Cruising on the River Shannon will be even more eco-friendly from 2024 when the Shannon hire cruisers switch to sustainable fuel.
A relaxing cruise on the River Shannon, which flows for over 220 miles through Ireland’s tranquil Hidden Heartlands, ranks among the top treats for fans of slow travel.
As you glide past stunning scenery on your mini voyage of discovery, you’ll feel a sense of freedom that only an escape to the water brings.
And now with the Irish Boat Rental Association announcing that from next year it will transition its stock to sustainable HVO fuel, you can hire a boat knowing that you are travelling in an environmentally-friendly way.
The HVO fuel reduces CO2 emissions by 92% compared with the diesel fuel currently used in the boats and will contribute to a cleaner environment.
Hiring a cruiser on the Shannon is easy with multiple points of rental along the river’s length but the main centre is lively Carrick-on-Shannon in County Leitrim. From there you can go north to explore Lough Key where a forest and activity park offers all manner of ways to stretch the legs for a while on terra firma.
Heading south from Carrick-on-Shannon, a world of beauty and a multitude of fascinating heritage sites await.
Explore island-dotted Lough Ree then cruise to twelfth-century Athlone Castle which sits on the riverbank and discover the crucial role it played in Ireland’s history through the interactive exhibition.
Stop off at the atmospheric sixth-century ruins of Clonmacnoise monastic site where you can see imposing round towers and high crosses and find out their significance through the audiovisual presentation.
As you head further south towards Lough Derg, the largest of the three Shannon lakes, you’ll pass picturesque towns and villages where you can moor up to enjoy a bite to eat or a leisurely drink in a riverside pub.
Or relax with on-river pastimes, whether fishing, swimming, paddle boarding, nature watching or just chilling out on the deck of your boat.
The joy of cruising is moving at your own pace, stopping where and when you like, and listening to the rhythm of the water.
Now it will be all the more enjoyable knowing that your travels on the River Shannon are sustainably at one with nature.
