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Viking Tours Ireland: River Shannon Adventures

Discover Ireland's Hidden Heartlands with Viking Tours Ireland: Scenic river cruises from Athlone Castle to Lough Ree and Clonmacnoise.

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Embark on a historical journey with Viking Tours Ireland, sailing from Athlone Castle on a replica Viking ship. Experience the beauty of the River Shannon with cruises to Lough Ree and Clonmacnoise, complete with live commentary and onboard amenities.

A brief summary to Viking Tours Ireland

Local tips

  • Check the Viking Tours Ireland website for the most up-to-date sailing times and to book tickets in advance.
  • Tickets can be purchased online or onboard.
  • Consider the longer cruise to Clonmacnoise for a deeper dive into Irish monastic history.
  • Bring a jacket, as the weather on the river can be unpredictable.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Viking Tours Ireland departs from the quayside at Athlone Castle, easily accessible on foot from Athlone town center. From the Athlone train station, it's approximately a 30-minute walk. From the town center, walk towards the River Shannon and follow signs to Athlone Castle. The castle is a prominent landmark. No cost for walking.

  • Public Transport

    Local Bus Éireann routes A1 and A2 run from the Athlone Railway Station to the town center. Alight in the town center and walk towards Athlone Castle. Several bus routes serve Athlone, including routes 190, 466, 763, 815 and 819. A single fare on Bus Éireann within Athlone costs approximately €2-€4. Check the TFI Leap Card for potential savings.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Athlone, with ranks at the train station and on Church Street. A taxi from the Athlone train station to Athlone Castle, a distance of approximately 1.2 km, will cost around €5-€7. Ride-sharing services like Bolt and Uber may also operate in the area.

  • Parking

    Paid public parking is available near Athlone Castle. Car parks such as St. Peter's Square and Connolly Street Car Park are within easy walking distance. APCOA's Inish car park is about a 13-minute walk away. Expect to pay approximately €2.50 per hour or €10 per day. Coach parking is available on Elliott Road, a 2-minute walk from the castle.

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Discover more about Viking Tours Ireland

Viking Tours Ireland offers a unique way to explore the River Shannon, setting sail from the historic Athlone Castle. Established in 1999 by 'Viking Mike', these themed passenger cruises operate between Easter and Halloween, providing scenic and informative journeys on a 21-meter wooden replica of a Viking Knarr. Choose between a 75-minute round trip to Lough Ree, also known as the 'Lake of the Kings', or a 90-minute one-way trip to Clonmacnoise, a famous 6th-century monastic site. Onboard, enjoy live commentary detailing local history, monastic life, and the region's flora and fauna. The ship features a snack shop and bar, ensuring a comfortable and engaging experience for all ages. Viking Tours caters to various groups, including school tours, wedding parties, and corporate outings. The ship is also dog-friendly and wheelchair accessible. As you cruise, immerse yourself in tales of Viking hoards, high kings, and saintly scholars, all while appreciating the natural beauty of Ireland's Hidden Heartlands.

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