Known as the backbone of Ireland, the River Shannon flows through 11 counties from Cavan to Limerick, connecting in Northern Ireland to Lough Erne in the tranquil Fermanagh lakelands.
Exploring all or part of these two great river systems is simply an unforgettable experience. Pick up a cruiser at one of the many hire spots along its length and you are ready to go where the river takes you.
Let it take you into Ireland’s Ancient East. Moor up at sixth-century Clonmacnoise Monastic Settlement in County Offaly, one of Ireland’s most sacred sites, or step back into the Iron Age with a visit to the ancient Corlea Trackway in Longford, preserved for 2,000 years in the boglands surrounding the River Shannon.
Cruise to 12th-century Athlone Castle, sitting on the riverbank, or explore island-dotted Lough Ree, the Lake of Kings, scene of Viking battles and the death place of the legendary Queen Maeve.
From the river’s vantage point Ireland’s lush scenery is a picture postcard backdrop, but to get into the heart of the beauty stop off and stretch the legs on one of the many walking and cycling trails that flank the waterway.
Or swap the cruiser for a canoe and explore the paddling trails around Drumshanbo, Boyle, and Upper and Lower Lough Erne.