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Yahoo
7 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
How to plan a self-drive boat tour of Ireland's River Shannon
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). The Irish heartlands put the emerald in the Emerald Isle — and the River Shannon, which flows from County Cavan to County Kerry, is its lifeblood. It takes its name from the Celtic goddess Sinann: legend tells that she lifted the cover of a forbidden well in the Cavan Mountains, causing a flood to burst forth. Her drowned life force ebbed into the river she'd made, creating flower-filled meadows, tousled islands and fertile fields. Cruising has long been a wonderful way to explore the Shannon — the longest river in Ireland — but now there's more reason than ever to try it as the river's boat fleet has been converted to hydro-treated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel, cutting carbon emissions by 92%. And compared to the crowded coast, Ireland's heartlands receive a tiny fraction of the country's visitors. Here, it's less about ticking off a checklist of sights and more about slowing down and drifting along, occasionally pausing at a village pub or millennium-old monastery. And beyond the river itself, the region has national parks to explore. Rambling among their ancient hills will teach you the true meaning of green. MorningThe town of Banagher in County Offaly is a popular starting point for self-drive river cruises. Before you set off, get acquainted with the Shannon by taking a dip in the Banagher Outdoor Swimming Pool, opposite the harbour. It was made by cordoning off a section of the river with safety walls and attracts plenty of cheerful swimmers, who make strokes with a view of Banagher Bridge. Once you've dried off, pick up your boat at Banagher Marina and putter north. Before you, the Shannon Callows (floodplains) unfurl in all their emerald majesty. Chestnut-brown cows and donkeys snuffle along the banks; swans ride the river's swell; herons stalk the rushes. More rarely, you might encounter corncrakes, skylarks and sedge warblers. AfternoonThere's no mistaking the town of Shannonbridge — its 16-arched namesake straddles the banks, finishing in a fort that lords it over the river like a stone fist. In the early 1800s, the threat of Napoleonic invasion, assisted by pro-independence Irish, weighed heavy on the minds of British colonists. Their response was to build Martello towers around the coast and fortifications all the way up the Shannon, of which Shannonbridge Fort is one of the best examples. Though now three-quarters demolished, it still cuts an imposing silhouette — plus, it has a great cafe. Visit the exhibition on the fort's history, then storm the ramparts — open to visitors this year — and look down on the fort's remains. EveningFrom Shannonbridge, it'll take around three to four hours to motor up to Lough Ree, where you'll see the golden-hour light shimmering on its surface and dancing over the reeds. If you're lucky, you may spot otters at dusk. Park at the moorings for Glasson Lakehouse, on the lake's southeastern shore. Inside, it's all tufted leather, waxed timber beams and stone fireplaces. At Bonnie's restaurant, Glasson native Dee Adamson crafts seasonal menus that marry Irish ingredients with pan-European flair, including dishes like chargrilled pork belly with onion tuille. Sleep on the boat or splash out on a room here — they come with a record player, lots of funky art and some have a lake-view balcony. MorningGlide back south to Athlone — one of the largest towns in the heartlands and on the Shannon. This is, in many ways, Ireland's crossroads, having witnessed rebellions, sieges and Viking raids. As you walk from the marina, your first sight is of Athlone Castle, built in 1210 and remodelled during the Napoleonic period into the hulking, multi-towered fortification that still stands. Inside, an interactive exhibition describes the town's history. Next door, the Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul is a powerful statement of post-independence Catholicism. For lunch, stop by The Left Bank Bistro: the crowd-pleasing menu includes chunky focaccia sandwiches using local produce. AfternoonThe approach to Clonmacnoise from the river is one that catches the breath, as spectral shadows on the horizon resolve into a gutted monastery, twin towers and a scattering of Celtic crosses. This was once one of the most important religious settlements in Europe, founded by Saint Ciarán in around 545 CE. Temple Ciarán, just 10ft wide, is believed to be the saint's resting place, from which pilgrims still take a pinch of earth for luck. Also seek out the 13ft-high Cross of the Scriptures, carved with scenes of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. It's now housed in the visitor centre, where you'll also find original grave slabs, a video presentation and an exhibition on life on the Callows. EveningReturn to Athlone for the nightlife. Fill up first at Thyme, a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant on the banks of the Shannon serving elevated Irish cuisine in a swish, herb-coloured dining room. Afterwards, head next door to the Dead Centre microbrewery to sample its IPAs, stouts and ales. Athlone is perhaps most famous as the home of Sean's Bar — officially the oldest pub in Ireland, dating to 900 CE. A section of the original wattle-and-daub wall is still visible, next to the Guinness World Record certificate. Grab an Irish coffee — laced with the bar's own Sean's Whiskey — and if there's live music, nod along to the thrum of fiddle and bodhrán (drum). Carrick-on-ShannonThe Shannon's northern reaches show a different side to the river: narrower, curvier and dotted with islands. Boat trips here often start at Carrick-on-Shannon, the largest town in County Leitrim. Pick up urban walking trail guides at the tourist information centre and explore its architectural curiosities: the Italianate-Gothic fusion of Hatley Manor, the pastel facades and vibrant doors of St George's Terrace. Most curious of all is the 12ft-wide Costello Memorial Chapel — Ireland's smallest church. Businessman Edward Costello built it in 1879 in memory of his wife, Mary Josephine. Next door is the multi-award-winning Flynn's Bar, where bartenders pull pints of Guinness as smooth as the Shannon. Lough KeyMeandering north west from Carrick-on-Shannon, you'll glide past bobbing cormorants and the indigo smudge of Sliabh an Iarainn (Iron Mountain). Once you've squeezed through Clarendon Lock, the trees part onto the silvery mirror of Lough Key, where you'll meet McDermott's Castle. Tie up at the jetty for the Lough Key Forest Park — formerly the Rockingham Estate, owned by the aristocratic King family. The Rockingham Remembered self-guided tour leads you through the bowels of the old house, which burned down in 1957. There's also a tree canopy walk, and the Moylurg Tower, resembling a Brutalist headstone, has a fantastic view of the lough and its islands — if you can scale its 160 steps, that is. BoyleSouth west of Lough Key, slip into a narrow, hedgerow-hemmed canal running parallel to the Boyle River, which ends in a marina. From there, it's a short walk to the market town of Boyle. If you can, time your visit with the Courtyard Farmers' Market, open on Saturdays — you'll find locally made Leitrim Hill Creamery cheeses, Pyne's preserves from County Sligo, handmade jewellery and watercolour paintings. Otherwise, drop into King House, a restored Georgian mansion. Inside is a collection of Irish paintings and sculptures, plus international pieces donated by former Irish president Mary McAleese. Afterwards, wander up to Boyle Abbey, a 12th-century Cistercian monastery with carvings of monks and animals in its upper reaches. Published in the June 2025 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK).To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
Forbes
12-05-2025
- Forbes
When It Makes Sense To Book Cruise Line Shore Excursions
P&O Cruises' Aurora cruise ship docked in Olden, Norway. Shore excursions are a major part of cruising, offering a chance to experience the culture, history, and natural beauty of each destination on the itinerary. Deciding how to explore each port can feel overwhelming, especially when balancing the convenience and peace of mind of cruise line tours against the freedom and potential savings of going it alone. Many experienced cruise travelers mix and match, booking cruise line excursions for more ambitious trips or riskier destinations and doing their own thing in walkable cities or familiar ports. The key is to weigh the cost against the convenience, and always plan with the ship's departure time in mind. Here's when it makes sense to stick with the ship's own excursions. Most cruise ship port calls last most of the day. However, half-day port calls, often used as a 'pit stop' on the way to or from an itinerary's main destinations, make time ashore much tighter. Cruise line excursions are timed with the ship's schedule and come with a vital guarantee: if your tour runs late, the ship will wait. Independent travelers don't enjoy the same protection. Miss the 'all aboard' time and you'll be making your own way to the next port at your own expense. This safety net is often worth the higher cost, especially in destinations with unpredictable traffic, ferries, or long distances between the port and the main attractions. Some shore excursions involve more than a bus ride and a walking tour. Think glacier hikes in Alaska, guided snorkeling trips from a tender port, or multi-leg journeys involving trains, boats, or 4x4s. Cruise lines work with vetted local partners and handle all the coordination, leaving you to relax and enjoy the experience. Coaches lined up at Flåm cruise port ready for excursions. In remote or logistically complex destinations like Iceland's volcanic interior or the jungle ruins of Mexico and Central America, cruise line tours reduce the stress and risk of tackling these places on your own. In countries where safety is a concern or where few locals speak English, the comfort and structure of a cruise line excursion can go a long way. Guides are usually bilingual and you're less likely to be exposed to uncomfortable situations. Even in safer or better-known destinations, certain experiences are only available through the cruise line due to exclusive access or limited capacity. Examples include after-hours visits to historic sites or behind-the-scenes access at cultural institutions. If something catches your eye that you couldn't reasonably book yourself, it might be worth the splurge. Many cruise passengers receive onboard credit as part of a booking promotion, a loyalty perk, or compensation for itinerary changes. While this credit can be spent on anything from cocktails to spa treatments, using it on a shore excursion can be a smart move. That's especially true if it means ticking off a once-in-a-lifetime experience like a helicopter ride over a glacier or a guided tour of a world wonder. Since most cruise lines allow you to apply onboard credit toward excursion bookings, it's an easy way to offset the premium price while still getting the convenience and security of an official tour. That said, going it alone can be incredibly rewarding and often cheaper. If you're returning to a familiar port, simply want to wander a local town, or plan to hire a private guide with excellent reviews, an independent option may suit you better. The same is true for smaller ports, in which options for independent tours may be limited. Norway's Flåm Railway is a good example of an excursion that can be booked independently. The station is just a few minutes' walk from the cruise ship port, and independent passengers will share the train (albeit in different carriages) with people booked on official excursions. For independent options such as this, booking in advance is essential to avoid disappointment. Before booking a cruise line deal, check services such as Shore Excursions Group, Get Your Guide, or Viator to see what's available. Just be sure to leave plenty of time to return to the ship, keep an eye on local traffic or weather disruptions, and carry contact details for the port agent, the cruise line, and a local taxi company, just in case.
Travel Weekly
12-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Weekly
Positive data points for advisors
Jamie Biesiada There is a lot of uncertainty right now, including about the economy, consumer confidence, global geopolitical unrest and beyond. "Wait and see" is becoming a common phrase as to what the remainder of the year holds. And, as the survey Travel Weekly conducted in March seeking advisor input found, agencies were across the board in terms of concerns and impacts felt. For some, business was booming. Others were fielding cancellations and concerns from uneasy clients. Many fell somewhere between the two ends of the spectrum. We're fielding another survey to get a pulse on how business is now, two months after that survey, but in the meantime, here are some encouraging numbers about 2025 sales for advisors. Travelsavers' sales are up Travelsavers recently released some sales statistics that paint a nice picture for 2025, following what was a very strong year in 2024. Sales are up in a number of categories: premium ocean cruising (21%), river cruising (15%), contemporary ocean cruising (13%), luxury cruising (5%), guided vacations (11%), fun-and-sun vacations (5%) and FIT travel (4%). "I am super bullish on this business and believe 2025 is going to end strongly," Travelsavers chief marketing officer Nicole Mazza said in a release. "Travelers are booking for the festive season and into next year. 2026 is already off the charts with double-digit growth." Mazza did acknowledge the challenges 2025 has brought, like consumer confidence and inflation, but said, "After 55 years, we're not strangers to industry challenges." Europe travel will still increase this year Allianz recently released some stats on summer travel to Europe. Based on bookings, for the fourth year in a row, U.S. summer travel to Europe will increase, this year by 10%. The boom in Europe travel started in 2022, when Allianz found it was up 600% (pandemic blues were a likely culprit). U.S. travel to Europe has since increased, albeit at a more gradual pace, rising 55% in 2023 then 34% in 2024. While this year's increase might be small by comparison, it's still an increase, and that bodes well for advisors. The top five destinations, as reported by Allianz, in order: London, Paris, Dublin, Rome and Edinburgh, Scotland. This year, Edinburgh and Rome swapped positions, with Rome edging out the Scottish capital for spot No. 4. Name this newsletter As a reminder, I'm running a small contest to rename this eletter. I'll be keeping the survey open for another week or two, so please submit some ideas. I'll send the winner a selection of local goods from the small Jersey Shore town where I live.
