Table of Contents
The town of Carrick-on-Shannon in the county of Leitrim is justly considered to be the center of cruising in Ireland. This ideal location is where Carrickcraft established it's first Marina back in 1970.
Upper Shannon
The marina at Carrick-on-Shannon was the first marina opened by Carrickcraft over 50 years ago. The town has changed, but move a mile up or down river and it could be the same place as 1970. The north Shannon is probably the most lively section of the river. There are plenty of small villages along the way with good moorings and facilities.
North takes you to Lough Key, one of the most scenic areas of the Shannon reached via a meandering river and one (manned) lock. Visit Rockingham Forest Park and climb the tower for spectacular views of the lake. Head up to Boyle with its pubs and restaurants for the evening.
An alternative northwards journey takes you to Lough Allen along a narrow canal and through Drumshanbo. (Please note that our larger boats will not be able to traverse the Lough Allen Canal - ask for details). Or head up to Lough Erne through Leitrim and the Shannon-Erne Waterway. Learn about the history of the Shannon-Erne Waterway at The Irish Waterways History.
If you travel south from Carrick you will go through the JamestownCanal, built to bypass Jamestown and Drumsna. Travel through the Albert Lock and into Lough Boderg where you can choose to continue down the Shannon or head off into the Inner Lakes - remote even by our standards.
Further south is the little village of Dromod or you can continue to Rooskey - another lock! But don't worry, all the Shannon locks are operated by a lock-keeper and easy to use.
Lanesborough is your next port of call, the entrance to Lough Ree, one of the two large lakes on the Shannon. You can head into Portrunny with a new, larger harbour, or head south towards Glassan with its fabulous lakeside golf course. Or tie up at the award-winning Wineport Restaurant for a gourmet delight. Straight across the lake is Hodson Bay with a modern hotel and facilities and home to Athlone Golf Course - see later for information on golf.
The southerly part of this section is at Athlone, the largest city on the River Shannon with shops, restaurants, hotels, pubs, cinema, sports facilities and more things to do in Athlone.
Distances from Ireland's main Airports and Ferryports to Carrick-on-Shannon:
|
 |
Upper Shannon
Leitrim
This little village is the gateway to the Shannon. The village pulled itself from near ruin in the 1600's when Donal O' Sullivan ended his long march from Kerry at Leitrim Castle, the ruins of which you can still see close to the marina. Leitrim is now a thriving little town with many mooring facilities and is a popular stop off as the entrance to the Shannon Erne Waterway. There is a post office and shop if you need to top up supplies.
Leisure Activities
Electric Bike Trails
Tel +353 (0)86 8288747 www.electricbiketrails.ie
Hire an electric or regular bike and cycle along Blueway trails, through woodlands along rivers with mountain views.
Eating/Drinking
There are a number of lively pubs in the village offering live entertainment and many have good traditional pub food.
Leitrim Marina Hotel
Tel +353 (0)71 962 3644 www.leitrimmarinahotel.com
The hotel has a stunning location on the water's edge with its own marina, to the south of Leitrim village. Waves Restaurant is stylish and modern and there is live music in the bar on Saturdays during the summer months.
Leitrim Lodge Tel +353 (0)71 962 0460
A traditional pub with a reputation for homely food.
The Barge Steakhouse Tel +353 (0)71 962 0807
A bar and restaurant full of character with an open fire for chilly days, or an outdoor seating area for sunny days!
Sichuan Restaurant
Chinese restaurant offering a very good value early bird menu of 2 courses for €12.
Carthy’s Bar Tel +353 (0)71 962 1291
Traditional Irish pub with sports on the big screen, pool and darts available and a beer garden.
Donnellan’s Bar Tel +353 (0)71 962 0828
Traditional music first Sunday in the month 5.30-10.30pm
Battlebridge, Lough Allen Canal
The first stop along the Lough Allen Canal is at Battlebridge, a small holiday village with a lovely family restaurant and bar. They have all the facilities of a camping and caravan site, as well as a children’s playground and games room. There is a small charge to moor here, but this will give you access to all the facilities.
Beirne’s of Battlebridge. Tel +353 (0) 7196 50824 www.battlebridgecaravanandcamping.ie
The onsite bar and restaurant serves traditional bar food in a cosy family atmosphere, with traditional Irish music most Fridays.
Battlebridge Paintball Tel +353 (0)86 166 4959 www.battlebridgepaintball.ie
For the ultimate outdoor adventure, paintballing is a great activity for larger groups. Participants must be 12 years or over. Zorbing also available.
Drumshanbo, Lough Allen
The beautiful setting of Lough Allen has Sliabh an Iarainn, the Iron Mountain, to the East and the Arigna Mountains to the west. The Lough Allen Canal was constructed in 1820 to enable coal mined in the Arigna area to be brought down the Shannon to the Royal Canal. The main area of interest on the canal is at Drumshanbo. The first mooring at Acres Lake is about 5 minutes walk to the village of Drumshanbo. The alternative mooring at the lock is about 15 minutes walk to the village. Acres Lake has family amenities including outdoor swimming pool, tennis court, children's playground and a pool table. The pretty village of Drumshanbo is surrounded by scenic woodland and there are a number of pleasant walks around the hills in the area. There are a number of grocery shops, a pharmacy, a post office, a laundrette and a number of pubs that serve good food and often have entertainment at weekends. There is a very good Gala Supermarket with an in-store restaurant and bakery and they will also look after your bait and fishing needs.
Visitor Attractions
Sliabh An Iarainn Visitor Centre
Tel +353 (0)71 964 1522
Tells the history of the area in words, pictures and many audio visual displays.
Arigna Mining Experience
Tel +353 (0)71 964 6466 www.arignaminingexperience.ie
Step back in time and experience life underground in one of the last mines in the area. There is also an exhibition centre, souvenir shop and a coffee shop. The centre is about a 10 minute drive from Drumshanbo. Open every day 10am to 6pm.
Lough Allen Adventure Centre
Tel +353 (0)7196 43292 www.loughallenadventure.com
Get your adrenaline pumping with a wide range of activities to suit all ages, both on land and water.
Walking
A series of way marked hill walks have been developed in the nearby Sliabh An Iarainn Mountain, varying in length from 30 minutes to 3 hours. They are marked on a map board at Aghacashel Post Office and further details can be obtained in the shop. It is about 10 minutes taxi drive from Drumshanbo.
The Leitrim Way is a long distance waymarked way starting in Drumshanbo and initially following the Eastern shore of Lough Allen. Although the entire walk is 50km, the first few kilometres provide panoramic views of Lough Allen.
Eating/Drinking
There are a number of pubs in the town and many also serve bar food. There is often entertainment in the evenings, just ask for details.
Lough Allen Hotel and Spa
Tel +353 (0)71 964 0100
For a touch of luxury, visit the 4 star hotel on the shores of Lough Allen, with restaurant and bar facilities, leisure centre and spa.
Mi Casa Restaurant Tel +353 (0) 71 964 0476
Great home cooked food in a lovely homely atmosphere
Berry’s Tavern Tel +353 (0)7196 41070
A family run pub where you will find a warm welcome, good food and regular live music nights.
The Millrace Tel +353 (0)86 3517726
Traditional Irish Bar on the main street in Drumshanbo with Irish music, generally on Tuesdays.
Sweet Geranium Café Tel +353 (0)7196 40781
A lovely little café, serving breakfast and lunch, with homemade breads and pastries and fresh local produce.
Marius Takeaway Tel +353 (0)7196 40723
Great Italian take-away open every evening 5 to 12pm.
Horse Riding
Moorlands Equestrian Centre
Tel +353 (0)71 964 1500 www.moorlands.ie
Top quality facilities in a beautiful setting on the shores of Lough Allen.
Taxi
McCormicks
Tel +353 (0)7196 41040 / 8680 44309
Cootehall
A picturesque little village with 2 pubs within walking distance.
M J Henry's Pub and Shop
Tel +353 (0)71 966 7030
When you step into Henry's, you could be stepping back in time. An unspoilt old pub and shop, about 10 minutes walk from the jetty. There is a big screen for live sports and a lovely beer garden for sunny days. They also have live music regularly.
The Watersplash Pub
Tel +353 (0)71 966 7003
Also known as O'Regans, a friendly pub with a beer garden and entertainment at weekends. There is also a grocery store.
Knockvicar
Clarendon Lock at Knockvicar is the only lock on the Boyle River and is arguably one of the prettiest locks on the entire Shannon and Erne system. Tara Marina Restaurant is at the first mooring you come to, on the way into Lough Key. The second mooring is just before the bridge and is closer for Beirne’s Shop
Beirne’s Shop and Post Office Tel +353 (0) 71 966 7006
Located just a few yards from the bridge, you can stock up on groceries here. There is also an ATM in the shop.
Lough Key
Lough Key Forest and Activity Park Tel +353 (0)71 967 3122 www.loughkey.ie
There are a number of moorings in this location with access to the excellent family attractions and Forest Park facilities. There is an information centre directing visitors to nature walks and a new visitor centre with many activities for all the family. While here, the children will be entertained for hours at the children's play area and the Boda Borg Challenge will entertain adults and children alike, with the mental and physical challenges provided with no instructions! Other attractions include the Looking Tower and views from the top are spectacular - you can also wander around the old church ruins or take a walk along Ireland’s only Tree Canopy Trail. One of the latest additions is Zipit Forest Adventures www.zipit.ie with circuits for adults and children.
Many of the islands of Lough Key have the remains of early Christian monasteries or churches and Castle Island and Trinity Island are worth investigating but you can only access the islands by dinghy, as the water is too shallow for cruisers.
Boyle
Boyle is a large, modern town with a rich history, much of it centred on the King family, one of the wealthiest families in 17th century Ireland. The town has gained fame in recent years due to the success of the Sky TV comedy series “Moone Boy”, set in the town and recalling tales of a 1980’s childhood. There are a number of walking trail around the town, including the Historic Town Trail, Drumman’s Island trail and Moone Boy trail. Boyle has all the facilities you would expect including many shops, supermarkets, restaurants, pharmacies, a post office and ATM machines. Many of the grocery shops in the town will deliver to your boat.
Visitor Attractions
King House Tourist Information and Heritage Centre Tel +353 (0)71 966 3242 www.kinghouse.ie
King House was once home of the "Kings of Connaght", who later moved to the Rockingham Estate, now Lough Key Forest Park. The house now features an exhibition on the King Family and the courtyard houses Una Bhan Tourism and traditional Craft Shop. There is also Aunty Bee’s Tea Room for refreshments and a farmers market in the courtyard every Saturday 10am to 2pm.
Boyle Abbey Tel +353 (0)90 66 26240
The town of Boyle is home to Boyle Abbey, which contains the best-preserved Cistercian Abbey remains in Ireland and dates back to 1161.
Open daily until mid-September 10am to 6pm.
Boyle Pleasure Grounds
A lovely town park, just behind King House, with a very good children’s play area. Perfect for a picnic lunch.
Guided Fishing Services
Angling Services Ireland, 4 Tobar Padraic, Termon Road Tel: +353 (0)86 6011878
Golf
Boyle Golf Club
Tel +353 (0)71 966 2594 www.boylegolfclub.com
This friendly 9 hole parkland course is set on a low hill, just a short taxi journey from Boyle.
Taxi
Kevin May Tel +353 (0)86 6084445
Seamus Furey Tel +353 (0)8626 00025
(6 and 14 seaters available)
John Greenan Tel +353 (0)8617 68681
Eating/Drinking
There are a number of options for eating out in Boyle, with a choice of Chinese, Indian and traditional Irish food. There is also a very good selection of takeaways.
Bruno’s Italian Restauarant
Tel +353 (0)71 966 7788
Contemporary Italian cuisine in a warm, friendly atmosphere.
Clarke's Restaurant and Bar
Tel +353 (0)71 966 2064
Quality home-made Irish food and friendly welcome. Located in St. Patrick Street, open all day.
An Craoibhin Tel +353 (0) 87 953 2131
Reasonably priced home cooked meals.
Dinner served 5-8pm
The Stone House Café
Serves soups, sandwiches and cakes in a beautiful riverside location.
Tai Chi Court Chinese Restaurant
Tel +353 (0)71 9663123
Very good Chinese Restaurant and take-away, located beside the Boyle River.
Drumanilra Farm Kitchen www.drumanilra.ie
Award winning takeaway style food. All the meat, including the award winning Dexter burgers is reared on their own organic farm. They also grow a lot of the salads and vegetables. There is a lovely outside seating area with toys and games for the kids.
Carrick-on-Shannon
There is a lot happening in this thriving town, the centre of boating holidays on the Upper Shannon. There are new and old parts to the town with much history dating back to the late 1600's. In the centre of town is the Town Clock, which stands in memory of the first chairman of Leitrim County Council. The narrow streets of Carrick are full of shops selling gifts, groceries and general goods and the Market Yard is well worth a visit, with a Farmer’s Market on Thursdays from 10am to 2pm. Many of the grocery shops in town will deliver to your boat. Carrick has a Tourist Information Centre and many leisure facilities. For further details, check out our blog post on the best things to do in Carrick-on-Shannon, or see www.mycarrick.ie
Visitor Attractions
Costello Memorial Chapel
This tiny chapel, built in 1877 by a wealthy merchant for his wife, is said to be the second smallest chapel in the world, and certainly the smallest in Ireland.
Leisure Facilities
Carrick Cineplex Tel +353 (0)71 967 2000
Luxury 4 screen cinema with Café and Wine Bar.
Mulvey’s Kidz Kingdom and Bowling
Tel +353 (0)71 962 1605
State of the art entertainment facility with something for the whole family. Soft play area for the kids, ten-pin bowling, F1 karting, pool table area and coffee shop for Mum and Dad!
Aura Leisure Centre Tel +353 (0)71 967 1771
25m swimming pool, kids pool, jacuzzi, steam room, gym and children’s playground
The Dock Tel +353 (0)71 965 0828
A multi-purpose arts centre with an extensive performing and visual arts programme. For details of performances, see www.thedock.ie
Golf
Carrick-on-Shannon Golf Club
Tel +353 (0)71 966 7015 www.carrickgolfclub.ie
The last 9 holes have been a recent welcome addition to this stunning parkland course on the banks of the Boyle River and Drumharlow Lake.
Taxi
Michael Glancy
Tel +353 (0)86 859 7093
Carraig Cabs
Tel +353 (0)8725 70498 / 879641001
Colm Spellman (16 Seater)
Tel +353 (0)8682 32424
Carl Bonnici (24hr Taxi Service)
Tel +353 (0)8607 72020
Hotels
The Landmark Hotel
Tel +353 (0)71 962 2222 www.thelandmarkhotel.com
A modern 4 star hotel with a very good, stylish restaurant, The Boardwalk Café.
The Bush Hotel Tel +353 (0)71 962 0014 www.bushhotel.com
A friendly 3 star hotel on the Main Street with a popular restaurant serving traditional Irish food.
Cryan's Hotel
Tel +353 (0)71 967 2066 www.cryanshotel.ie
A small hotel in the town centre with excellent bar and restaurant facilities. There is often live music in the evenings in the "Old Bar" across the courtyard from the hotel. Traditional Irish music on Thursday, Saturday and Sundays.
Restaurants and Pubs
The Oarsman Restaurant and Bar
Tel +353 (0)71 962 1733
Award winning restaurant that comes highly recommended.
Vitto's Restaurant Tel +353 (0)71 962 7000
Located close to the marina, a casual restaurant specialising in pasta and pizza. Voted 2010 Best Casual Restaurant in Leitrim.
Glancy's Pub Tel +353 (0)71 962 0110
Popular pub serving bar food all day. There is a Beer Garden and often live music at weekends.
Shamrat Tel +353 (0)71 965 0934
Contemporary Indian restaurant. Takeaway also available.
Anderson’s Thatch Pub
One of the oldest bars in Ireland, renowned for its music sessions. Generally on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
Visit Leitrim Tourism website to see latest new and updates
Leisure Activities
Electric Bike Trails
Tel +353 (0)86 8288747 www.electricbiketrails.ie
Hire an electric or regular bike and cycle along Blueway trails, through woodlands along rivers with mountain views.
Eating/Drinking
There are a number of lively pubs in the village offering live entertainment and many have good traditional pub food.
Leitrim Marina Hotel
Tel +353 (0)71 962 3644 www.leitrimmarinahotel.com
The hotel has a stunning location on the water's edge with its own marina, to the south of Leitrim village. Waves Restaurant is stylish and modern and there is live music in the bar on Saturdays during the summer months.
Leitrim Lodge Tel +353 (0)71 962 0460
A traditional pub with a reputation for homely food.
The Barge Steakhouse Tel +353 (0)71 962 0807
A bar and restaurant full of character with an open fire for chilly days, or an outdoor seating area for sunny days!
Sichuan Restaurant
Chinese restaurant offering a very good value early bird menu of 2 courses for €12.
Carthy’s Bar Tel +353 (0)71 962 1291
Traditional Irish pub with sports on the big screen, pool and darts available and a beer garden.
Donnellan’s Bar Tel +353 (0)71 962 0828
Traditional music first Sunday in the month 5.30-10.30pm
Jamestown
A small rural village founded by royal charter of King James I in 1622, this is a lovely place to stop. The 17th century fortifications of the village can still be seen, most notably the remnants of the northern gateway pillars. Follow the signs around the town for the historic town trail which also has information panels.
Eating/Drinking
There are 2 pubs in the village, right next door to each other and one very good restaurant.
Kenoy's Pub Tel +353 (0)71 962 4079
The Arch Bar (Mulvey's) Tel +353 (0)71 962 4742
The Cottage Restaurant Tel +353 (0)71 962 5933
A lovely restaurant about 10 minutes’ walk from the marina, through the village. They serve excellent European and Asian food and have a very good reputation in the area.
Taxi
Carl Bonnici (24hr Taxi Service) Tel +353 (0)8607 72020
Drumsna
The village is very small and picturesque and sits on a hill overlooking the old loop of the Shannon, which is now bypassed by the Jamestown Canal. There are 4 pubs in the village, the most well-known is Duignan's, which also has a grocery shop so you can stock up on provisions.
Duignan's Pub and Shop Tel +353 (0)71 962 4703.
This traditional pub has been in the same hands since 1890 and expertly blends the traditional with the contemporary. Food is served all day and you will often find games and quizzes and live music in the evenings.
Carnadoe Lakes
Carnadoe Quay
From Lough Boderg, veering off to the west will see you travel through the Carnadoe waters. This location advertises Irish scenery at its best. Acres of unspoilt land and home to a plethora of wildlife. This area is popular with fishermen.
Grange
If you're looking for a remote location with outstanding views of the lakes, then look no further than Grange Lough. Nothing except peace and quiet.
The Silver Eel Bar and Restaurant is in Grange if you fancy some company!
Tel +353 (0)71 963 3299.
Kilglass
Another remote location with outstanding views. Moorings are located at the far end of Kilglass Lough, which offers typical Irish scenery at every turn. The closest town is Strokestown, about 5km from Kilglass, where you can visit Strokestown Park House and famine museum
Dromod
A picturesque little village with a choice of 2 grocery shops, a newsagents, post office and a choice of very good bar/restaurants. A map board can be found at the marina. There are also a number of other businesses in the village including a hairdressing salon, a beauty salon and a fitness centre. All in all, the facilities are very good for such a small village. There is a very interesting Bog Oak water feature in the centre of the village called The Weeping Tree and was crafted from local Bog Oak by a local craftsman. Tennis courts are available beside the harbour.
Visitor Attractions
Cavan and Leitrim Railway Tel +353 (0)71 9638599 www.cavanandleitrim.com
Experience the age of steam transport with this beautifully restored Narrow Gauge Railway.
Eating/Drinking
Cox's Steakhouse Tel +353 (0)71 963 8234
Very popular with locals, Cox’s specialise in steaks, but also have a varied menu of other dishes. Just 5 minutes’ walk from the harbour. Serving food all day from 8.30am to 9pm
Harkin's Bistro Tel +353 (0)71 965 8718
Modern bistro overlooking the harbour. Open Wed-Sun 12 – 9pm
The Copper Still Tel +353 (0)71 963 8248
Modern bar and restaurant just outside the village, about 15 minute’s walk. They also have a supermarket for stocking up on provisions.
The Brandywell Tel +353 (0)71 963 8278
Restaurant and Bar on the Main Street, with daily lunchtime specials.
KinnEden Organics
Delightful little shop and café selling all sorts of organic products. The café has beautiful homemade cakes and yummy lunch-time treats.
Rooskey
A popular stop off with moorings located at the bridge or alongside the more secluded jetties dotted between the bridge and the lock. It is a small town with a number of shops and pubs.
Leisure Activities
Shannon River Adventure Centre Tel: +353 (0) 71 9638 300 www.shannonriveradventure.com
Located on the shore of Lough Bofin, close to Rooskey, the Shannon River Adventure Centre offers fun-filled water and land based adventures including archery, climbing wall and mud slide.
Eating/Drinking
The pubs in Rooskey are renowned for providing ceol agus bia (fun music and food). The west bank is in Co. Roscommon, where a good night’s craic can be had in CJ’s Bar or Cox’s Bar, or on the Co. Leitrim side, try Reynolds’s Bar.
The Weir Lodge Tel +353 (0)71 963 8458
Just beside the bridge on the Co. Leitrim side. Serves casual pub food every day 12 – 9pm and you will often find entertainment at weekends.
Horse Riding
Hayden's Equestrian Centre Tel +353 (0)71 963 8049
Interesting treks from here will lead you along quiet country roads and into wild moorlands.
Tarmonbarry
You can moor either between the bridge and the lock, or downstream of the lock which is just a short walk to the small village. There are a number of pubs and a small supermarket at the petrol station heading west out of the village. There is also an ATM machine here. The large town of Longford is about 5 miles east of Tarmonbarry and has all the facilities you would expect of a large town.
Eating/Drinking
Keenans Tel +353 (0)43 332 6052
Good food in informal, friendly surroundings. Choose from the bar menu or, for a more formal dining experience, the Shannonside Restaurant with views over the river.
The Purple Onion Tel +353 (0)43 335 9919
An interesting restaurant incorporating an art gallery. Can be very busy in the evenings, so booking is advised.
Taxi
Nevin’s Taxis, Longford
Tel +353 (0)4333 46549 or +353 (0)86 2595690
Clondra/Richmond Harbour
Clondra is a small town that typifies the Irish way of life - peaceful, easygoing, with no concept of time. That is until it becomes a hive of activity during the many events and festivals during the summer months. These include a heritage week, outdoor country music festival and a canal boat rally. There is a very good children’s playground at the harbour.
History and Heritage
The historic harbour is where the Royal Canal meets the River Shannon. This imposing harbour was once home to a flax mill and the flax was transported along the Royal Canal to Dublin. It was also an embarkation point during the famine times for passengers to begin their long journey to the New World.
Beside the present church in Clondra, is the site of a 12th century abbey, which was probably an early monastic settlement. You can also see 2 gravestones dating from the 5th century.
Eating/Drinking
The Richmond Inn Bar and Restaurant
Tel +353 (0)43 3326126
A welcoming bar and restaurant overlooking the harbour. The building was a flax mill in the 1800's. Receive a complimentary glass of wine with your main evening meal for all Carrickcraft customers.
The Camlin Lounge and Bar
Tel +353 (0)43 3326039
Located near the harbour, you will find live entertainment most nights.
Lanesborough/Ballyleague
The last mooring before heading into Lough Ree, Lanesborough is a small town on the east side of the River and Ballyleague is to the west, with the river separating the two. Lanesborough is famous for having the first turf-fired electricty generator in Ireland. You will find all amenities here including shops, post office, pharmacy and even a tennis court. There is a very good children’s play area, just behind the parish hall.
Eating/Drinking
PS Red Tel +353 (0) 4333 27339
Modern restaurant on the Ballyleague side of town. Open Wed-Fri 3pm - 9.30pm, Sat-Sun 12.30pm - 9.30pm
The Sisters Bistro Tel +353 (0) 4333 27700
A cosy little café on Lanesborough Main Street. Open Sun-Thurs 9am-6pm, Fri-Sat 9am-10pm
Sorohan's Bar and Restaurant (The Life Belt)
Tel +353 (0) 43 33 21185
On the Ballyleague side of town, traditional bar with pool table, live sports and juke box.
Clarke's Bar and Lounge
Tel +353 (0)43 33 21036
Traditional Irish pub with live music, pool table, darts, large TV showing major sporting events.
Traditional Irish music on Wednesdays.
Ping’s Oriental Takeaway
Tel +353 (0) 4333 27755
Very good Chinese and Malaysian takeaway on the main Street in Lanesborough. Open every day 5pm – midnight.
Walking
The Commons North Woodland Walk is a very attractive and accessible 4.5km circular route, starting just behind the Parish Hall in Lanesborough and heading south towards Lough Ree. It is signposted with white markers, then you have the option of following the inner loop (yellow arrows) or the outer loop (brown arrows). There are also information panels along the way.
Golf
Longford Golf Club
Tel +353 (0)43 46310
A 15 minute taxi journey from Lanesborough will take you to Longford, a tree-lined parkland course with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Roscommon Golf Club
Tel +353 (0)903 26382
This challenging parkland course has produced 3 full internationalists over the last 20 years.
Horse Riding
Roscommon Equestrian Centre
Tel +353 (0)86 327 0984 www.roscommonequestrian.ie
Equestrian Centre ideally located on the scenic Lough Ree at the foot of the impressive Slieve Bawn Mountain
Fishing
Lanesborough is famous for its “hot water stretch”, which exists due to the power station in the area. The warm waters attract bream, tench and roach in large numbers.
Bridie’s Fishing Tackle Tel +353 (0) 4333 21491
Lanesborough Main Street. Bridie or Paul will be able to help with all your fishing needs.
Taxi
Nevins Taxis (Paul)
Tel +353 (0)4333 46549 or +353 (0) 86 2595690
Lough Ree
Lough Ree is one of the largest lakes on the Shannon/Erne system. There are many islands of historical interest on the lough, most of which can only be accessed by dinghy. On Inchmore Island, you can see the remains of a ring fort and Hare Island is where St. Ciaran is said to have lived in a monastic settlement, before founding Clonmacnois, Other islands of interest are Saint Island, Inchbofin and Inchcleraun (Quaker Island).
Port Runny
A quiet location in the North West corner of Lough Ree with very good service block and children's play area. There are no shops or restaurants near the marina. A pleasant walk from here takes you along the south shore of Cruit Bay to Cruit Point.
LeCarrow
The Lecarrow canal was constructed in the 1840s to transport stone from the local quarry to the navigation works at Athlone. A short journey up the canal will take you to the peaceful little village of Lecarrow where you will find a very good restaurant and 2 pubs, one with a shop. Fishing in the canal will reward you with plenty of trout.
Walking
There are 2 looped walks about 3 km from the village of Lecarrow. The Rinn Duin Loop is a 3 km walking trail marked by a green arrow and takes you around Rinn Duin Castle. The Warren Point Loop is 4.5 km and marked by a blue arrow. It also goes around St. John's Wood, one of the oldest oak tree woods in Europe. From the harbour, take the road away from the village and walk for 3km to find the start of the walks.
Eating/Drinking
The Yew Tree Restaurant Tel +353 (0)90 666 1255 www.theyewtree.ie
Housed in a lovingly restored old farmhouse, this restaurant offers traditional Irish cuisine with a modern twist. Open Wed-Sun 12.30 – 9pm.
Coffey's Pub Tel +353 (0)90 666 1118
You'll often find traditional Irish music and you may even be asked to sing! There is also a grocery shop attached to the pub.
Hodson Bay
Within walking distance of the marina at Hodson Bay, you will find Hodson Bay Hotel, which has a number of dining options as well as a swimming pool and fitness centre. Tel +353 (0)90 64 42000 www.hodsonbayhotel.com
Golf
Athlone Golf Club Tel +353 (0) 9064 92073 www.athlonegolfclub.ie
Just yards from the mooring at Hodson Bay, Athlone is a mature parkland course of exceptional quality and beauty, which has played host to numerous Golfing Championships.
Leisure Activities
Bay Sports Tel +353 (0)9064 94801 www.baysports.ie
An inflatable floating adventure park awaits you with slides, rafts, climbing frame and hamster wheels. One of a kind in Ireland.
Glasson
The three interconnecting lakes of Killinure, Ballykeeran and Coosan are known as the Inner Lakes and are a fisherman's paradise. The marshes and reedbeds in this area provide a habitat for a number of interesting plants and flowers, in particular many species of orchid. The village of Glasson, known as the "Village of the Roses" is in Goldsmith Country, the area where the famous Irish writer Oliver Goldsmith lived. The village is about a 30 minute walk from either the Wineport Lodge or Glasson Golf Club and it has a shop for stocking up on groceries and a pharmacy. There is a number of very high quality restaurants for such a small village. It is also home to Glasson Craft Gallery, which houses a mix of genuine Irish homemade craft and original art.
Eating/Drinking
Glasson Hotel and Golf Course Tel +353 (0)90 64 85120
4 star hotel and golf resort. Superb food served all day. Mooring available at the hotel.
Wineport Lodge Tel +353 (0)90 64 39010
Excellent restaurant located outside the village of Glasson in Killinure Lough with its own private jetty for customers. Reservations are essential.
Glasson Village Restaurant Tel +353 (0)90 64 85001
Very good quality restaurant, specialising in seafood.
Grogan's of Glasson Tel +353 (0)90 64 58158
Lovely olde worlde pub and restaurant with lots of character and friendly atmosphere. Traditional Irish music on Friday nights.
The Villager Tel +353 (0)90 64 85208
Recently opened restaurant and bar offering informal dining in a friendly atmosphere. They also serve wonderful, stone-baked take-away pizzas.
Golf
Glasson Hotel and Golf Course
Tel +353 (0)90 64 85120 www.glassongolf.ie
Renowned as one of the most breathtaking courses in Ireland, Glasson is a Championship parkland course, surrounded on 3 sides by Lough Ree. It is easily accessed by mooring up just at the 17th hole. Superb food served all day in the restaurant.
Quigley's Marina
Killinure Chalets (The Irish German Fishing Club) is about a 10 minute walk from the mooring and famous for the great steaks! Tel +353 (0)90 64 85155. Open 6-10pm, closed Tues.
Coosan Point
This is a lovely quiet spot to spend a few hours. There is a very good children's playground and a small beach and bathing area. The Lough Ree Inn is close by where food is served all day. Tel +353 (0)90 643 3481
 |  |
|---|