroyed by Donal Mor O'Brian and rebuilt some 200 years later in a Gothic style. Welcome dinner onboard

Monday

After a leisurely breakfast, you are transferred to Lahinch Golf Club - ranked in the Worlds top 100! The golf course is a 70 minute drive each way, but well worth it! Enjoy 18 holes followed by lunch in the clubhouse. Arrive back to the Shannon Princess for a late afternoon cruise to Mountshannon. Dinner onboard. (18 holes, 6115m, Par 72)

Golf Course Review:

Lahinch has always been one of the most beloved courses in the world, and with the recent enhancement it stands on level with Ballybunion and County Down as Ireland's finest. The outstanding stretch of holes from the 3rd to the 9th is as full of flavor as can be found anywhere, and the middle holes of the second nine, 14 and 15, have been considerably strengthened. Lahinch is now more than ever one of the world's most exciting golf experiences. Listed in Golf Magazines Top 100 Golf courses.

www.lahinchgolf.com

Tuesday

Cruise the Lough, past Derg Island of Illamore to the charming sheltered harbour of historic Terryglass. Transfer to the prestigious Portumna Golf Club, a parkland championship course. A round of golf and back to Terryglass, three times national winner of Ireland's tidiest town competition. Dinner onboard. (18 holes, 6123m, Par 71)

Golf Course Review:

Portumna Golf Club is one of the hidden gems of Irish golf. It is a beautiful parkland course which sweeps its way through forest and woodlands close to Lough Derg, the last and largest lake on the River Shannon. Its mature and graceful trees backdrop the full range of seasonal color to provide a different challenging experience, no matter what time of the year it is played. Laid out over undulating land, Portumna has lots of interesting shots, including a number of elevated tee box positions.

Wednesday

Depart by bus for Galway Bay Golf Course on the Atlantic Shore. A Christy O'Connor Jr designed Course, approx. 90 minutes transfer one way and 70 minutes return. This is a great opportunity for anyone who wishes to break from golf and shop in the famous Galway City. After lunch we cross Lough Derg to Portumna, re-entering the Shannon River through Portumna "swing bridge". Lunch onboard. Arrive in Banagher, and with Irish hospitality, visit Haughs, the infamous Singing Pub. Dinner onboard. (18 holes, 5958m, Par 72)

Golf Course Review:

The Natural water hazard is the Atlantic Ocean; such is the dramatic backdrop to this Par 72 PGA Championship 18 hole golf course that is Galway Bay Golf Resort. When designing the course, former Ryder Cup and World Cup golfer Christy O'Connor Jnr superbly blended the stunning backdrop of Galway Bay and the rugged curves of the Atlantic coastline with mature trees, water hazards, concealed bunkers and highly acclaimed putting surfaces. With variable wind speed and directions this Championship Galway golf course plays differently each day posing a considerable challenge to even the lowest handicap golfers, yet it is a true and fair test of golf.

www.galwaybaygolfresort.com

Thursday

After breakfast transfer to Athlone Golf Club located on the shores of Lough Ree, approximately 30 minutes transfer one way but no return transfer. This high quality golf course commands spectacular views of Lough Ree. Return to Shannon Princess at her new mooring in Hodson Bay, a few hundred yards from the clubhouse. Dinner aboard. (18 holes, 5937m, Par 72 for men and Par 75 for women)

Golf Course Review:

This gently rolling golf course of Athlone is magnificently situated on a peninsula overlooking Lough Ree. This excellent golf course was remodeled in the late 1930's, and the lack of yardage might lead to the better players under-estimating its difficulty. The course demands a wide variety of shots, especially when the wind blows from the lake. The woods are on the outskirts of the course as are most of the water hazards, although some isolated trees can come into play. Players must avoid the bunkers, which are a little limited and bland uniformity in design and shape. The greens are generally in good condition and moderately contoured, but they do tend to be soft in winter, which is not the best season in Ireland anyway. Long hitters will have fun on the three short par 5's, but accuracy is always important. Watch out for some tight fairways.

Friday

After breakfast, cruise to Glasson and moor right next to the 17th tee at Glasson Golf and Country Club, a superb golf course with a variety of tees. A Christy O'Connor design quoted as "the best he has done so far". The course presents you with many challenges and treats, as well as spectacular views from all 18 holes. A grand finale to an IRISH Golf Week! After lunch, moor at Athlone in the shadow of the castle. Visit Athlone, home of Irelands oldest pub. Farewell Dinner Aboard. (18 holes, 6400m, Par 72)

Golf Course Review:

"It has the capacity to overwhelm in at least four different ways. Firstly, there is the setting - it is simply sublime. Secondly, the welcome is one of the warmest you are ever likely to receive. Thirdly, there is the course itself - one of the most interesting you are ever likely to play, and finally perhaps no golf club in the world offers the opportunity to roll up at its gates in quite so stylish a manner."(Extract from Following the Fairways)

www.glassongolf.ie

Saturday

After breakfast you will disembark. Itinerary is subject to change On alternative weeks the barge cruises in the reverse direction. Itinerary is subject to change

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NEED MORE INFORMATION ?

Please feel free to call us on 1-877-3YACHTS (392-2487) or (202) 882-2127, if you have any questions about chartering this vessel or if you would like to receive complimentary brochures and more information about the itinerary and activities available.

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