Ireland - Lakeland Paradise

Ireland’s tranquil waterways are a wonderful way to travel the island. Linking north to south these liquid landscapes are teaming with life and flow through some of Ireland’s most picturesque areas and historic sites as they weave from county to county along beautiful rural towns and villages.

As you glide along, these channels reveal a hidden world of history and heritage, from mystical monastic islands to mysterious caves. Civilisation is never too far away and adventure lies around every bend – all you have to do is choose your course and let the waters be your guide…

Please note:  This is a sample itinerary to offers suggestions and ideas for planning trips, you can contact your local Tourism Ireland representative for further information.  Any mention of specific product on this site is meant to be used only as an example and does not represent an endorsement of that product by Tourism Ireland.

Nearest airports: Dublin Airport, Belfast International Airport, George Best Belfast City Airport, City of Derry Airport
Total distance: 391km
Days: 4 (tour can be customised to 2 or 3 days, as required)

Day 1

Distance: Approximately 76km

Morning

Take a boat tour around Lough Erne, famed for its myriad tiny islands. One of the best known and the most enigmatic is Devenish Island, a step back in time complete with monastic structures such as St Molaise oratory and a 12^th century round tower. From May to September at selected times, Erne Tours operate trips to and from the island. Groups of ten or more should book in advance and large groups must make an advance payment to secure booking. Phone +44 28 6632 2882 for more information.

Take in the sights and culture of Enniskillen Castle Museum, situated beside the River Erne in County Fermanagh. Open all year round, the castle is home to the Fermanagh County Museum and the Inniskillings Museum, both of which offer fascinating insights into the history of this area, from the rule of the Maguire Chieftains in the Middle Ages to the Great Famine and World War Two. With a £5 admission fee and full access for visitors with mobility issues, this is a must-see attraction.

Lunch

Enjoy rustic homemade favourites at The Taphouse gastro-pub in Enniskillen

Afternoon

After lunch, visit beautiful Florence Court. This 18^th century Georgian mansion was home to the Earls of Enniskillen and boasts romantic origins and colourful past. The Walled Garden and trails are a treat for nature lovers, and the Florence Court yew tree is said to be the parent tree of all Irish yews. Groups of over 15 people must book in advance and discounted rates cover entrance to the grounds and the hour-long house tour. Contact +44 28 6634 8249 or email florencecourt@nationaltrust.org.uk to secure your tour booking.

At the foothills of Cuilcagh Mountain, embark on a journey into the depths of the Marble Arch Caves, a natural underworld of rivers, waterfalls and winding passages connecting the counties of Fermanagh and Cavan. Visitors can enjoy an electric boat cruise through huge caverns on a 75-minute tour. This subterranean journey involves a 1.5km guided walk and 154 steps as the excursion comes to an end. Large groups should book in advance and access depends on weather conditions. Pre-booking by telephone is advised: phone +44 28 6634 8855.

Evening

Enjoy a leisurely stay in Lough Allen Hotel in County Leitrim.

Day 2

Distance: Approximately 93.1km

Morning

A voyage with Lough Allen Day Cruisers awaits. Departing from the Allen Centre in Drumshanbo and sailing to Spencer Harbour, the journey is the picture of serenity, with the Iron Mountains reflected in the glassy waters below. If you fancy a more hands-on aqua experience, hire a rowing boat, kayak through the inky waters or enjoy a spot of angling. To book a cruise or watersports activities, call the Allen Centre on +353 71 9640588 or contact info@allen.ie.

Onwards now, to the hollows of the Arigna Mining Experience where an ex-miner will guide you through life as a coal miner amidst dark, dank, cramped caverns and a vivid retelling of the past.  The total walking distance of the underground tour is around 300 metres and the temperature is quite cool so remember to wear warm clothing. This fully accessible tour commences every half hour and lasts for 45-55 minutes. The visitor centre gives further insight into 400 years of mining history with an exhibition of photographs and mining equipment. Open all year round, groups of 20 or more enjoy a reduced entrance fee and places can be booked in advance by calling +353 71 96 46466 or emailing tours@arignaminingexperience.ie.

Lunch

Head to The Oarsman in Carrick-On-Shannon for a homely pub atmosphere and tasty food.

Afternoon

If you’re looking for adventure, you’ve come to the right place. Lough Key Forest Park is packed with activities from ziplining to electric bike trails and guided woodland Segway tours. It also includes Ireland’s only tree canopy walk, which offers a truly immersive experience wrapped in the flora, fauna and history of Lough Key. The ‘Lough Key Experience’ is an engaging audio trail through nature, from treetops to 19^th century underground tunnels and back to new heights atop Moylurg viewing tower. Drift along the waves aboard Lough Key Boat Tours’ 40-seater vessel, ‘The Trinity’ and experience a professional guided tour with tales of local legends as you pass by Church Island and Castle Island. Tours take place twice daily and trips can last from 1-2 hours depending on the group. To book your place, phone +353 86 084 68 49 or email captain@loughkeyboats.com.

Back on dry land, your next stop is Strokestown House Famine Museum in County Roscommon. Blight disease devastated the potato crop in the 1840s, resulting in the Great Famine and the death and forced emigration of two million people. Located in the original Stable Yards of Strokestown Park House, this exhibition includes some of the best records from the this dark period in Irish history and draws parallels with contemporary global hunger today. Open year round, the museum has full wheelchair access and groups of over 15 people receive a reduced entrance fee. Phone + 353 71 9633013 or email info@strokestownpark.ie.

Evening 

Gleesons Restaurant & Rooms offers a charming stay and homely dining experience in the heart of Roscommon town.

Day 3

Distance: Approximately 79km

Morning

For some creative inspiration, look no further than Casey’s Bogwood Sculptures in the harbour village of Newtowncashel in County Longford. Father-and-son duo Michael and Kevin Casey create beautiful pieces from dark bog wood at their studio on the shores of Lough Ree. You can buy a piece of this unique craft, carved out of wood that has been buried deep in the bog and preserved from decay for hundreds of years. Call ahead to secure your visit +353 43 332 5297 or email info@bogwood.net.

Wander along the winding roads on Lough Ree’s western bank and you will find Saint’s Island monastery, founded by St Ciarán in the 6th century. The monastic site evolved over time to become the foundation of an Augustinian priory in the 1200s and now, the rustic ruins reflect on the past as the land is framed through the triple-light window of the east gable, which still stands strong today.

Witness the pathways of times gone by at the Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre, where you’ll find 18 metres of perfectly preserved Iron Age oak road dating back to 148BC. The centre highlights the archeological importance of the site and visitors can walk along a boardwalk that traces the path of the original Trackway, buried deep within the dank boglands below. Exhibitions include the history of Iron Age trackways, archeology and bog culture along with an audio-visual presentation. Open from April to October, visitors can enjoy a free guided tour with no admission fees.

Lunch

Take a break for lunch in the heart of the Midlands at Wineport Lodge in Athlone, County Westmeath.

Afternoon

Designed to defend the crossing point on the River Shannon, Athlone Castle stands in the centre of this most central of Irish towns. The 12^th century stone stronghold was built for King John by Bishop John de Gray of Norwich in 1210 and today, it houses a visitor centre where the great Siege of Athlone is presented in cinematic splendor, along with eight exhibition spaces involving audio-visual installations, sculptural storytelling scenes and costumed fun for all the family. Open throughout the year, group bookings are available on request by phoning +353 90 6442130 or emailing info@athlonecastle.ie.

Departing daily from the quayside at Athlone Castle from April to early November, Viking Ship Cruises take to the waters of the River Shannon. The ship itself is a 21-metre long wooden replica of a Viking knarr boat and is the longest serving timber passenger ship of inland waterways in Ireland and the UK. Keep an eye on their website for a three-day outlook of sailing times and weather conditions. Group bookings are welcome; phone +353 86 262 1136 or email vikingmike@vikingtoursireland.ie.

Evening

Refuel at the beautiful riverside eatery, Thyme Restaurant and rest up in the luxurious Radisson Blu Hotel.

Day 4

Distance: Approximately 143km

Morning

Wander to the west of Ireland and soak up the history of the Irish Workhouse Centre in Portumna, County Galway. Described as “the most feared and hated institution ever established in Ireland”, workhouses operated in Ireland for 80 years, the last of them closing in the 1920s. Destitute families unable to pay rent entered together and were soon separated into sectioned parts of the building where they had to work under terrible conditions to earn their keep. Guided tours take visitors through the building and offer vivid descriptions of life in the workhouse from entry to exit. Group discounts are available by booking in advance – phone +353 90 975 9200.

Back on the water, local historian and author, Gerard Madden, is your guide along the glossy waters of Lough Derg to the mystical Holy Island. Leaving Mountshannon Pier, these daily tours operate from April to the end of September, offering spectacular sights of early Christian times. Wonderful stories soon unfold, from the creation of Saint Caimin’s monastery to its destruction by Vikings twice over and the eventual victory of Irish chieftain Brian Boru against the Nordic nomads. Marvel at tales of beautiful witches and bewitched stonemasons as you pass the round tower and meander through time in the Saints’ Graveyard. Group rates and packages are available; phone +353 86 8749710 or email gerardmmadden@eircom.net.

Lunch

Soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a rustic meal at The Pipers Inn Bar & Restaurant in the charming village of Killaloe in County Clare.

Afternoon

After lunch, it’s time to embark on a voyage along the River Shannon and Lough Derg aboard Killaloe River Cruises. With the Arra Mountains in the background, your tour guide will point out historic sites and share local legends. Contact James by phone +353 86 814 0559 or email info@spiritofkillaloe.ie. Explore Killaloe town and its beautiful boutiques and walking trails or for a more action-packed pace, take on the challenging Lough Derg Cycleway.

Onwards now to Limerick and the bastion that is King John’s Castle. Immerse yourself in the Visitor Experience with a costumed guide revealing the secrets and scandals of castle life in the 13^th century. This strategic structure is rife with Viking tales, infamous sieges and an informative exhibition, which will transport visitors of all ages back to its medieval beginnings. Beautiful views are in store high up in the battlements with panoramic sights of the city and the Shannon flowing towards the horizon. Open daily, this interactive tour can be booked online through the official website: www.shannonheritage.com.

Explore the streets of Limerick and take time to reflect in St Mary’s Cathedral, founded in 1168. Or get in touch with your artistic senses at Limerick City Gallery of Art housed in the 1906 Romanesque Carnegie Building and displaying an impressive collect of Irish 18^th to 21^st century art. Best of all – admission is free of charge. For a slice of nature, wander through the People’s Park, just beside the gallery, as lush green spaces give way to colourful flower displays and a bright red and white 19^th century bandstand.

Evening

Award winning food awaits in Freddy’s Bistro followed by a well-earned rest in luxury accommodation set in the heart of Limerick city at No.1 Pery Square.

Want to use this tour?

This is a sample itinerary to offer suggestions and ideas for planning trips. You can contact your local Tourism Ireland representative here for further information.  Please note, any mention of specific product on this itinerary is meant to be used only as an example and does not represent an endorsement of that product by Tourism Ireland.