Lakelands district of Ireland. Lough Derg RNLI is one of forty-six RNLI lifeboat stations operating in Ireland. explore the lakes and islands at a more leisurely pace. We will also show you how to navigate the River Shannon and give you our bespoke navigation guide. out vibe and stock up on supplies before heading north to Shannonbridge. We are pleased to have Christine O’Malley at the helm, as we navigate these strange pandemic waters. and ending in Banagher, you’ll cruise through Shannonbridge, Athlone, Hodson Banagher. Terryglass and experience a real Irish pub. Continue to Mountshannon and Shannonbridge where you can see a fort and old stone bridge that connects County Offaly and County Roscommon. Lough Derg is also particularly popular with those looking to enjoy some coarse fishing for bream, tench, roach and perch, as well as record weight pike. There are just two locks to pass This watching – birders and twitchers are in for a treat when cruising the River In a south-westerly these factors combine to produce extremely confusing seas, with waves that come from the two directions at once to produce treacherous steep ‘pyramid’ waves. There are different permit requirements for fishing in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, so please check what, if any, licence you need before you start fishing. A Shannon river cruise is a journey through the heart and history of Ireland. Heading north, history lovers, make sure you stop at Keshcarrigan which lies at the foot of the Sheebeg and Sheemore hills. An Irish river cruise on the Shannon is a relaxingly-active way to explore some of Ireland’s most beautiful destinations. bars and nightclubs and enjoy some great food – before cruising onto Lough Derg, County Tipperary. a great place to stock up on any river cruise supplies that you may need. Part of the magic of hosting your wedding at Coolbawn Quay is having the entire village filled with family and friends staying in beautiful rooms, suites and … Christine joined Lough Derg RNLI in 2019 as a volunteer Deputy Launching Authority. Carrick-on-Shannon. As for the scenery, well, with lush green landscapes of rolling pastures, you’ll soon understand why Ireland is nicknamed ‘The Emerald Isle’. Lough Derg is the third largest lake on the island of Ireland, and this route sees you setting off south from the town of Banagher. Garrykennedy is a charming town with a postcard-perfect setting. It is another week-long River Shannon itinerary. Of the volunteer crew Liam says it was ‘always very rewarding to see crew coming back from a Shout with smiles on their faces having done a good job. Terryglass in County Tipperary is located in the region known as Ireland’s Ancient East. If you would like to spend some time exploring this area, we have a guide to the Best Things to Do and See in (and Around) Banagher. Carrickcraft has marinas in Carrick-On-Shannon, Banagher and Bellanaleck. You’ll have to pass through six locks this time but at the first You can be as mild or wild as you want on a Shannon river cruise, but one thing is for sure, you’ll never be bored. Their commitment in time spent training and being available has to be commended’. If you can drag yourself away from Athlone, you’ll make it to Lanesborough, which is another excellent fishing spot. But wait, there’s more! nice place to stop and stretch the legs with a walk around its picturesque The Square Drummin Village is ideally located in Nenagh, one of the friendliest towns in Ireland, according to Trip Advisor. scenery with sites of historical significance. show you the ropes. She continues to write occasional columns on medical politics or living in the lakeshore village of Dromineer. Our Lough Key is one of the largest forest parks in Ireland and there is plenty to do for people of all ages. Killaloe is the busiest boating and fishing centre in County Clare, and there is a huge array of activities to do both on and off the water. You can just moor up and walk into the heart of the action. Portumna in County Galway is where you can play a round of golf, or go go-karting. Try some excellent Irish food at The Derg Inn Restaurant, The Derg Inn Bar or Paddy’s Bar and Restaurant. In the preceding year and a half, volunteer crews and members for the Operations Committee were recruited, and underwent intensive training on the water and in the classroom with RNLI Divisional Trainer Assessor Helena Duggan – our Trainer Assessor to this day. She is confidently tackling the challenges of managing the lifesaving activities of the station during the pandemic and is full of praise for charity’s innovative approach to online training and the good cheer and collegiate nature of the volunteers that keeps morale buoyant until crew return to afloat training. The trails provide access to unspoilt landscapes via paddling, walking or cycling. Lanesborough with its excellent birdwatching and fishing opportunities. The shores of Lough Derg are bordered by three counties with the most outstanding countryside. She worked as a Consultant Geriatrician at Nenagh Hospital from 1993 until she took early retirement in 2017. Lough Derg. is a wonderful way to see this stunning part of Ireland. Of her appointment, Peter Harty says the ‘RNLI is delighted that Christine O’Malley has joined our life saving team in Lough Derg as LOM. peeled for Kingfishers, Whooper Swans, Black-tailed Godwits, Mute Swans, Just to the south of Lanesborough, you’ll find The Commons, a rich ecological area which consists of a semi-natural woodland adjoining a disused quarry. Keep your eyes Melanie May week-long River Shannon itinerary. Fishing – there are great stocks of a wide range of fish on the River Shannon including brown Pike, Bream, Perch, Roach, Rudd and Tench. Dr Christine O’Malley will now be responsible for managing all operational activities at the lifeboat station, as well as authorising the launch of the lifeboats. Carrick-on-Shannon is the largest town in County Leitrim, but it is relatively compact so very easy to explore on foot. Have a look at the ancient pagan burial site and brush up on your knowledge of mythical Irish warrior Finn McCumhaill as it is said he is buried in Sheebeg Hill. Breaking news for Clare people at home and abroad, Coast Guard responds to boat in difficulty on Lough Derg, ‘Relatively busy year’ for Irish Coast Guard, Coast Guard/RNLI issue water safety appeal, Lough Derg showcase of gifts and experiences, Coast Guard and RNLI issue water safety plea, Killaloe Coast Guard respond to lake callout, Survey and design works for Inis Cealtra Visitor Experience, Brennan family concerned at delay in HPV rollout, Renewed appeal to help locate young mother and daughter, STS gains impressive market share in just two years. cruise away, take some time to wander around Banagher and soak up the chilled Fishing friendly Golf friendly Near a shop Near a pub Beach within 3 miles Internet access. Lough Derg is the lowest, and at twenty-seven miles long, the largest of the series of lakes on the River Shannon, the longest river in Ireland. There are also some great restaurants here with fantastic views. The river is also quite shallow in some areas so even It is the perfect place to moor up and visit the preserved ruins of Clonmacnoise monastery. It is another Shannonbridge is located in the area known as Ireland’s Ancient East, a region crammed with culture, attractions and historic sites. Its journey from source to mouth meanders through 11 counties – Cavan, Leitrim, Longford, Roscommon, Westmeath, Offaly, Tipperary, Galway, Clare, Limerick and Kerry. As part of this tour, we can collect you from Dublin Airport and take you to the start marina and then drop you back to the airport when your Shannon river cruise is finished. We have a travel guide to the best things to see and do in Carrick-on-Shannon, so why not spend a little time in this terrific town before sailing away. It is another one A new volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager has been appointed at Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat Station. hearty traditional Irish meal. When it comes to river cruises, Ireland is a destination that is sure to tick a lot of boxes no matter what type of holiday you have in mind. However, we have put together some lovely Shannon Erne cruise itineraries for those looking for some inspiration planning their boating holiday in Ireland. The River Shannon is the most popular destination for Irish river cruises. She won the ‘Best Newcomer’ award at the Travel Extra Travel Journalist of the Year Awards 2018 and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers.