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Self-Drive Houseboat Holiday in Ireland (6-Berth)
Embark on an adventure and sail south from Carrick to the great city of Athlone for a boating holiday that introduces you to authentic Irish life.
Famous for its pier, Carrick-on-Shannon is a small but typical Irish town in County Leitrim, 150km northwest of Dublin. The base where your boating holiday on the River Shannon begins is close to a park and many restaurants.
Before boarding your canal boat, first stroll through the historic market town of Carrick to see the market square (which takes place every Thursday) and the clock tower. It is also in Carrick that the Costello Chapel is located, the smallest chapel in Europe measuring just 17 square metres! If your boating holiday takes place at the beginning of June you may be lucky enough to attend the Carrick Carnival: a nocturnal parade of floats, concerts and street artists, attractions and entertainment, fireworks, vintage cars... This annual event has something for the whole family!
Slow Tours offers a number of other Houseboat Holidays in Europe
Day 1 is for getting familiar with your boat, stocking up with food and maybe doing a short drive before resting for the night
Hey! Day 2-7 is your choice! Make your own plan.... Begin your adventure now!
Ideas:
DROMOD: INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE OF IRELAND
Dromod Port, now entirely dedicated to boating and waterways activities (available at the Shannon River Adventure Centre), was once a busy commercial port through which convoys of Guinness and other goods passed. Dromod's activity was focused around its railway line which connected it to Leitrim and the coal mines of Arigna. You can experience a steam train journey at the Railway Museum, where collectables from both World Wars are also on display. Also, relax by the Weeping Tree fountain, carved from a single piece of oak, and found in the city centre.
LANESBOROUGH: A SMALL VILLAGE AT THE GATES OF LOUGH REE
Heading back towards Carrick-on-Shannon, moor your Nicols canal boat at Lanesborough Marina. After this village, you leave Lough Ree and resume navigation on the River Shannon. Take advantage of the stopover to stretch your legs in the small village and take a trip to the local distillery (Lough Ree Distillery) to taste its whiskey and restock your boat in the grocery store.
LOUGH REE: HIKES AND ISLANDS FOR ADVENTURE
At a vast 105km², Lough Ree is especially popular with fishermen, but also offers a large number of other activities to be enjoyed such as Liliput Way hiking trail, holy well of Saint Faithleach, Rathcline castle and cemetery with its Celtic crosses. However, the island of Inchcleraun wins the title of the most popular tourist attraction of the lake with its 6th century monastery classified as a "national monument" by the Republic of Ireland. The island appears in a Celtic legend according to which Medb, warrior queen of the province of Connacht, was murdered there by a man armed with a slingshot... and a piece of cheese!
ATHLONE: A DYNAMIC CITY ON THE BANKS OF THE SHANNON
Life is in full swing in Athlone, the largest town on the banks of the River Shannon. In Athlone, shopping lovers will be happy! There is also something here for the whole family… don't miss a visit to the castle, which will take you back 800 years via several exhibitions and fun experiences. Then go admire the stained glass windows of the church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Finally, your boating holiday in Ireland wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Sean's Bar - holder of the title of being the oldest pub in Ireland!
Day 8:
Your boating holiday on the River Shannon is coming to an end. Turn your canal boat around and resume navigation towards Carrick
Your boat should be returned to the base where you picked it up between 8-9 am, unless arrangements have been made for a one-way trip.
If you would like to drive yourself before or after your tour, ask us for a quote on any brand new Renault, Peugeot or Citroen vehicle for driving in Europe.
Pick up your vehicle from most capital cities in Europe and return it to your drop off destination. Top insurance cover. Email [email protected] for a competitive quote
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