Luxury River Cruises Ireland Classic Cruise – Ireland

7 days

Luxury River Cruises Ireland Classic Cruise – Ireland
European Waterways

Ireland River Cruises
When it comes to river cruises, Ireland may be one of the most fascinating and undiscovered locations in Europe. The small island in the Atlantic Ocean offers so much to individuals who are discovering its beauty for the very first time. Ireland river cruises highlight the folklore, friendly locals, and magical green landscapes that only scratch the surface of how beautiful this country truly is.

The island has earned the nickname ‘The Emerald Isle’ due to its enchanting beauty thanks to its lush green landscapes. An Ireland river cruise offers the perfect opportunity for individuals to see the true depth of beauty that Ireland has. We will cruise the picturesque lakes of western Ireland between the gorgeous village of Glasson and the County Clare village of Killaloe, stopping at several charming villages such as Carrick-On-Shannon, Terryglass, and Mountshannon on the River Shannon.

This breathtaking Irish cruise will put you in touch with the legends and fables of the mythical land, the hospitable Irish people, and the wonderful wildlife. The extraordinary history of this land will quickly become apparent as you navigate through the Irish waters such as Lough Derg and Lough Ree. On the journey, you will bear witness to the warming soul of the nation through the music, the crafts, and the people.


Ireland River Cruise Map
Luxury Ireland Hotel Barge Cruise
Breathtaking green landscape, friendly people, and wonderful wildlife
Discover the heart of the island through music, culture, and soul
Cruise the magical waters on the stunning 10-passenger Shannon Princess
Hotel Barge Shannon Princess, the glorious 10-passenger barge, is the biggest and most luxurious hotel barge that cruises on Ireland’s longest river, the River Shannon. The vessel’s interior has been thoughtfully designed to perfectly mimic a traditional Irish country house. It features a cosy saloon and a spacious dining area, both with panoramic windows so that you never miss a view. It also features 5 elegant junior suites that have been stylishly furnished and feature air-conditioning and central heating, plus stunning modern en suite bathrooms.

The crew of 5 will be on hand at all times throughout your Ireland river cruise to try and accommodate your every request. Within the crew, the talented master chef will be freshly preparing and cooking some of the most divine Celtic dishes throughout your trip, which are perfectly complemented with a hand-selection of wines. The crew will be on hand to serve you anything you may want from your morning coffees to the Irish speciality, Guinness.

During your cruise around Ireland, you will embark on numerous extraordinary excursions that will let you fully immerse yourselves into the heritage, cultures, and traditions of the country.

Ireland River Cruise Highlights
The stunning Shannon Princess hotel barge navigates the River Shannon and surrounding lakes between the quaint villages of Glasson and Killaloe. Throughout the cruise, you will get the opportunity to explore and unlock the widely undiscovered beauty of ‘the emerald isle’.

The exploration of the stunning local villages along this picture-postcard route will allow you to fully experience the true soul of the country. The lively music, friendly locals and enchanting scenery all ensure that your time on the waterways of Ireland will be a truly unforgettable experience.

One of the most popular explorations on our journey is through the breathtaking inner lakes of Lough Ree. From here we will head north where you will get the chance to explore some of the 365 glorious islands on the lake, surrounded by magical scenery.

The Shannon Princess will also take you to some of the area’s most impressive architectural locations such as Portumna Castle, Birr Castle and many more. Not only are these locations incredibly impressive, but they are also steeped in history and culture.

Themed Ireland River Cruises
We offer many themed cruises around Ireland and along the River ShannonIf you charter the whole vessel then we can tailor your itinerary to include something special for all your guests. You will still experience the same route but have more stops catered to the theme of your choosing.

On our Artisan Ireland Cruises you will visit numerous different artisan locations so that you can appreciate the immense artisan culture that Ireland possesses. You will visit numerous cheese makers, farms, chocolatiers, butchers and so many more locations and industries to give you a rare insight into what these artisan workers’ daily routines look like.

Throughout the week on our Irish Family Charters, we will moor at different locations where you will get the chance to take part in a number of extraordinary activities such as archery, rock climbing, zip-lining, open water swimming, picnicking, ghost hunting, horse riding and so much more for the whole family to get involved in.

Throughout your Golf Cruise on the River Shannon, you will get the chance to play at stunning golf courses such as Glasson Golf & Country Club, Lahinch Golf Club, Trump International Golf Links, and Adare Manor Golf Resort. All of these courses are perfectly located in the lush Irish countryside and therefore boast views that you cannot find anywhere else in the world.

Journey Summary

  • Day 1 - Glasson
  • Day 2 - Athlone
  • Day 3 - Shannonbridge
  • Day 4 - Terryglass
  • Day 5 - Mountshannon
  • Day 6 - Killaloe
  • Day 7 - Killaloe

Detailed Itinerary

Day-by-day description of your cruise and cruise activities.

Day 1 - April 20, 2025

Glasson

Guests are met in Dublin** and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to the Shannon Princess. Your Captain and crew will welcome you onboard with champagne, black velvet cocktails or perhaps an Irish coffee, before free time perhaps for a stroll or a visit to St. Flannan’s Cathedral. Dinner on board.

Day 2 - April 21, 2025

Athlone

This morning we begin our cruise around the beautiful ‘inner lakes’ (islands) of Lough Ree, passing stately homes and lush forested islands. We’ll then continue north as we explore some of the 365 islands on the lake. We then circle back to the River Shannon and onto our mooring in Athlone Town. After lunch we visit the Kilbeggan Whiskey Distillery, dating from 1757 and the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world. Dinner on board.

Day 3 - April 22, 2025

Shannonbridge

Today we negotiate Athlone Lock and head south through Europe’s richest example of “Callow” landscape. We moor at Clonmacnoise ruins, a famed 6th century university and an early monastic settlement. Following a tour, we cruise on to our mooring at Shannonbridge. Then, after lunch we visit Leap Castle, reputed to be Ireland’s most haunted house. You will be given a personal tour by the eccentric owner Sean Ryan, whom with traditional Irish musicians, will relate to you the fascinating history of the castle and its part in founding the American Constitution. Dinner on board.

Day 4 - April 23, 2025

Terryglass

This morning, we cruise a very pretty stretch of the River Shannon through Meelick Lock, pausing as Portumna swing bridge is opened to allow us passage onto idyllic Lough Derg and then moor at Terryglass Harbour. This afternoon we visit Birr Castle, still resided in by the Earl of Rosse and family, to see the magnificent gardens, the fascinating Science Centre and admire the historic Great Telescope. Dinner on board.

Day 5 - April 24, 2025

Mountshannon

Today, our tour is firstly, to the walled gardens of Portumna Castle, then on to Galway, a lively University City and cultural centre for Irish-speaking regions in Western Ireland. Visit Galway’s crystal, craft and linen shops and then lunch at a traditional Guinness & oyster pub. We return to Shannon Princess and set sail across beautiful Lough Derg, passing Forrest Park and ancient mountains as we enjoy our dinner and sunset cruise to Mountshannon – a lovely lakeside village perched above the Lough. Dinner on board.

Day 6 - April 25, 2025

Killaloe

Today we set sail across south Lough Derg, re-joining the River Shannon to moor at Killaloe, once home to the court of the greatest High King of Ireland, Brian Boru. 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. ‘Sláinte’ cocktail reception and Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.

Day 7 - April 26, 2025

Killaloe

After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Dublin**.
*This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change
On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction
**other locations available for private Charter bookings

Dates and Prices

Select year & month:

Unavailable dates are greyed out

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Available dates:

Apr 20, 2025Apr 27, 2025

consultation

Need information to make a decision?

Reach out to our travel concierges today to create your perfect journey.

Luxury River Cruises Ireland Classic Cruise – Ireland | Small Ship Travel