now owned by the National Trust of Ireland . If you the stay the night in Tarmonabarry , enjoy the plentiful local pubs and restaurants . For us , we dined in the recommended restaurant in Keenan ’ s Hotel , which is right next to the moorings .
Our most southerly point to avoid Lough Ree and the oncoming summer storm was ATHLONE , known as “ the capital of the Midlands ”. Visit here to discover its culture , especially Athlone Castle , which was built to defend the Island against French attacks and then partially destroyed by a lightning strike in 1967 . Visit the Derryglad Folk Museum where a collection of Farm & Folk life in Ireland from 18th century is showcased . Athlone is home to the oldest pub in the world , Sean ’ s Bar which attracts visitors from all over the world and is situated on the banks of the River Shannon . Take time to see the visitor centre and the beautiful landscapes over the river . Although the days didn ’ t fall well for us , the Farmers Market every Saturday between 10am-3pm is worth a potter .
Because of our re-route , we were unfortunately missed out on a visit to CLONMACKNOISE , which is a wonderful vestige of the past , lost in nature . Come here and discover many beautiful monuments , like the old monastery , the cathedral ruins and various temple ruins . To dig deeper into the fascinating history of Clonmacnoise , visit the onsite interpretive Visitor Centre , which displays a number of cross slabs and the 9th century Cross of the Scriptures .
We also missed out on the quiet town of BANAGHER , which hides many treasures of the past like the old Castle Clonony or pretty St . Pauls Church . The pretty village of TERRYGLASS was also on the list , which is also the site of a 6th century monastic settlement . Our final destination would have been PORTUMNA . Known as one of Galway ’ s most attractive towns , Portumna is situated at the head of Lough Derg and is famous for Portumna Castle which both King James I and Queen Elizabeth I of England visited , and for the lords that lived there . Visit the Irish Workhouse Centre , the last resort of the destitute poor from the early 1840s to the early 1920s . Visitors are guided through the original workhouse buildings and watch a short film on life in the workhouse . For outdoor enthusiasts , golfers can play a game at the highly ranked Portumna Golf Club , or there is Portumna Forest Park which is always well-maintained with picturesque views , different walking paths , biking facilities , and lots of beautiful wildlife .
WHY CRUISE THE SHANNON ?
• Salmon , pike , bream and roach - a fisherman ’ s paradise .
• The immaculate greens and challenges of numerous championship golf courses .
• Glorious countryside to explore on foot or by bike .
• Warm welcomes in traditional Irish pubs – sample the local whiskey and , of course , a pint of Guinness .
• Clonmacnoise - a 6th century monastic settlement with stunning views across the Shannon and beyond .
• Belleek Pottery – the oldest pottery maker in Ireland and in the country ’ s top five tourist destinations .
• Lough Key Forest and Leisure Park - family fun come rain or shine !
• The imposing Neoclassical Castle Coole and delightful park in Enniskillen .
• The Castle and 18th Century Folk Museum in Athlone .
• Portumna Castle and walled gardens .
• Pier jumping and outdoor activity based fun .
• The commadery of meeting other boats and swopping stories and tips .
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