All aboard the Viking Ship Cruise!
Why not try something different this summer and take a trip along the Shannon with Viking Ship Cruises. Cruise up The River Shannon to Lough Ree or down river to Clonmacnoise from Athlone Castle and take in the stunning scenery of the heart of Ireland.
The Shannon/Lough Ree Cruise sails daily, north of Athlone Town, out into Lough Ree, also known as the Lake of the Kings, and circles some of the islands usually calling at the Hodson Bay and returns to Athlone and takes about 75 minutes. The Clonmacnois Cruise (bookings only) sails south to the famous monastic settlement and takes 90 minutes one way. This can be Athlone to Clonmacnois or Clonmacnois to Athlone. Minimum group size for this sailing is usually 30 pax.
An interesting live commentary is provided on local, Viking and religious history, flora and fauna of the area and on the environment etc and there is a compliment of books on board on the same subjects for passengers to browse through.
There is a full bar on board or passengers can bring their own as well if they wish. There is also snack shop and tea/coffee and biscuits are complimentary. Other food requests can be catered for along with weddings, corporate, hen and stag groups etc and the ship can be chartered private for such events. Music if required is normally supplied through the ship's PA system and live music can be booked if necessary.
The ship also gives the option of daily pickup/drop-off at the Hodson Bay or with groups to/from Killinure Chalets, Coosan Point, Glasson Golf & Country Club and the Wineport Lodge & Restaurant.
The ship has great character and is registered with the Heritage Boat Association and because of the Viking History attached to this area is a 'theme vessel' and is a 21 metre long wooden 'loose' replica of a Viking Knarr and is the longest serving timber passenger ship on the Inland Waterways in either Ireland or the UK.
This National Historic Ship is a semi-open vessel with two thirds of it roofed and half of it side screened. In fine weather most of the vessel can be open so as to create a cooling breeze and a lovely atmosphere and experience of cruising on water. The ship is also wheelchair accessible but we need advance notice if wheelchairs are coming on board.
BOOK A TRIP TODAY
Check out their website on - www.vikingtoursireland.ie where they have a list of times and dates of each sailing and much much more! They’re also on Facebook and Twitter at @Vikingshipmike. To book your cruise just give them a call on 086 2621136. Happy Viking Sailing!
COMPETITION
Head on over to the Westmeath Independent Facebook page and athloneapp Facebook page where they have a great competition for one lucky person to win a family pass (2 adults & 4 children) to the Viking Ship Cruises!