The Lower Shannon
Meelick Weir
' You can't beat Banagher' goes the old saying - so that's where we based our southern marina. Banagher in County Offaly is ideally placed to cruise the Shannon south from Athlone, but a whole week could be spent happily cruising Lough Derg. With mountains sweeping down to the water, Derg is quite different to the cliffs of Lower Lough Erne or the flatlands of Lough Ree. Quaint villages such as Garrykennedy, Mountshannon and Terryglass have Award- winning pubs and restaurants. On the Western shore, take the tiny winding Scarriff River to Scarriff village. The journey up the tree-lined river with branches hanging over the water is an experience in itself - just watch out for boats coming the other way! A few hours more takes you to Killaloe and Ballina, the most southerly part of our navigation. Two villages, one on each side of the river connected by a long bridge are of historical interest and well worth a visit. It’s also a good place to stock up on supplies as you’ll have eaten all the food you bought in Banagher at the start of your holiday! And when you've had enough of lakes, head north through Banagher and take the River Suck to Ballinasloe. The excellent harbour has good mooring adjacent to the town with it’s pubs, restuarants and shops.
Clonmacnoise
Head back through Shannonbridge with it’s long, multi- arched bridge and an old fort transformed into a modern restaurant. Next stop is one of the most popular attractions in Ireland, let alone on the Shannon - and it is much better to approach by water than by road - Clonmacnoise. Renowned throughout the world, this is an Early Christian site founded by St. Ciarán in the mid-6th century on the eastern bank of the River Shannon. The site includes the ruins of a cathedral, seven churches (10th -13th century), two round towers, three high crosses and the largest collection of Early Christian graveslabs in Western Europe. There is also an excellent visitor centre. Follow the river north and you should have time to call in to Athlone, the largest town on the river with shops and restaurants. Meander slowly back down to Banagher for your final night with a great choice of pubs and restaurants.
Garrykennedy
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